An Aquatic Itinerary

It is for good reason Citrus County is known as The Water Lover’s Florida. Visitors from all over head to this charming slice of the Sunshine State for all manner of aquatic activities. These are just a few recommendations: In Citrus County, there is always more water-rich fun around every bend!

On The Water

Perhaps the best way to begin your experience of Citrus County’s aquatic amenities is by simply getting out and on the water!

Boat tours by knowledgeable guides will show you the natural aquatic wonders of the area’s springs, lakes and rivers, estuaries and the Gulf of Mexico. Learn about—and see up close—a vast array of flora and fauna from the unspoiled ecosystems of the Nature Coast, and take in the beautiful scenery. A number of tours operate daily, both in Crystal River and Homosassa. Airboat tours are another exciting possibility and a fun way to see otherwise inaccessible areas. And if you prefer to bring or rent your own boat, a wide array of public and private marinas and boat ramps can be found throughout the county.

Boat ramps are also useful for enjoying another favorite on-water activity: canoeing and kayaking. A number of canoe/kayak rental companies operate locally, making it easy and affordable to get out and paddle to your heart’s content. Use the helpful links on our kayaking page to plan your perfect paddling excursion.

Diving In

Next, dive into the adventure! The area’s celebrated springs are an inviting place to swim, snorkel and dive. With their cool, crystal-clear waters, the area’s springs have drawn visitors for centuries. Local dive shops offer all the gear you need to begin your exploration.

Citrus County is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim and snorkel with gentle West Indian manatees. Many manatee tour operators can be found in Crystal River and Homosassa. These knowledgeable guides will take guests to the best places to see sea cows. Typically, everything needed for the experience, including a wetsuit, is included. Some tour operators even videotape the trip, allowing guests to take home a motion-picture memento of their once-in-a lifetime adventure. The area is home to manatees throughout the year, but the comparatively warm waters of the county’s spring-fed waterways make this the site of North America’s largest manatee gathering each winter.

Scalloping is another aquatic seasonal activity you won’t want to miss if visiting the area during the annual season, typically July 1 to September 10. Citrus County’s bay scallops sit in seagrass beds under five or six feet of water on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. A favorite activity of many families, scalloping requires little more than a boat, a snorkel and a desire for a seafood dinner. Scallopers over the age of 16 also need a Florida fishing license. Licensed guides are a popular choice and provide all the necessary equipment. Out of town scallop lovers are encouraged to come midweek, when accommodations are less likely to be filled.

Get Hooked

Citrus County is almost synonymous with spectacular sport fishing. Few places can boast the variety of fishing experiences that the area offers the eager angler, making fishing a “must do” activity for guests. The salty waters of the Gulf of Mexico yield red snapper, snook and grouper. Redfish and saltwater trout swim near the shore in the coast’s grassy flats, where sport fishers also catch massive tarpon in an annual tournament and throughout the season. Guides and charters can help you tailor your trip. Farther inland, anglers shatter records as they land enormous bass from the lakes near Inverness and Floral City.

However you enjoy the renowned waterways of Crystal River, Homosassa and Inverness, you will be eager to return for more adventures in The Water Lover’s Florida!