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Crystal River, Florida Kayak Rentals
Rent from our canal-side dock and paddle to Three Sisters Springs in about ten minutes, without an open-water crossing.
Kayak Rentals
Choose Your Paddlecraft
Launch from our canal-side dock and paddle to Three Sisters Springs in about ten minutes.
Why Rent From Crystal River Kayak Company
Your Crystal River paddle starts right where it should: on the canals. Crystal River Kayak Company & Dive Center is the only local outfitter launching directly onto the canal system, putting you about ten sheltered minutes from Three Sisters Springs—with no open-water crossing before the experience begins.
Our crew helps you choose a well-kept kayak, explains the route, and gets you comfortably on the water. First-time paddlers leave with a clear plan, while experienced paddlers can settle into their own pace. Reserve before you arrive, meet us at the dock, and start exploring.
Kayak Rental Rates
Pick the paddlecraft that fits your group, then choose how long you want to explore. Clear-bottom kayaks add a seasonal three-hour option during manatee season, November 15 through March 31.
| Paddlecraft | 2 Hours | 3 Hours | 5 Hours | All Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Kayak | $40 | $50 | $60 | $70 |
| Double Kayak | $50 | $60 | $70 | $80 |
| Triple Kayak | $60 | $70 | $80 | $90 |
| Paddleboard | $43 | $53 | $63 | $73 |
| Canoe | $63 | $73 | $93 | $113 |
| Single Clear Kayak | Not offered | $93 | Not offered | Not offered |
| Double Clear Kayak | Not offered | $113 | Not offered | Not offered |
Single Kayak
- 2 Hours
- $40
- 3 Hours
- $50
- 5 Hours
- $60
- All Day
- $70
Double Kayak
- 2 Hours
- $50
- 3 Hours
- $60
- 5 Hours
- $70
- All Day
- $80
Triple Kayak
- 2 Hours
- $60
- 3 Hours
- $70
- 5 Hours
- $80
- All Day
- $90
Paddleboard
- 2 Hours
- $43
- 3 Hours
- $53
- 5 Hours
- $63
- All Day
- $73
Canoe
- 2 Hours
- $63
- 3 Hours
- $73
- 5 Hours
- $93
- All Day
- $113
Single Clear Kayak
- 3 Hours
- $93
Double Clear Kayak
- 3 Hours
- $113
Rates are per paddlecraft. Reservations are required; walk-ins may be accommodated when availability allows. Call the shop to reserve a canoe.
The Closest Launch to Three Sisters Springs
Our canal-side dock gives you the shortest and easiest rental route to Three Sisters Springs. In about ten sheltered minutes, you can be at one of Crystal River’s most remarkable places—with more of your rental left to explore the springs and Kings Bay.
Choose Your Paddlecraft
Start with your group, then choose the paddlecraft that makes the day feel right. Singles offer freedom, doubles make paddling a shared experience, triples welcome two adults and a child rider weighing 50 pounds or less, clear-bottom kayaks add a seasonal view beneath the water, and roomy canoes are reserved by phone.
Single Kayaks
The easiest way to paddle on your own terms. A single kayak is light, quick to turn, and simple to handle, so you set your own pace to the springs and back. Good for confident first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike. If you want the freedom of your own boat without anything to overthink, this is it.
Double Kayaks
Two paddlers, one boat, and our most popular rental. Doubles are the easy answer for couples, a parent and child, or anyone who'd rather share the work and stay side by side the whole way. The stronger paddler can carry the pace while the other takes it in, which makes these a favorite for families and for first-timers who feel steadier with a partner up front. One boat, two seats, half the worry.
Clear-Bottom Kayaks
Available during manatee season, November 15 through March 31, our clear-bottom kayaks are offered as a dedicated three-hour rental. A solid, stable hull surrounds a clear viewing panel in the floor, so you can watch the eelgrass, fish, and occasional manatee pass beneath you without making the entire boat the attraction. On a good day, the show is right under your seat.
Paddleboards
Prefer to stand? A paddleboard gives you the best view on the water, with a clean sightline straight down into the springs and out across the bay. Boards take a little more balance than a kayak, so they suit anyone comfortable on their feet and looking for a bit more of a workout with their morning. Calm canal water makes this an easier first try than most people expect.
