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In the past I have rented pontoon boats from the Crystal Lodge Dive Center. They were very reasonable but you will need to have somebody qualified to run the boat.
When we started we used AArdvark Kayaks for Sale, Guided Kayak Tours and Kayak Rentals Crystal River Florida . The folks were very nice and helpful. (it was actually our first time in kayaks, and this is a great place to learn.) They are not the cheapest. However, they typically have a better selection of boats, and some have a few more features. - - - We tried a sit in and a sit on top to see what the differences were.
After renting a few models, we ended up choosing the wildness system pungo 14 foot. They are sit in which keeps you dry, but have a huge 53 cockpit opening. (This makes it easy to get in and out, especially handy if you want to dive or snokel from them and you are not close to land.)
You will want to find an outfitter that will launch you from around kings bay. That's easy access to where you want to go. The place we usually launch from:
Hunter's Spring Park
104 North East 1st Ave
Crystal River, Florida
Also, since we go up there a few times a year and get a room, I'd toss in one more recommendation being the econolodge which is on the north end of town on 19. In season the other hotels get pretty pricey. (129 - 179) the econolodge is usually like 65. It's not much, but it's clean and the folks are nice. unless you stay at the best western, everything else is a short drive from the water, and I figure if it's a block, it might as well be the 2 miles to econolodge, and I'll save the money. It's a Steak and a few drinks worth...
Guys, let me know if we firm up a trip! I recently moved to SW Floriday (Ft Myers) and have heard from several people about diving with the manatees... would love to join in!
Aardvarks Florida Kayak company rents kayaks at a reasonable price.
If you want a guide for kayaking other rivers in the area check out NatureCoastKayakTours.com
Jenny - seeing as you and HC are great in the water - I too think you'd like the kayaks better. Not sure where your mom stands... If you do go with a charter - go with Bird's. Hands-down they always get the highest marks.
If you click the link in my sig, check the first post for the number to Bird's in case you decide to use them.
btw, buy a cheap underwater camera - it is definitely worth it!!!!
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7th Annual Turkey Fry Saturday After ThanksGiving - Venice Beach
Some Charters in our Area:
Tanks-A-Lot, ClearWater, 727.798.1269; Capt. Ty, St Pete, pm on board or 727.688.3304; Captain Earl, Hudson, 727.271.7087; Captain Mike, Dunedin, 813.390.2583; Chad Carney, pm on board or 727-423-7775
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