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This week I re-visit a previous blog on Citrus County “On the Water.” I include a printable pdf at the end…
Citrus County Water Adventures!
Citrus County has 25,000 acres of rivers and lakes and of course, the Gulf of Mexico. Citrus County maintains a number of public boat ramps throughout the area and if you are looking for a more permanent mooring, there are a number of privately owned marinas and boat storage yards. You can boat, fish, kayak, canoe, water bike, scallop, dive, paddle, snorkel and snorkel with the manatee!
Swim/view with the Manatee “A manatee has a face only Mother Nature could love.” Once you meet a manatee, you’re hooked. The official marine mammal of the state of Florida, manatees are nearsighted, slow-moving herbivores that average about 10 feet in length and weigh in at roughly 1,200 pounds. And they are here in Citrus County, FL!
Keep dry and see them at the Homosassa Wildlife Park:
A 210-acre park that– “encompasses some of Florida’s loveliest landscape and the headwaters of the Homosassa River. The park serves as a rehabilitation center and refuge for injured and orphaned endangered West Indian manatees. The natural spring environment allows them an opportunity to re-acclimate themselves to a more natural environment before they are returned to the wild.”--None of our guests has ever been disappointed in going to this park! Take the boat ride—from the Suncoast (Hwy 19) entrance. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ellie-schiller-homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park
OR take the trolley…
“Enjoy a ride on our trolley to Three Sisters Springs! The one-day admission fee for Three Sisters Springs includes our trolley/shuttle to and from the refuge. Shuttle service departs from the Three Sisters Springs Center and operates continuously from 08:30am-04:30pm to the boardwalk at Three Sisters Springs. Additional stops are made at USFWS Visitor Center & gift store, Hunter Springs Park, South Citrus Ave., and Heritage Village(downtown Crystal River) Last admission ticket is sold at 3:30pm.” (352) 586-1170; Three Sisters Springs Center; 123 NW HWY 19; Crystal River
Otherwise, view them in the wild via a boat tour. And another option on the tours is to snorkel with them. Based on our experience this year (2/19/22) Try to see the manatee via tour on the Homosassa River, the Hunters Springs/3 Sisters area has a lot of kayakers…Earlier you go the better since the manatee swim out to the gulf when people arrive.
Manatee Tour and Dive. https://manateetoursusa.com/ 352-795-1333
River Safaris River Safaris and Gulf Charters, Inc. (has two locations) : 10823 W. Yulee Drive in Old Homosassa Florida on a waterway that leads to the main Homosassa River passing Monkey Island. The location is tropical with plenty of room for parking. The rental boats, pontoon boats and airboats are on site as well the Glass Garage, Pepper Creek Pottery, Safaris Cafe and River Safaris Gift Shop with local artwork for sale. 352-628-5222.
HOMOSASSA RIVER SWIM WITH THE MANATEE TOURS
Manatee Tours run between November and March at River Safaris located at 10823 W. Yulee Drive, Homosassa.
CRYSTAL RIVER SWIM WITH THE MANATEE TOURS
Manatee Tours run year round at River Ventures located at 498 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River. With a diverse range of manatee tours, you?ll be able to find the perfect adventure to suit your needs.
Boating:
If boating is your desire but owning a boat isn’t, there are also a number of local Citrus County businesses that can rent you a vessel for a few hours, a day, a week, or more. Once you are on the water, you still face a multitude of decisions of what you want to do: sightseeing, fishing, water sports, snorkeling, or maybe just relaxing the day away from phones, deadlines, and other signs of civilization that surround us.”
In the past, we have rented a pontoon boat through:
River Haven Marina. (352-628-5545)
River Safaris: River Safaris and Gulf Charters, Inc. is located at 10823 W. Yulee Drive in Old Homosassa Florida on a waterway that leads to the main Homosassa River passing Monkey Island. The location is tropical with plenty of room for parking. The rental boats, pontoon boats and airboats are on site as well the Glass Garage, Pepper Creek Pottery, Safaris Cafe and River Safaris Gift Shop with local artwork for sale. 352-628-5222
If you want the fun of boating without having to drive the boat (there are shallow waters here!); Citrus County also has a number of airboat tours and boat tour operators to suit your needs. Visit some local links below for a choice of tours and guides around the area. I included companies that people recommended to me.
