Thank you Rachelle for another great paddle boarding experience!…read more This was our second time booking a tour with Otter Paddle, but our first time trying it out at this lovely Rainbow springs location. It's not your average paddle board tour that might feel like another random person, No this tour always feels intimidate enough that you feel like you are with friends and family! My son, BF and I had another great paddle boarding experience, we were able to explore the refreshing spring with its beautiful colors, it felt like another world underneath. We also learn about the small erosion holes the spring has, she took so many lovely photos and videos while we enjoyed our tour. You don't need to bring a camera or phones since the tour includes capturing all the best moments, but of course you can (we received our photos and videos the following day via Dropbox), you get a drybag to put some small belongings, definitely recommend bringing sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated, the water was perfect on a hot Sunday late in August. The spring was big enough that you did not feel crowded. Rachelle provided instructions on how to get going if it was your first time paddle boarding, or if you simply needed some tips. Scheduling a tour is very convenient and easy through their website, they also offer other options for tours at different locations, as well as gift cards for friends and family. We left our towels and a change of clothes for after our tour, there's restrooms and changing area so you can do that after or before your tour. We noticed they have lockers, but I believe you will have to pay for those, it was fine leaving it in the car. We also did not have to pay for parking since it's included in our tour already. I highly recommend this tour, and we will most definitely be back again! Thank you again Rachelle for such a wonderful time!

We went with Rachelle on a Sunday to Rainbow Springs and had the best time! She had everything…read moreready to get in the water as soon as we arrived and did quick review of using a paddle board. We went to a secret creek and the water was beautiful and it was a great place to go for a swim. Then we paddled to the springs and saw the most beautiful glowing blue water I have ever seen! She was very knowledgeable about the springs and the area! Highly recommend!

Highly recommend Manatee Paddle if you are looking for an affordable rental to Three Sisters…read moreSpring! The staff was so helpful - from providing a map and walking through the best path to get to the spring to helping us launch, it was a great experience. You check in downtown and then the walk to the launch area is less than five minutes. Everything you need is at the launch area. This was probably one of the nicest kayaks I've ever rented. The springs was lovely and surprisingly not too packed for 4th of July Weekend.

Manatee Paddle truly went above and beyond to make our experience positive, exciting, and…read moreeducational. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with genuine smiles, warmth, and encouragement. I was personally a bit nervous since I hadn't paddle boarded much before, but every step of the way we felt supported and truly cared for. Hearing about the family's passion for protecting the ecosystem and the manatees, along with all the helpful tips they shared to optimize our experience, was absolutely incredible. When we got to the dock, we were guided so kindly - Mike even held our shoes in his truck for us! When he noticed me struggling a bit, he took the time to give me multiple tips on how to better move in the water and maneuver the board, which made such a difference. We saw so many manatees, including mama and baby pairs, which was unforgettable. When we returned to the dock and shared how excited we were, Mike went above and beyond once again by recommending another nearby location we could walk to where we ended up seeing even more manatees up close and personal. I would 10/10 recommend Manatee Paddle to anyone looking for an incredible manatee experience. I am so grateful to Mike and his family for making our day so special. THANK YOU!!

Booked this beautiful river trip for my daughter's birthday gift, the experience exceeded our…read moreexpectations. Nigel was our gifted guide.. eased us into paddling skills and techniques, very knowledgeable on the history of Kings Landing, as well as the spring water origins. Will definitely revisit in the future!

I reserve two single kayaks a week before I wanted to try this place. Emails and directions are…read morevery clear. When I arrived staff was helpful and guiding me along the way so that I could see otters. It was a very quick process to get in the water, but it did get crowded toward midday and on the way back in. I would highly recommend clothes that can get wet, bringing snacks and water and a hat or sunglasses. A dry bag if you have it but if you want one, they do sell them where you check in.

If you're looking for any kind of rental for Crystal River this is your place. Locked our keys out…read moreof our car and Luke helped us get our car open.huge thanks to you guys from start to finish they made our stressful trip enjoyable. From hunter's kayaks and tours it's a 2 min walk to hunters spring. We saw atleast 10 manatees in the spring and three dolphins were even in the swim area. 10/10 would recommend

Pros: easy online registration and scheduling; Front desk…read moregirl for check in was great super sweet. Very nice and informative. We were a bit late and she extended our reservation. I was quite thankful. The kayaks were fun and we were left to our devices to explore. Isaiah was cool and very laid back. We were also a half hour late coming back and they were totally cool with it. Thank you! I can't believe I saw the baby manatees. I literally cried. Cons: I was surprised they just let us out with no real guide! It was cool but I'm surprised they trusted us. We kinda got lost the first 90mins and didn't know where we going but eventually we got to the area where the manatees were gathering. A bit crowded and I felt bad everyone so close to the protected species. Overall a super a cool experience. We went during manatee festival in January so it was a bit crowded but not overwhelming. It was a beautiful day with beautiful site seeing. Def recommend!

