Crystal River Area

People come to Crystal River to fish, play golf, go freshwater diving, or go boating. But all of these things take a backseat to the area’s primary attraction: manatees. Even if you don’t come to Crystal River to look at a sea cow, chances are you’ll end up searching for one during your time here.

Getting to the Crystal River Area

Crystal River is about 90 miles (1.5 hours’ drive) from either downtown Tampa [1] (via U.S. 19/98) or downtown Orlando [2] (via State Rd. 44); visitors typically drive from either of those locales as there is no nearby airport. Public transportation is nonexistent, but if you need a taxi, try Wayne’s Taxi (352/564-8294).

Homosassa and Homosassa Springs [3] are about 10 miles south of Crystal River [4] via U.S. 19/98. Weeki Wachee is another 20 miles south of Homosassa Springs on U.S. 19/98.