Explore Ozello Florida: One Of Florida’s Last “Channel-Less” Coastal Towns

Hidden away on Florida’s west coast lies Ozello, a peaceful island community where nature and small-town charm blend perfectly. This hidden gem sits between Crystal River and Homosassa, connected to the mainland by a scenic road that winds through salt marshes and mangrove islands.

The community spreads across several small keys, often called “The Western Keys of Florida,” and for good reason. Like the Southern Keys, this is a peaceful escape where time seems to slow down.

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About Ozello Florida

Ozello, pronounced “Ozelluh,” is a small Citrus County, Florida community. Small. 1880, it saw no inhabitants. The population of the town is approximately 600 today. Native American tribes, including the Seminole and Timucua, originally inhabited the area. In the 1800s, settlers arrived in the area, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. The town was founded shortly after the conclusion of the Civil War; however, it was not until 1961 that access to these islands was available by means other than boat. In the early 1900s,  Ozello became a popular destination as people became drawn to the area’s natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Why Doesn’t Ozello Have A Marked Channel?

Almost all coastal communities have a marked channel that guides you to the ocean.

One of the most unusual things about Ozello is its lack of channel. The lack of a channel makes navigation a royal treat (sarcasm). The first time I stayed, I attempted to drive my boat from an Airbnb. We spent most of the day pulling the pontoon off barrier islands and sand bars. To get to the ocean, I had to follow locals. It is not for the faint of heart—not a place to ignore tides and not a place where GPS will be overly helpful. Don’t be dissuaded; I will share many ways to explore the area.

Ozello, Florida, lacks a marked channel primarily because it’s shallow; shifting waters make it difficult to maintain permanent channel markers. Since the area is mainly inhabited by small, local boats familiar with local navigation patterns, they often navigate by sight rather than using marked channels.  Please take a look for yourself at how convoluted it is to navigate the waters:

Map Of Ozello Florida

I love this rusticness and limited accessibility; it keeps this place virtually untouched or scathed. You can find a random cove or sandbar and claim it for the day. If it’s through the week vs. a weekend, it’s doubtful you’ll run into other humans.

Things To Do in Ozello Florida

Visitors to Ozello can enjoy various outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, bird watching, and hiking. They can also visit to dine on the freshest seafood on the West Coast. The area has several parks and nature preserves, including the Ozello Trail and the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Situated on the Gulf Coast, approximately 15 miles south of Crystal River, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge plays a crucial role as a breeding and feeding habitat for marine organisms, characterized by its diverse environments of saltwater bays, estuaries, brackish marshes, and a border of hardwood swamps.

Access to the majority of the refuge is primarily by boat. The sole land-based entry point is the Salt Marsh Trail along Mason Creek Road, where visitors can hike trails, launch paddle crafts, utilize a sheltered pavilion, and observe wildlife from a two-story observation tower. The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge is a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 250 species of birds recorded in the area.

Image Credit: Salt Marsh Lookout Tower at Chassahowitzka NWR, Monica Scroggin/USFWS.

The Ozello Trail

The Ozello Trail is a scenic drive that winds through the peninsula and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Wait! Should I change this to Gulf Of America? I’m not sure how to handle this one politically correct without pissing off the planet. I’m open to suggestions!

The Ozello Trail stretches nine miles with 67 turns, offering visitors stunning views of untouched coastal wilderness and access to one of Florida’s most pristine fishing villages. The trail is designated on maps as Country Road 494 and extends west from US-19 south of Crystal River.

Image Credit: Ozelle Net

The road has become popular for cyclists and nature enthusiasts who experience its immense beauty. I love it! As soon as you turn off Highway 19, it’s as if you have landed in the middle of no man’s land! It isn’t easy to describe with words. There’s the swamp that merges with the road, the extraordinary bends in the road capable of throwing any driver, and the bare trees and mangroves that dress the swamp in an ecliptic, understated manner. Combined, it offers a view into a remote town you’d think is not there unless you complete the trail.

Ozello Arts, Crafts & Blue Crab Festival

The Ozello Arts, Crafts, and Blue Crab Festival is an annual event in Ozello, Florida. Held in November, the festival donates profits to various local charities yearly. I don’t know if this occurs every year. I found conflicting information that I need to validate. Likewise, I don’t know if the Ozello Arts, Crafts & Blue Crab Festival ran in 2024. Stay tuned. I am sure I’ll be correcting this information.

Ozello Chilli Cook-Off And Craft Show

Typically held in February for over 18 years, this fun event is a local fundraiser and a source of great pride. The Ozello Chilli Cook-Off And Craft Show donates profits to several local charities that are voted on yearly. Past donations include The Sanctuary, Precious Paws, CCFAP, Veterans groups, Children’s Advocacy Center, Meals on Wheels, among others, and the purchase of turkeys for the SOS Food Bank. Additionally, the community adopts a family in need yearly, supporting graduates with ties to Ozello to pursue college or trade school and donating toys to Toys for Tots during the holidays.