We did the 10 p.m. bioluminescence clear kayak tour, and OMG... I loved it so much! The first time…read moreI ever saw bioluminescence was in Puerto Rico back in 2018, and it's still one of the most beautiful nighttime experiences I've ever had--right up there with seeing the Northern Lights. There's just something so magical about watching the water glow around you. We drove about 50 minutes from Orlando to Merritt Island for the tour, where we launched from the Indian River Lagoon, and it was absolutely worth it. This is one of those experiences that's really hit or miss, so keep in mind that the amount of bioluminescence you see isn't something the tour company can control. We got lucky because there was so much activity that night! We actually didn't kayak very far since the bioluminescence was so active right near the shoreline. We spent most of our time enjoying it from that area because there was no need to go much farther. Also, don't expect your phone camera to do it justice. It's incredibly hard to capture on camera, and it's so much more breathtaking in person. I highly recommend this experience to everyone, and I already can't wait to do it again!

Another epic date day out ! We took a 2hr guided clear-bottom kayak tour with Ben, our amazing…read moreguide! So many beautiful sights to see, and the paddling difficulty was great for varying degrees of experience. The route and guidance were fantastic and we hope to return when manatee season rolls around again!!

What an AWESOME day! Crystal River Kayak Company & Dive Center made for such a great experience!…read moreThe staff were friendly and informative, equipment was clean & well maintained, and check-in/out was simple and quick! We rented paddle-boards for 3 hours to go visit Three Sister Springs at the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge, and it did NOT disappoint! You cannot swim at Three Sister Springs unless you arrive by watercraft as the refuge is protected, so going on an adventure via paddle-board was a nice relaxing way to explore the area. We saw multiple manatees and even got to swim with them when they came in the refuge (SUCH A COOL EXPERIENCE)! The coolest thing about the manatees was how much trust they put in the people visiting their home. There was a mom and calf swimming right up to people, and I thought how cool it was that she put that much trust into her surroundings as to show off her baby. I highly recommend checking out this company next time you're visiting the area!

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff, easy entry point for a day on the river. Great time…read morekayaking with the manatees!

My wife and I had a WONDERFUL experience paddling this spring! Our guide Rachelle was super…read moreinformative, went at our pace, and was so sweet. We saw a bunch of fish, turtles, birds, a manatee, and a gator. Will have to return so we can see the monkeys. I definitely recommend Otter Paddle, you wont be disappointed

We had the absolute best time with Otter Paddle!! They went out of their way to make sure the…read moreexperience was as enjoyable as possible. Rachelle was so fun and taught us so much too! She had great recommendations for other spots to explore. I can't wait to book another adventure with them!!

Got to visit this tour while in Florida this summer. Was a fun experience and would definitely…read morerecommend it. We ended up taking a few different tours on this trip and this was one of the best. The Weeki water is so clear and fresh. Will be back soon!

Great customer service and quality gear. Not only do the owners know their stuff but they love the…read moreriver. The location puts you much closer to the nicer spots of the river than at Rogers Park. Recommended local business

We had an amazing time on the ecotour with RiverWitch Kayaking. My family and I did the two-hour…read moremorning tour, and Ursula was fantastic. She is incredibly knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and all the plants, birds, fish, mammals, and everything that lives within it. She truly is a master naturalist, and her enthusiasm made the experience even more engaging. The boat launch was easy to find, and the kayaks were in excellent condition--clearly well maintained. They've really thought of everything to make the experience smooth and enjoyable. It was also an easy drive from the Mt. Dora area, and we're already looking forward to going back again!

RiverWitch Kayak Rentals is the best outfitter I've worked with in a long time. We are new to the…read moreSpace Coast, having traveled south for a quick vacation, so we just took a chance on RiverWitch. They got us on the water in a beautiful spot, with instructions on seeing incredible wildlife within minutes. We paddled for hours, eventually floating into a dolphin pod that played around our boat. We saw millions of birds in the mangroves, and enjoyed the serenity of the river adjacent to their shop. Apparently they will deliver, too, so there are many options. I can't say enough great things about the quality of the boats, the natural setting, and the people who work there. Anna from Connecticut

Mike and "Blue" and "Cooter" (French fur babies) was absolutely amazing. I've toured with Mike 5…read moretimes and each one has its on special set of memories. We've done Silver, Rainbow and the "Chaz." I'm always thrilled to go on our next voyage. Of course, EVERYONE loves those sweet dogs. The first time I was very nervous because my grandson needed ADHD meds and he insisted on riding with Mike's paddleboard and dogs. Well, Mike has always wanted everyone to have a "life memory of joy" with the tours. PLus, he post wonderful pictures within the first 24 hours of paddling. A regular professional photographer for no extra cost.. Please check his web site for all the memorable days he's provided for us all. Him and the fur babies are a total joy. He PROVIDES everything needed. Hey Mike, remember the fishing hole we found?, And the great video of a huge owl snatching a fish from the fisherman there- breathtaking it was! See ya soon, July hoping to get away from SW Fla heat ....

Mike and Captain Cooter are the kindest and most hospitable river guides! Pointed out so many…read moreamazing critters I couldn't even see. Kind and helpful, they truly enjoy what they do and saved me in a pinch when I dropped my phone in the water.