5 Fun Ways to Spend a Day in Crystal River

Yash Rai
05/21/2019

One of the best things about life here at the Villages of Citrus Hills is that we are located close to a number of unique Florida towns like Crystal River. And in addition to all of the fun things there are to do here in our community, there are even more options just 20 minutes up the road in Crystal River.  

If you are looking for a fun way to spend a day in a nearby community, here are five popular ideas that are definitely worth checking out in Crystal River.  

Swim With Manatees 

While most visitors to Crystal River settle for simply seeing our beautiful manatees from the shore, residents of Crystal River know that you haven’t really embraced the manatee culture until you get in the water and swim alongside them.  

Companies like River Ventures Manatee Tour Center, located in downtown Crystal River, make swimming with manatees a breeze. All you have to do is show up at their office, watch a quick video breaking down the important things to know about getting in the water with these huge mammals, and then you’ll be off to a local manatee hotspot with a snorkel and mask in hand.  

Kings Bay Scenic Cruise 

Nearby Kings Bay offers a wide range of water activities that keep Crystal River residents busy all year round, but one of the easiest ways to enjoy the water is to head out on a Kings Bay Scenic Cruise with Plantation Adventure Center.  

This specific tour is a one-hour excursion that will get you up close and personal with some of the area’s local wildlife. At the same time, you will have the privilege of taking in some of the best views of Kings Bay without ever having to actually get in the water.  

Classic Sunset Cruises 

For a more romantic version of the Kings Bay Scenic Cruise, you might decide to opt for the Classic Sunset Cruises offered by Wild Coast Charters. These two-hour tours feature live guitar music that provides the perfect accompaniment to the stunning views of a Kings Bay sunset. 

The Classic Sunset Cruises are also popular because they feature a six-person limit on a boat that is capable of holding up to 20 guests, so there is always going to be plenty of room to enjoy this one.  

Scalloping Charter 

While swimming with manatees and Kings Bay cruises are popular activities throughout the year in Crystal River, one of the most popular activities between the months of July and September is always going to be heading out on a scalloping charter. 

There are a number of companies that offer scalloping excursions, but each of them will have you snorkeling in shallow waters looking for scallops that you will be able to take home with you and prepare however you like.  

Crystal River Segway Tours 

If you are looking for something outside-the-box and you aren’t afraid of looking like a goofy tourist, you’ll have a hard time finding an excursion that is more fun than the Crystal River Segway Tours. And if you really want to experience Crystal River, this is a great introduction to the town.  

The Segway Tours start in the Little Caesar’s parking lot with a quick Segway training session. After that, it’s off to explore the streets, parks, and waters of Crystal River. 

Whether you are more interested in swimming, boating, or Segways, there is something for everyone located just up the road in Crystal River. And with Crystal River being so close to us here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, you are free to explore each of these fun activities whenever you like.

Terms and Conditions:

No purchase necessary to enter or win. One (1) entry per tour will be provided upon completion of an in-person tour of The Villages of Citrus Hills between May 1, 2026 and July 15, 2026, regardless of the number of tours completed.
Prize consists of a trip for two (2) to the 2026 U.S. Open, including event tickets for one day of play, round-trip coach airfare, and standard hotel accommodations. Drawing will be held on or about July 17, 2026.
Winner will be notified via phone and/or email and must accept the prize within 5 days or an alternate winner may be selected. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
Travel dates, event tickets, and accommodations are subject to availability and may be determined at Citrus Hills’ sole discretion. Prize is non-transferable, has no cash alternative, and cannot be substituted except at sponsor’s discretion. Taxes, upgrades, and additional expenses not expressly included are the responsibility of the winner.
Employees, affiliates, and immediate family members are not eligible. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms may apply.
The US Open is a registered trademark of the United States Tennis Association. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the USTA. 

Terms and conditions:

Offer valid on new construction homes purchased through Citrus Hills Construction with a fully executed purchase agreement between May 1, 2026 and May 31, 2026. Citrus Hills Construction will pay the buyer’s customary lender and title closing costs when the home is closed through Manatee Title, LLC. Closing costs must be verified by an official Closing Disclosure prepared by Manatee Title, LLC. Citrus Hills Construction will provide a credit at closing for eligible closing costs as reflected on the final settlement statement. Offer does not include prepaid items, property taxes, homeowners insurance, optional upgrades, or non-standard lender fees.
Offer is non-transferable and may not be combined with other incentives unless expressly approved in writing. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply. See Sales Executive for details.

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