Crystal River - Our Home Port
I would like to encourage boaters traveling by Crystal River to make the trip and explore this waterway and our wonderful town. Many times this area is bypassed because so many skippers think it is too hard to navigate our shallow waters. It is true, it can be a little tricky to navigate the "Nature Coast", but with some planning and careful boatmanship it is very doable.
Each year hundreds of boats doing the "Great Loop" stress about the possibility of a 17 hour boat trip (at trawler speed) South from the Panhandle to Tarpon Springs. Why not break that up and do the Big Bend Route? Some do exactly that. I aim to encourage more travelers to explore Crystal River.
Below is a route from the Seahorse Reef Light to the Entrance channel Crystal River. The distance is 21.83 NM / 25.12 SM or about 3 hrs 6 min at 8 mph.
To be sure some careful planning needs to be done. Depth is the issue, as it always is. The usual time for "Loopers" to be passing this area is November/December/January. Winter/Fall tides tend to be about 1' lower than Spring & Summer. Keeping this in mind means a rising tide is always best for entry. Most vessels with a draft of 3 1/2 feet or less can make it at all but the extreme low tides. It is important to stay between the markers. Crystal River is not hard to navigate but moving outside of the channel can be unforgiving.
From the entrance of the Crystal River to King's Bay is 8.73 NM / 10.04 SM and about 1 hr 14 minutes at 8 mph.
Areas of concern.
1. At the entrance of the Crystal River at the Red #2 & Green #1 it is best to stay more North/Left or closer to the Green #1 marker as there is a shallow spot more South/Right towards the Red #2 just prior to entering.
2. There is a sharp turn East at #5 / #6, it is OK to take this corner a little wide and favor the North and then travel directly East between the 2 markers.
3. Once you enter your first "Slow Zone" at Green #21 and round Shell Island watch your depth as there is an Oyster bar to the north and the tip of Shell Island to the South. You can resume normal speed (25 mph max) at Green #23
4. Midway between Red #8 & Red #10 the bottom shallows and comes very close to the edge of the channel - It is best to favor the North/Left side of the channel somewhat.
From the second Slow Zone at #11 & #12 it is a cake walk right to King's Bay. Stay alert to the Slow Zones, they are well marked and well enforced.
C-Map Route - Crystal River to Kings Bay Once on the C-Map page "OPEN THE WEBSITE"
Anchorages
The best and safest places to anchor are in King's Bay and are on either side of Buzzard Island. Generally you will see other boats anchored there. The bottom is soft mud. Allow for the tidal swing. From these 2 anchorages it is a short dingy ride to Pete's Pier Marina and the 3rd St. Pier where there is a floating dinghy dock. From 3rd St. Pier it is a short 10/15 minute walk to Citrus Ave. and some restaurants, shops & bars. A longer walk (driving or biking would be better) will get you to a Walgreens, Save-A-Lot, Big Lots and a West Marine. There is a Winn Dixie grocery store but that would be a much longer bike ride (drive would be better) and on the North side of Highway 19.
If you need a Pump Out the City of Crystal River provides pump out services in city waters simply by calling (352) 586-0588 or marine channel 16. The cost (as of this post) is $5.00
Marinas
There are three.
1. Twin Rivers Marina Located after the second Slow Zone and just into the Salt River. The only Haul Out & travel lift in the area. They have staff on site for repairs but they also allow you to do your own work. There may be a few slips but it is best to call ahead to see. They have Diesel & Gas and a small ship's store.
2. Just past Twin Rivers and right before the bridge over the Salt River (only with a shallow draft boat 3.5' or less otherwise use a dinghy) is Shrimp Landing Marina. Shrimp Landing Marina They usually have fresh seafood and a food truck with some killer food. They also have some slips, call to be sure.
2. King's Bay - Pete's Pier Diesel & Gas is available as well as a ship's store. Pete's is under new ownership and they have several slips, be sure to call ahead to make sure.
Sightseeing
Probably the best sightseeing especially in the winter time are our freshwater springs. Crystal River/King's Bay is the 2nd largest springs group in Florida with over 70 springs throughout the 600 acre bay. A short dinghy ride or a kayak paddle in several directions once in King's Bay will allow you to see many of the springs and of course our beloved Manatees. Be familiar with the rules concerning Manatees, FWC Manatee Rules as they are protected. Manatees are generally here all year, although the biggest concentrations are during the Winter months. Manatee viewing can certainly be done on your own or there are several tour companies in the area that can take you and provide the snorkel gear and during the colder months a wetsuit. The water in the springs is 72 degrees year round. Closest to the springs the water is crystal clear and the recent effort to clean up the bay has provided for much cleaner, clearer and beautiful water.
One of the premier sites is Three Sister's Springs but there are many more springs in the King's Bay area.
Don't forget our lovely downtown. Crystal River Mainstreet Since we moved here in 1994 the downtown has improved and flourished. It is a fantastic place to walk, dine, visit and shop.
Cruising Out
Below I have provided a route to exit Crystal River. We have traveled this route often on our way to Tarpon Springs and points south. The route is 47.53 NM / 54.7 SM.
CR1A 28
54.720 N / 82 44.860 W
To 11.0
SM / 9.56 NM
TURN1 28
49.500 N / 82 54.000 W
To 27.2
SM / 23.64 NM
FW0149 28
25.850 N / 82 55.300 W
To 13.9 SM / 12.08 NM
FW0148 28
14.750 N / 82 49.860 W
To 2.61
SM / 2.27 NM
FW0147 28
12.650 N / 82 48.900 W North Tip of Anclote Key
Total 54.7 SM / 47.53 NM
Stay west of
“PROP ROCK” 28 48.800 N / 82 53.100 W
C-Map Route - Crystal River to Anclote Key Once on the C-Map page "OPEN THE WEBSITE"
CAUTION - The information I have given is deemed to be accurate but I cannot guarantee it. The prudent skipper should always proceed with caution and do his/her own research and due diligence. Be cautions and go slow. My motto is "Don't go any faster than you want to hit something"
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this up.
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