November 30, 2021
KINGS BAY SCENIC CRUISE
9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
“Relax amidst the beauty of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge when you book a languid sightseeing tour of Kings Bay. Make your own way to the departure point in Crystal River, find a seat on the shaded vessel, and set sail. As you go, your guide will point out the area’s scenic highlights. You’ll also have the special opportunity to spot manatees, dolphins, otters, and other native wildlife.” Tripadvisor
Having some free time in the afternoon I decided to take a cruise out on Kings Bay, the waterway the manatees swim in order to get to the Three Sisters Springs. I found this one-hour, narrated, cruise to be relaxing, educational, and thoroughly enjoyable. We saw several manatees, however, I didn’t take many pictures of them because the water was not as clear as it had been in the springs earlier in the day. Other than that I learned a lot about the birds in the area, the restoration of the bay, and some history of the area. It was well worth the $16 fee.
An Osprey looking for prey.
The bouy (and many others) mark manatee safe zones where boats and swimmers must stay out of.
A Double-Crested Cormorant
A Bald Eagle sitting in a tree.
Commercial fishermen on there way back to dock.
An abandoned house that has been taken over by birds.
A boat that had been abandoned, but has been brought back to life by its resident.
Three Sisters Springs are on the other side of this bridge.
An Anhingas, or Snake Bird
The Travolta House. Built by John Travolta for his son who died before being able to move in.
A Wood Stork
A White Heron
Brown Pelicans waiting for food from a fisherman cleaning his catch.