We have vacationed as a family in Central Florida for the last eight years spending a total of over 25 weeks in the sunshine state.  When planning our next trips the first question asked by my children is “can we get a pontoon boat on Crystal River?”.  We have also invited friends to spend time with us on vacation and always include this day out as part of the trip.  Needless to say they usually mark this down as the highlight of their vacation. So with this kind of recommendation I feel sure you will appreciate some tips as to how to maximise the enjoyment of your day on Crystal River.

The journey up to Homosassa from Orlando, (I Drive) or the Davenport / 192 area via Highway 27 and Clermont, takes about one and a half hours.  It is a pleasant enough trip combining two lane state roads and the Turnpike with plenty of things to see on the way.

Aim to arrive in Homosassa at around 11.30am and call in at the Publix on the SR19 it is very close to W.Yulee Drive the main road leading down to the riverbank.  They have a well stocked hot food counter which is ideal to stock up the picnic items which you can enjoy when you get to the boat. 

A half day rental of a pontoon for 10 people will cost around $120 including fuel.  You can chose any of the boat rental houses around monkey island and you will pay the same and be very well looked after in all of them.  You will get a boating briefing before setting out, and you are given maps to help you navigate.  You don’t need any previous experience and even first timers will be happy at the controls within a matter of minutes. Once away from the boathouse you are free to enjoy cruising and absorbing all the wonderful wildlife that the tropical river has to offer.  Birds and manatees are plentiful and you will cruise past shoals of fish.  There is a lovely lagoon where you can drop anchor and enjoy a swim or head in the other direction out towards the ocean.

The boat will need to be returned around 5 pm and once back on dry land you can relax and enjoy the drive back to Orlando.  Passing the frequent billboards advertising all the attractions that Orlando has to offer, whilst reflecting on you day in wilderness, is a great way to recharge your batteries and whet your appetite to restart your vacation in the entertainment capital of the world.