Crystal River Preserve State Park
“A place of exceptional natural beauty, the undisturbed islands, inlets, backwaters and forests of this Crystal River Preserve are especially cherished by nature lovers and photographers. The park borders 20 miles of the northern Gulf Coast between the two cities of Yankeetown and Homosassa.” Sunset Cruise Boats depart from the park visitor center dock for a delightful cruise out to the Gulf of Mexico for a spectacular sunset. Cruises are offered once a month during our summer schedule (June through September) and twice monthly October through May. Enjoy a fun and relaxing Friday evening retreat back to nature with refreshments and snacks provided. Tickets are available one month in advance at the preserve office.” The cost is $25 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under, age 6 and under are free. No credit or debit cards – check or cash only. Call ahead at 352-228-6028 for dates and departure times.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/crystal-river-preserve-state-park
River Tours Seagrass Waterfront Restaurant on the Homosassa River:10386 W. Hall‘s River Road $20… Saturdays and Sundays at 12 PM, 2 PM , 4 PM; Book at 352-503-2007; https://www.seagrassresort.com/
By boat only: If you are a birdwatcher or a landscape photographer, you will love living and taking photos in Citrus County. Citrus County is part of the 30,843 acres Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge (and therefore part of the United States National Wildlife Refuge System). Chassahowitzka NWR was established in 1943 for waterfowl conservation. This 31,000 acre refuge protects saltwater bays, estuaries, brackish marshes, and hardwood swamps in Homosassa, FL. In 1970, the refuge lands within Citrus County were designated Wilderness. Today, this refuge provides habitat for one federally threatened species, the West Indian manatee. Visiting the refuge: The refuge is only accessible by boat. Public boat ramps in the area of the refuge are limited, so visitors are advised to consult the enclosed map…https://www.fws.gov/refuge/chassahowitzka
Air Boat Rides
Noisy and wet experience but fun!
Ozello Airboat: “Come join us on one of our air time machines as we take you back in time to explore 20 Florida views and endless wildlife. There is always a chance to see dolphin, manatee, sharks, stingray, wild pigs, deer, alligators, fish, eagle and so many other species of birds and other wildlife. Our captains are two natives of the Crystal River and look forward to showing you the best kept secrets of the nature coast. www.ozelloboats.com. Voted the best: Ozello Airboat
River Safaris: River Safaris and Gulf Charters, Inc. is located at 10823 W. Yulee Drive in Old Homosassa Florida on a waterway that leads to the main Homosassa River passing Monkey Island. The location is tropical with plenty of room for parking. The rental boats, pontoon boats and airboats are on site as well the Glass Garage, Pepper Creek Pottery, Safaris Cafe and River Safaris Gift Shop with local artwork for sale. 352-628-5222
Wild Bill’s Airboat Rides, Inverness: Award Winning! “The Withlacoochee River is unusual because it flows north to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s over 150 miles long and much of it flows through the Withlacoochee State Forest. An airboat ride is the best way to see Florida’s wildlife in their own unspoiled, natural paradise. Surrounded by lush cypress, gum and maple trees, the river twists and turns through gorgeous swampland, and breathtaking scenery, leaving you with a true appreciation for nature and all its brilliance.”
http://wildbillsairboattour.com/
Water bikes:
“We have the hottest new activity in Crystal River with our amazing water bike/hydrobike rentals! Experience Crystal River on the water with the coolest new eco-friendly way to get around. This is great for ages 8 to 108, as long as you can reach the pedals, and for all fitness levels. These awesome hydrobikes are the perfect human-powered way to see Crystal River. We recommend booking early as these book out most days ahead of time. “ I want to try this! 469 NE 1st Ave., Crystal River; 352-586-8156.
Fishing
“Citrus County, Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, offering some of the finest sport fishing to be found anywhere. Saltwater fishermen can find grouper and snapper off reefs and coastal rock piles; sea trout and Spanish mackerel frequent grass beds. Cobia and sheepshead can be found around channel markers, redfish and whiting off oyster bars and tarpon on the flats. To the East, freshwater fishing is the best game in town! Freshwater fishermen can find sunshine bass in the Lake Tsala Apopka chain, speckled perch in Lake Rousseau, catfish in the Withlacoochee River and Florida largemouth bass almost everywhere. The “flats” area around Citrus County make for excellent redfish and spotted sea trout fishing. Many other species are also caught on a seasonal basis.” The area draws on fishermen worldwide for Tarpon fishing.
Recommended guides by our BD membership include:
William (Bill) Tony 352-422-4141
Duane Tibbetts: 352-302-5727
Mike Baize: 352-697-1811
Dan’s Clam Stand’s former owner Dan Cyr: 352-422-4640
Captain Rick Baer: 352-212-8931
Crystal River Preserve State Park fishing:
The Crystal Cove day use fishing area, locally known as the Mullet Hole, can be accessed by taking the first driveway on the left after entering the main gate on Sailboat Avenue. This fishing area extends along a canal system that eventually opens into the Crystal River.
This area has restrooms but no picnic area or potable water. The entrance to the Redfish Hole is on the left, off Fort Island Trail near mile marker 4. The fishing area is a half-mile walk from the entrance. This area is an old borrows pit that is tidally influenced. In the winter, it is a good fishing spot for game species such as redfish, trout, snook and flounder.
- There is no restroom or potable water available.
