River Safaris – Adventures on the Wild Side

Rentals from River Safaris - Adventures on the Wild Side include life jackets, safety equipment, fishing gear, dockside assistance, restroom facilities and picnic areas. Amenities vary by boat and by season, so confirm what comes with the boat you book.

Florida law requires you to be at least 18 to rent a livery vessel other than a human-powered vessel. Florida sets no general minimum age to operate a boat, but a personal watercraft operator must be at least 14.

Under section 327.395, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, operating a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must carry the required boating safety credentials. An exemption applies when accompanied by a credentialed or exempt person age 18 or older who is attendant to the operation and responsible for safe operation and violations. The rental operator sets its own booking minimum subject to state law, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

Florida does not issue a boating license, but operators born on or after January 1, 1988, must carry photo ID and a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission boating education card when running a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. This includes personal watercraft. There is no general minimum age for boats; personal watercraft operators must be at least 14, and no one under 18 may rent any vessel other than a human powered one. Exemptions include Coast Guard licensed masters, private lake or pond operators, operators accompanied aboard by someone 18 or older who holds the card or is exempt and is responsible for the vessel, and nonresidents with proof of a NASBLA-approved out of state course. Any non exempt operator may instead pass an FWC approved temporary certificate exam and carry that certificate with photo ID for 90 days.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

From Homosassa, you can boat the Homosassa River, Halls River, Mason Creek, Homosassa Bay and nearby Gulf waters. The Homosassa River has a marked channel connecting the spring-fed river and town waterfront with the bay. Halls River joins the Homosassa River near town and has a launch just inside its entrance. Mason Creek suits small boats; its public ramp connects to the Homosassa River through Battle Creek or Petty Creek, but there is no marked channel. For open water, follow the marked river channel into Homosassa Bay, watching for shoals alongside it. Public launch choices include the Homosassa ramp on Cherokee Way and Mason Creek Boat Ramp.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

Boaters leaving Homosassa can make day trips to Monkey Island, the Old Homosassa waterfront, St. Martins Keys and Homosassa Bay. Monkey Island is a close river sightseeing stop for watching the monkeys on their tiny island home. Old Homosassa offers waterfront restaurants with river views. St. Martins Keys offers mangrove islands, salt marshes and wildlife viewing within the aquatic preserve. In season, Homosassa Bay’s grassy beds become a snorkeling and bay scalloping destination.

Source: Discover Crystal River (discovercrystalriverfl.com)