Crystal River, located on Florida’s beautiful Nature Coast, in Citrus County is an Outstanding Florida Waterway. The area around and near Crystal River offers ample opportunities for flats and offshore fishing, diving and swimming in the numerous springs, as well as a variety of Manatee and Eco-Tours. Millions of gallons of transparent waters flow from its many springs. Its natural beauty and abundant life have attracted humans since time immemorial. It continues to do so in the present day as well as plenty of sea life.
Springs of Crystal River
The Crystal River is as close to paradise as we humans are likely to get in this life. Besides its natural beauty, it has, by virtue of the Floridan Aquifer, an additional attraction. It is not the flora or the fauna or even the abundant piscatorial contingent. This attraction is the flow of its springs at a constant temperature of seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter months, when the waters of the Gulf of Mexico chill, the springs of the Crystal River experience momentous influxes. For one, fish of many varieties seek the warm water. At this time, it is common to see a mixture of fresh and salt-water species congregating at the springheads. These may include snook, largemouth bass, redfish, seatrout, bream, sheepshead and others.
The Florida Manatee
We have another visitor to Crystal River. Collectively they are Trichechus manatus ssp. Latirostris. Of course, you may know them by their less 
ponderous name, the manatee. But T. m Latirostris are very specific manatees. They are the Florida manatee, a sibling, if you will, of the West Indian manatee. These warm-blooded marine mammals come to seek refuge from the cold waters of the Gulf of Mexico. They find it in the warm waters of the Crystal River. They being herbivores, get their sustenance from its aquatic plants. The most important of these is Vallisneria Americana, commonly known as eelgrass or tape grass. Other aquatic plants and some types of algae are also consumed. Crystal River is the best place in the whole world to view the manatee in their natural habitat!
Tourism in Citrus County
The third influx is the one with the greatest economic impact. It is the legion of humans from all over the world that come to the Crystal River each winter. Some come to swim with the manatees. Others come to canoe, paddleboard or kayak among them. Still others take guided commercial tours. It is easy to appreciate the salubrious effect this has on the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, dive shops, gift shops and anything else related to this “gentle giant” benefits directly.
The service businesses that keep everything running also benefit. A major factor are the many individuals and families that originally came only for the manatees and then fell in love with Citrus County and the Nature Coast. They have bought properties here and have become our neighbors and friends. It is a trend sure to continue. Every day more and more people come to the area. The well-kept secret is out. The whole world knows what a treasure chest of natural amenities we have. Not only in the Crystal River but also in the rest of Citrus County and the Nature Coast.
Historic District
The historic district area of downtown Crystal River, is only blocks from the waterfront. Here you will find and can visit charming specialty shops, marvelous restaurants and cheerful bars. 
Downtown is where you will find the City’s many festivals and events. Take a stroll down the streets or even hop on your bicycle and ride around town. Crystal River has something to offer each of its visitors.
The historic district area of downtown Crystal River is also where you will find Coldwell Banker Next Generation Realty’s Crystal River Office. Our office is located right in the middle of it all!
We hope to see you in Crystal River soon!