- Fishing also is available in the inlet across from the visitor center; restrooms are available.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. Information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida. https://myfwc.com/recreation/fish/
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/crystal-river-preserve-state-park
Scalloping
If you snorkel, I think you’ll love to scallop. Scalloping season starts about July 1. Part snorkeling experience, part treasure dive and saltwater fishing trip, scalloping is fun for all. We had always scalloped from our own boat. It is quite the adventure to find them. If you go with a guide, you will probably get enough for a dinner…by ourselves, we manage enough for an appetizer. Pay attention to tides. It is much better to scallop when the water is low tide and shallow (I like 2-3 feet deep). Diving down into 5 feet of water is more of a challenge for me.
Check previous fishing guides including Duane Tibbetts, Mike Baize and River Safaris and Manatee Tour and Dive.
Kayaking/ Paddling
“Florida is a watery paradise, and the best way to experience it is by canoe or kayak. Whether canoeing down a scenic river or lake, exploring a paddling trail or tackling some fantastic fishing from a kayak, you will find that Citrus County’s waterways yield remarkable experiences to those with a penchant for paddling. Come explore The Water Lover’s Florida: spot rare manatees, add new birds to your logbook and more.”
Citrus County Paddling Locations: Chassahowitzka River, Crystal River, Homosassa River, Tsala Apopka Lake Chain, and Withlacoochee River. Paddling companies include: Manatee Paddle, A Crystal River Kayak Company Recommended for local kayaking :Aardvark’s Florida Kayak Co. in Crystal River 352.795.5650
Rainbow River paddling trips generally start at Rainbow Springs State Park. From there, paddlers will make their way back to Dunnellon. At the lower section of the river, there are a number of businesses in Dunnellon that will transport you as far up the river as you like and drop you off so that you can float back to their locations. These businesses are also able to tell you exactly how long it will take to complete your adventure and equip you with everything you will need to complete it safely. One company to check out:
<http://www.rainbowrivercanoeandkayak.com
Dunnellon: Rainbow Springs Park –one of Florida’s most beautiful state parks. Take a swim in the headsprings or tube down the crystal clear Rainbow River. “Bonus points: hike through the park and check out the man-made waterfalls firsthand.”-– We did the kayak trip…awesome! https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rainbow-springs-state-park
Blue Run Bicycles and Paddling Co in Dunnellon sells stand up paddle boards and gear.
Withlacoochee River Paddling Trail:
Withlacoochee River (South), a designated “Outstanding Florida Waterway” is a blackwater river originating in the Green Swamp. The river then flows 141 miles northwest to the Gulf of Mexico at Yankeetown, with a 76-mile Designated Paddling Trail mapped from Lacoochee to Dunnellon. There is some development along the banks, but in the river’s southern section (below Nobleton), much of the river flows through State Forest and Conservation Areas. Quiet, scenic, sheltered (wind, sun, usually no motorboats), this is the type of kayaking we enjoy most. Heading north, motorboats increase as the river widens.” Note: There are two Withlacoochee Rivers in Florida – the Withlacoochee River (North) originates in Georgia and flows into the Suwannee near Suwannee River State Park.
https://paddleflorida.net/withlacoochee-paddle.htm
Crystal River Preserve State Park “A place of exceptional natural beauty, the undisturbed islands, inlets, backwaters and forests of this Crystal River Preserve are especially cherished by nature lovers and photographers. The park borders 20 miles of the northern Gulf Coast between the two cities of Yankeetown and Homosassa. Paddlers can launch a kayak or canoe into the waters of the scenic Crystal River to see the park from the water.”
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/crystal-river-preserve-state-park
Scuba Diving
The variety and abundance of wildlife make Citrus County a year-round vacation destination. Citrus County is conveniently situated within a short drive to several of Florida’s other unique dive sites and can serve ideally as a “base of operation.” With several dive shops in the area, your every need can be catered, including instruction, guides, equipment rentals, etc.
YELP’s 10 best dive operations Citrus County: https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=scuba&find_loc=Citrus+County%2C+FL
If you are a paddler, love to be on the water and love competition…why not try “Dragon Boat Racing?” The Dragon Boat Race and Festival in Hernando on Lake Hernando (located where Hwy 486 dead ends into Hwy 41) is scheduled in November.
BEACH???
FORT ISLAND GULF BEACH
Small as it is my grandchildren have enjoyed going to this beach…Fort Island Gulf Beach includes a sandy beach, fishing and sightseeing pier, a boardwalk connecting the beach and the pier, and a boat ramp. The site includes bathrooms, outdoor showers, covered picnic tables and a grassy area on the south side of the beach. The Citrus County Boat Ramp here is Free. This launch site provides the boater with access to Gulf of Mexico and Crystal River. 16000 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River; 352-527-7540; https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/directory/fort-island-gulf-beach-beaches-swimming/
Citrus County Florida-“Where to live if you like being on the water!”
printable pdf: linda-thomas-inverness-fl-CC-on-Water-2023
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