Canoes
The classic hauler. A canoe seats up to three adults, which makes it the practical pick for a small group, a couple of friends splitting the paddling, or a parent with kids who'd rather ride than work. The open hull leaves real room for the day's gear, with space for a cooler, a dry bag, and a camera within reach. The wide, stable platform keeps everyone comfortable, even first-timers, and it's the relaxed way to stay together on the run to the springs.
Rent a Kayak or Book a Tour?
Choose a self-guided kayak rental when the freedom to explore at your own pace sounds like the perfect day. Our crew provides the paddlecraft, route briefing, and launch support; from there, the canals and Kings Bay are yours to discover before your return time.
If you would rather have a local guide manage the route, group pace, and current access rules, compare our Kayak Tours. Guided swim experiences are also available when getting into the water is the highlight you have in mind. Either way, your Crystal River experience begins from the same convenient canal-side dock.
A Rental Fits When
- You want to paddle independently and choose your own pace
- A route briefing and dock assistance provide enough support
- You are comfortable managing the rental return time
- You want to choose from single, double, triple, paddleboard, clear-bottom, or canoe options
Plan your visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions guests ask most before heading to the dock.
Do I need a reservation to rent a kayak?
Reservations are required. Use Choose a Rental to book before you arrive. We may accommodate same-day walk-ins when paddlecraft and launch capacity allow, but a boat is not guaranteed without a reservation. Plan to arrive by 1:30 PM at the latest so you have time to get on the water.
What time do I need to arrive, and when do kayaks come back?
All kayaks must be back at the dock by 3:30 PM, so we ask that you arrive by 1:30 PM at the latest. Self-launch guests need to be on-site by 1:30 PM, returned by 3:30 PM, and off the lot by 4 PM, when we lock the gate.
Do you offer a three-person kayak?
Yes. Our three-person kayaks seat two adults plus a third rider weighing 50 pounds or under, which makes them a great fit for parents with a young child. Three adults should book a canoe instead.
How much is a self-launch?
Self-launches are $15 per vessel and must be booked online. Spaces are limited daily and first-come, first-served, so reserve early.
Where do I launch?
You launch from and return to our dock on the Kings Bay canal system, the same dock both ways. Our crew helps every guest get in and out of their boat, so first-timers don't have to worry about the launch.
Can I really paddle to Three Sisters Springs in ten minutes?
Yes. From our dock it's about a ten-minute, sheltered paddle to Three Sisters Springs, year-round. During manatee season (November 15 through March 31), paddle craft stay at the edge of Three Sisters rather than entering the spring run itself, so the manatees inside can rest undisturbed. You paddle right up to the area and take it in. Outside that window, you can paddle into the run. Either way, the springs are a short, easy trip from our dock.
Will I see manatees?
Crystal River is home to manatees year-round, with the largest numbers in the cooler months, roughly November through March. Sightings are never guaranteed on any given day, but this is one of the best places in the world to share the water with them. Read our Manatee Guide to plan around the season, current access, and the experience you want.
Can I swim at Three Sisters Springs?
When conditions allow, yes. Swimming inside Three Sisters closes when the Crystal River water-temperature reading drops below about 62.7°F / 17°C, since that's when the manatees most need the warm springs left to themselves. When it's open, rental guests are welcome to get in the water, with one exception: no swimming from clear-bottom kayaks or canoes. You can check today's Crystal River reading in the live conditions on our home page, or call us at (352) 795-2255 before you come if swimming is the main thing you're after.
When are clear-bottom kayaks available, and can I swim from one?
Clear-bottom kayak rentals are available during manatee season, November 15 through March 31, as a three-hour option. Swimming from a clear-bottom kayak is not allowed. If getting into the water is the experience you want, compare our Manatee & Eco Swim Tour before booking.
Do I have to watch the "Manatee Manners" video?
Yes. Everyone watches the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service "Manatee Manners" video before heading out, and your whole group needs to see it. Watching before you arrive speeds up your check-in.
Is there a waiver?
Yes. Every paddler completes a waiver, done electronically through the link provided when you book. You can review it ahead of time so check-in is quick.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before your reservation start time, by email or phone call.
What are your hours?
We're open seven days a week, 8 AM to 4 PM, year-round, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. We close early during heavy rain and thunderstorms, so call ahead if the weather looks rough: (352) 795-2255.
Still have questions? Contact us and we’ll help you plan the right trip.
Reserve Your Kayak. Start Exploring.
Three Sisters Springs is about ten sheltered minutes from our dock. Choose your paddlecraft, reserve it before you arrive, and let our crew get you comfortably launched. Your Crystal River day starts here.