| Manatee Tours - Swimming with Manatees -
Manatee Snorkeling Trips - Manatee Diving Tours:
Crystal River Florida Manatees in Citrus County Fl. are very passive and loving creatures. Crystal River and Homosassa have a year round population of Florida Manatees. They are usually around Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs. Crystal River and Homosassa Springs are known as the homes of the largest herds of wintering Manatees that enjoy the protection of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. There is a resident herd year round but as the Manatees seek warmer water between October and March, the opportunity for Manatee viewing and “close up” scuba or snorkel encounters increases during these months. Do not miss your chance to see the Manatees of Crystal River and Homosassa Florida. |
| Fishing: Citrus County is one of the prime fishing spots within the state of Florida having pristine and productive estuaries. Our Gulf of Mexico coastline is famous for spotted sea trout, redfish, cobia (seasonal), grouper, spanish mackarel, sheephead, shark, black drum, jack crevell, bluefish, and tarpon. In 1993 the world record tarpon was caught right here. When it comes to fresh water fishing Citrus and surrounding counties have it all. Lake Tsala Apopka, Lake Rousseau and the Withlacoochee River offer outstanding fresh water fishing for large mouth bass, blue gills, stump knockers, and brem. Fish from the Gulf of Mexico from piers, buy boat, or local fishing guides will bring you directly to the reefs, grass beds and flats. Public boat ramps provide easy access to all of its major waterways. We are an excellent source of information on bait shops, boat ramps and can book you or your group with one of the many fishing guides right from our center. |
| Boating, Kayaking and Canoeing: With seven "Outstanding Florida Waterways" to its credit (Withlacoochee River, St. Martins River, Salt River, Halls River, Homosassa River and Chassahowitzka River), Citrus County offers endless boating opportunities on both salt and fresh water. As if seven rivers weren't enough, we have 22 miles of inland lakes and coastline on the Gulf of Mexico. Canoeists and kayakers enjoy the new Citrus County Canoe and Kayak Trail, which extends eleven miles from the Crystal River to the Chassahowitzka River. The trail is clearly marked and conveys you through some of the county's most picturesque areas. We can arrange for you or your group to canoe and kayak one or all of these beautiful waterways. |
| High Quality Inflatable Boats, Canoes & Kayaks available online- Click HERE |
| Diving and Snorkeling: Crystal River and Homosassa Springs is known as the home of the largest herd of wintering manatees that enjoy the protection of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. You are welcome to enjoy an awesome experience by snorkeling with the manatees while observing applicable regulations. We can arrange and book your adventure with everything you need from equipment to experienced and licensed guides. |
| Bird Watching Photo Opportunities:
From the unspoiled coastal salt marshes at Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, to the St. Martin's State Buffer Preserve, to the Withlacoochee Bay Area of the Cross Florida Greenway, you may find herons, egrets, wood storks, oystercatchers, gulls, shore birds and pelicans and ospreys and Falcons just to name a few. Our coastal waters are teaming with loons, mergansers, ducks and white pelicans. In winter, eagles, harriers, and swallowtail kites are often found. Citrus county is fortunate enough to have been designated for reintroduction of the very rare and majestic whooping crane. Inland, you'll spot scrub jays, burring owls, all the woodpeckers and edge birds found in open habitat. Red shoulder and red tail hawks are common. The Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, a major section of this central ridge, is home to a large population of the endangered red cockaded woodpeckers. The Backman's sparrow can be found here also. We can direct and plan your bird watching experience. |
| Camping: Enjoy the natural environment. Choose from primitive camping, tent camping, recreational vehicle or renting a cozy cabin. During your stay, take advantage of the many recreational or educational opportunities offered in "Mother Nature Theme Park." Cabins: Citrus County offers a selection of lodge and cabin locations along the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes to scenic areas on many rivers leading to the Gulf of Mexico. Recreational Vehicles: There are many public and private facilities to accommodate your recreational vehicle. Primitive Camping: You can pitch your tent in a small clearing in the forest or on other public lands with designated private campsites along the established hiking trails. Combined with an extensive trail system, the 41,222-acre Citrus Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest offers terrific opportunities for back-to-nature backpacking. We can help you plan your outdoor vacation. |
| Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding:
There are many ways to immerse yourself into the "natural order of things". The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46 mile paved trail through Citrus, Hernando and ending in Pasco county. Open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year it is available for cyclist, runners, roller blades and anyone looking for an opportunity to enjoy an uninterrupted self propelled trip through central Florida's scenery. There are picnic shelters and benches along the way for a respite. The Withlacoochee Trail will soon be part of the Cross-Florida Greenways, connection undisturbed pathways throughout the state. Hiking: you will enjoy a wide range of terrain’s, such as sandhill, scrub, hardwood, hammock, hydric swamp, and marsh. Educational paths, interpretive nature walks and hiking trails each feature their own unique combination of ecosystems, flora and fauna. Biking: Bicycle or roller-blade the popular Withlacoochee State Trail. Formerly a railroad right-of-way, this 47-mile trail is paved its entire length through Citrus County with bike/blade liveries along the way. Horseback Riding: Ride through the scenic Withlacoochee State Forest, taking the 14-mile one-day trail or a 24-mile two-day trail. |
| Golf: Sand. Water. Hazards. Trees. Roughs. Hills. Valleys. Ahhh...a golfer's dream. Challenges are everywhere when you golf in Citrus County. With over 682 square miles of nature's wonderland, this unspoiled, uncrowded gem in the heart of Florida's Nature Coast offers many public courses that beckon to both serious and casual golfers. Be sure to pack your clubs for this vacation and let us arrange your golfing excursions. |
| Historic: Mysteries are uncovered at the 14 acre State Archaeological Site located in Crystal River, dating back to 500 BC History enthusiasts may choose to explore Old Homosassa and The Yule Sugar Mill ruins, the remains of a pre-Civil War sugar plantation. South of Inverness is Fort Cooper State Park, whack was a post during the Seminal Indian War in the 1830"s. Those interested in historic architecture must visit the city of Inverness with its restored courthouse, built in 1912. |
| Dining: Whatever type of dining you crave can be found in restaurants along the Nature Coast, from 5 star seafood restaurants, to ethnic to sandwiches to good style home cooking. |
| Lodging: The Nature Coast has an abundant of lodging facilities from bed & breakfast to 5 star hotels and everything in between. |
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| Antiques: Plan to spend a few days uncovering unique antiques and delectable collectibles. Citrus County has dozens of shops ready to take you on an excursion to the past. You'll find friendly shopkeepers, happy residents, a beautiful environment and thousands of unusual items to add to your collection. There are several certified appraisers in the county, eager to talk with you about their favorite subject. With more than 30 shops, plus an entire indoor mall devoted to antiques and collectibles, you may want to stay an extra day to two. You'll be glad you did. |
| Wise Food Storage - Gourmet Emergency Meals |
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