Springs
Chassahowitzka Springs form the river’s headwaters, and the clear spring water is a big part of the river’s beauty.
Springs • Wildlife • Old Florida
Chassahowitzka River & Manatee Eco Tours
Clear spring water, cypress and cabbage palms, wading birds and, with luck, manatees. A relaxed ride through one of Florida’s most scenic rivers with Captain Al.
One of Florida’s Most Scenic Rivers
The Southwest Florida Water Management District calls the Chassahowitzka one of the more scenic rivers in Florida. It flows nearly seven miles from its springs through mostly undeveloped land, and about 61,100 acres along the river have been preserved.
The river runs through the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1943 and largely designated wilderness. Its shallow bays grow wigeon-grass that feeds birds and manatees, and the outer islands are mostly red and black mangrove. Planning a visit? Read our Chassahowitzka River visitor guide.
Current tour price: call or text
Sources: SWFWMD (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (opens in a new tab).
What You Might See
Wildlife is wild, so every trip is different.
Birds
About 250 bird species use the refuge, which was founded as a sanctuary for migratory birds. Look for ospreys, herons, wood storks and bald eagles.
Manatees
The refuge provides habitat for the West Indian manatee. If we spot one, we watch quietly from a respectful distance.
Old Florida
Cypress, cabbage palms, salt marsh and hardwood swamp along a river corridor that is mostly protected public land.
Manatee Manners: Viewing Rules We Follow
- Look, but don’t touch. Watch manatees passively from a distance.
- Never feed manatees or give them water. FWC considers it harassment.
- Don’t chase or surround them. If a manatee moves away, let it go.
- Never separate a mother and calf, and don’t single out one animal from a group.
- Keep it quiet. Avoid splashing and loud noise; resting manatees surface to breathe.
- Wear polarized sunglasses to spot manatees under the surface, and obey all posted manatee speed zones.
Heading to Crystal River in winter? From November 15 through March 31, seven warm-water manatee sanctuaries are in effect in Kings Bay at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. More about Crystal River’s manatee season →
Sources: FWC: Manatee viewing guidelines (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Crystal River NWR (opens in a new tab), checked November 10, 2026.
From Recent Tours
Trip photos, catches and videos are posted on Captain Al’s Facebook page.
River Tour FAQ
Will we see manatees on a Chassahowitzka River tour?
Maybe. The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for the West Indian manatee, a federally threatened species, but they are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed.
Can we touch or feed the manatees?
No. FWC’s guidelines are “look, but don’t touch.” Don’t feed manatees or give them water, don’t chase them, and never separate a mother and calf. Feeding or giving water is considered harassment.
What else can we see on the river?
The refuge is home to about 250 species of birds, more than 50 species of reptiles and amphibians and at least 25 kinds of mammals. Wildlife recorded in the area includes ospreys, great blue herons, wood storks, bald eagles and river otters, along with cypress, cabbage palms and clear spring water.
Is there anything to do on land nearby?
The refuge’s Salt Marsh Trails, off Mason Creek Road in Homosassa, have flat paths, a boardwalk and the Lastinger Tower overlooking the marsh. They’re open sunrise to sunset. Refuge visitor info (opens in a new tab).
Book by call or text
Book a river tour
Call or text Captain Al with your date, the number of people and the trip you’d like. He’ll confirm availability, rates and where to meet. No payment or deposit is collected online.
Tap “Text Captain Al” and a message is started for you. Just fill in your date and group size.