West of Yankeetown the Withlacoochee River empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Roughly three miles above the mouth of the river is a wonderful creek that flows from the river and meanders around to an estuary and out to the Gulf. Paddle up the creek and enter the Withlacoochee and back to the beginning. Near the fork of Bennett’s Creek and the Withlacoochee River is a rookery area. You can see many roseate spoonbills and wood storks perched on the trees. Along the river and creek you can see other local inhabitants of the marshlands, such as alligators, turtles, bottle nose dolphin, and many fish species as well as many bird species including the bald eagle, osprey, roseate spoonbills, wood stork. Sometimes we’re lucky enough to find manatees during the warmer months. Trip is approximately 6 miles and requires paddling against the current at times. Intermediate to advanced paddlers.

Recommended for your Visit:

Sunscreen
Hat
sunglasses
Water or Sports Drink
Protective, Lightweight Clothing
NO Disposables Please (water bottles, packaging, baggies, ect.)

Erin Layne

This was the greatest experience I’ve had thus far kayaking. Scenery is beautiful as well as the water. Great business and worth every dime. The experience is unbeatable. We visited in May which the manatees were not in season and three sisters springs was closed. However, still saw 4 manatees one being a mother and her baby! 10/10 highly recommend!

Tara Marie

My son and I had an amazing time. His day was completely made when we found a manatee and it swam right under us!nThe location is perfect, it is only an 8-10 minute paddle to Three Sisters Springs. It was our first time here and they were so helpful (they had laminated maps) and so friendly with helping us get into the kayak and explain all the places we could go and time it would take to get there. I highly recommend using Crystal River Kayak Company. We loved it so much we are booking again!

kasey hodge

The staff is super sweet and helpful. It was a fun day on the water. We were almost back to the dock when we spotted our first manatee and her calf. (It's not manatee season, so we didn't think we'd see any) what a gift from God to see these amazing creatures. We loved our day in the yaks.

Christal Berrelleza

Love love love kayaking here. The staff are all so very friendly and helpful. 3 Sisters Springs is amazing and beautiful. We were told we might not get to see manatees because the weather was warm but we were hopeful and actually got to see a few. It was awesome to see momma and calf and the baby was so curious about everything. We also saw a Gator in the channel, a bunch of fish, turtles and loads of birds. This was only our second time going but will definitely be going back many many more times. Can't wait!

Beth Kephart

Excellent day and excellent staff! We had a great experience and staff navigated us to the right locations. We saw several manatees in March after a cold front had moved through. They have dog friendly kayaks, if you have a dog that will behave and not bother the wildlife.

Bennett’s Creek Paddling Tour

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