GET TO KNOW
The Crystal River to The Gulf
For those seeking coastal beauty and the allure of the open sea, our Gulf of Mexico charters from Crystal River are your gateway to adventure. Explore the stunning Gulf coastline, white sandy beaches, and rugged landscapes, all while encountering marine life like dolphins, manatees, and vibrant underwater ecosystems.
Breathtaking Scenery
As you step aboard Captain Dan's pontoon boat, you'll be greeted by the crystal-clear waters of Crystal River, surrounded by lush mangrove forests and abundant wildlife. The journey begins with a sense of anticipation as you take in the picturesque surroundings.
Knowledgeable Captain
Captain Dan is your experienced and friendly guide, ready to share his extensive knowledge of the local ecosystem and the Gulf of Mexico. He's passionate about marine life and ensures you have a safe and educational experience.
Customizable Tours
Captain Dan's Boat Trips offers a variety of tour options, allowing you to tailor your charter to your preferences. Whether you're interested in wildlife encounters, bird watching, or simply enjoying a relaxing day on the water, there's a tour for you.
Manatee Encounters
Crystal River is renowned for its resident manatee population. Captain Dan's pontoon boat charters offer you the chance to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. You can snorkel or swim with them in their natural habitat while respecting their space and conservation guidelines.
Dolphin Watching
The Gulf of Mexico is home to playful dolphins, and during your charter, you'll have the opportunity to watch them frolic in the waves. Captain Dan knows the best spots to spot these incredible creatures.
Scenic Cruising
As you venture farther into the Gulf, you'll enjoy a leisurely cruise along the coastline. The pontoon boat provides a comfortable and stable platform for taking in the stunning vistas, including white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees.
Island Adventures
Depending on your chosen tour, you might have the chance to explore remote islands and pristine beaches. These secluded spots are perfect for shell collecting, picnics, or simply soaking up the sun.
Marine Wildlife
Keep your camera ready to capture the diverse marine life that inhabits these waters. You might spot sea turtles, rays, and a wide variety of colorful fish.
Sunsets and Stargazing
Evening charters with Captain Dan offer the opportunity to witness breathtaking Gulf Coast sunsets. As the day transitions into night, you can also indulge in some stargazing away from city lights.
Comfort and Amenities
Captain Dan's pontoon boats are equipped with comfortable seating, shade, and amenities like snorkeling gear, life jackets, and refreshments, ensuring you have a pleasant and hassle-free experience.
Educational Experience
Throughout your charter, Captain Dan shares interesting facts about the local ecosystem, including information about the plants, animals, and conservation efforts in the area. It's an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts and families.
Memorable Moments
Whether you're on a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, Captain Dan's Boat Trips guarantees you'll create lasting memories and connect with the natural beauty of Crystal River and the Gulf of Mexico.
Available Charters
IN CRYSTAL RIVER, FL
Highlights
History
Around 500 B.C. mound-building Native Americans (possibly Deptford culture) built a settlement along the Crystal River, which in the present day is the Crystal River Archaeological State Park. It was abandoned prior to European colonization for unknown reasons. The obsolete Native American name for Crystal River was Weewahi Iaca.
Following the Second Seminole War, settlers were encouraged into the area due to the passing of the Armed Occupation Act of 1842 by the United States federal government. Twenty-two men filed for patents for land in Crystal River. By the mid-1800s, families began to settle in the Crystal River area.
Mail was delivered by horse and buggy, and a stagecoach came from Ocala to Crystal River, stopping at the Stage Stand, which today is the Stage Stand Cemetery in Homosassa.
While no land battles were fought in the Crystal River area during the Civil War, there were many instances of skirmishes on the water directly off the coast of the Crystal and Homosassa rivers, as well as near Hickory Island in Yankeetown. By the time of the Civil War, Florida was an important source and supplier of food and other goods such as beef, pork, fish, corn, sugar, cotton, naval stores and salt. The Union was aware of this, and soon after the war began, the Union Navy blockaded the entire coast of Florida.
Following the Civil War, Crystal River grew. People from states to the north began to arrive, attracted by the area's mild climate and the potential of becoming wealthy growing citrus fruits. Early settlers to the area had found wild citrus trees growing in abundance, thanks in part to the Spanish explorers who had brought oranges with them on their ships and had discarded the seeds in the new world. This gave rise to the planting of citrus groves. The "Big Freeze" of 1894-1895 destroyed most of the citrus groves in the county.
A very early industry in the area was the turpentine business. Many of the barges during the Civil War blockade had been carrying turpentine, likely from the turpentine still of William Turner, who resided in Red Level. Other early industry in the Crystal River area included cedar mills. In 1882, James Williams moved his cedar mill to Crystal River, and began operating on King's Bay. The mill produced pencil boards, which were then shipped to Jersey City, New Jersey, by ship, and later by train. The Dixon Cedar Mill was one of the largest industries in Crystal River, providing employment to many in the area, including women and African Americans.
Crystal River had been part of Hernando County since its inception in 1843. In 1844, the county name changed from "Hernando" to "Benton", in honor of Senator Thomas Hart Benton who had sponsored the Armed Occupation Act of 1842, which had brought settlers to the area. The county name returned to Hernando in 1850.
By the late 1800s, the area along the west side of the county was growing rapidly, and the citizens of the area began to see a need for a new county with a county seat that was easier to reach. In 1887, Hernando County was divided into three parts: Pasco County, Hernando County, and Citrus County. The town of Mannfield was named the temporary county seat for two years. Mannfield was chosen as it was in the geographic center of the new county and was more accessible to citizens. The site for the eventual county seat, Inverness, was decided by a vote in 1891.
Phosphate was discovered in 1889 in the east side of Citrus County, and the phosphate industry grew rapidly. Historians have claimed it to be "one of the richest phosphate deposits in the world." The phosphate industry would boom in Crystal River and Citrus County until 1914, when it could no longer be shipped due to World War I.
In 1888, the railroad reached Crystal River. The arrival of the railroad proved to be a boon; it provided an easier way to ship and receive goods, and it was an easier way for tourists to travel. Sport fishing became a draw for many wealthy northerners.
Crystal River became a town in 1903. It was officially incorporated as a city on July 3, 1923.