Typically, the show features over 50 artists and crafters, and all local restaurants participate. Local Ozello restaurants are always on-site to serve various delicacies, including the famous blue crabs!

Airboat Rides

There’s nothing more traditional or fitting in Florida than an airboat ride! You can take an airboat ride through Ozello’s mangroves with Ozello Boats.

Experience the untamed beauty of the Nature Coast and discover the essence of Old Florida! The tour operators are genuine locals with extensive expertise in airboat tours. In just one hour, you will explore more of Homosassa and Crystal River than on any other excursion, gliding through mere inches of water. During this airboat adventure, you may encounter the stunning St. Martins reef, dolphins, ancient Indian burial mounds, historical landmarks, various bird species, sharks, stingrays, fish, sea turtles, manatees, and much more.

Ozello Island Church

Like every community, Ozello has a local church or two. The building is relatively modern and not particularly special. Regardless, it’s a beacon of the community, and the fellowship does excellent work to support it.

Image Credit: Ozelle Net

St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve

Established on Oct. 21, 1969, St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve is nourished by two prominent freshwater tributaries: the Homosassa River to the south and the Crystal River to the north. Both are first-magnitude spring-fed rivers. The discharge from these springs remains relatively stable throughout the year, ensuring a consistent influx of freshwater into the estuary of St. Martins Marsh, which is both productive and ecologically balanced.

The region’s extensive coastal salt marshes, mud flats, oyster bars, mangrove islands, and seagrass beds serve as crucial stopovers and wintering habitats for numerous migratory waterfowl along the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways. The Springs Coast is also distinguished by its unique limestone formations and exposed karst features, which support diverse habitats, including hardbottom sponges, coral communities, and sargassum meadows.

Ozello Community Park 

This community park is not just a park; it’s also a boat ramp. It has a fantastic waterfront view, but it has only basic amenities. Most local tour companies start here.

Ozello Keys Marina  and Boat Rentals

As with all coastal communities, you can typically rent a water vessel, such as a kayak or a small boat. You can rent a boat or acquire fishing supplies at Ozello Keys Marina. Visitors appreciate commencing their fishing excursions from this location due to the welcoming service and the expertise of the staff, who are consistently prepared to assist them in maximizing their fishing experience.

Fishing In Ozello

So I’ve shared with you some reasons people visit this place. Let’s dive into the main lure (pun intended) – it’s fishing! Now, I’m not a professional angler by any stretch. However, I’ve been fishing for years. I’ve done everything from inshore to off-shore, including game and fly fishing in various counties. Thailand, Aruba, Mexico, England, and Panama, to name a few. Where do I think is the best place? Well, it’s Ozello, and here’s why! And yes, I am somewhat biased because Ozello is practically in my backyard. Put that aside and let the pictures do the talking:

Here’s my fishing haul:

Here’s a typical day catch with Happy Place Adventures:

These hauls were caught on inshore charter trips in Ozello from a kayak! I’ve never really been a fan of deep-sea fishing. I don’t care for the drive there and back. I am bored by the approach, which is the staff hooks the fish, and you real it in if you are strong enough. It does nothing for me. Instead of being handed a pole, I would catch ten smaller fish and experience everything from the cast to the bite and reel. If you are anything like me, you will love fishing in Ozello.

The area is home to various fish species, including snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, grouper, snapper, sheep head, and catfish. There are also plenty of small sharks to catch! Anglers can fish from the shore, launch their vessel, or rent a boat to explore the waters. I don’t recommend any of these approaches unless you know the area.

The best way to experience fishing in Ozello is to go out with an experienced captain. There are several reasons for this:

1. They know the area and where the fish are!
2. Safety will be a captain’s first and foremost concern, a must when exploring remote areas.
3. You have none of the work associated with launching a vessel.
4. While you may catch onshore, you are not getting the whole experience unless you hit the water.
5. You will learn new fishing techniques – guaranteed.
6. Captains are licensed fishermen who know the “laws” governing what you can keep.
7. Wildlife is abundant, and local captains will educate you about what you see.
8. You will fill your freezer with fillets that are ready to cook.
9. Ozello is shallow, and the tides and weather can change on a dime. Even the professionals sometimes do not make it out before high tide!

Who To Fish With In Ozello?

Let me be frank before I name all the companies that offer charters in the area. I am 100% unapologetically biased! I only go out with Travis, who runs Happy Place Adventures. I was fortunate enough to be referred to Travis by a friend, and we hit it off. It’s worth noting that no matter your experience level, Travis will teach you the ropes. And, if you can’t get along with Travis or enjoy his company, you are the exception.

Before my experience with Happy Place Adventures, I had never taken a professional fishing trip via a kayak. The experience blew my mind; I’ve never caught this many fish. Different from anything I’ve experienced before. It was tranquil, rewarding, and educational.

If you are adventurous, there are several sandbars in the area. You can sit in a foot of water and cast away. Rumor has it that most guests won’t get in the water because of the sharks. I’m going to call “lame” on this one. If you are out there, cool off in the darn water. The water is shallow; it’s not like a great white or a tiger shark will come for you.

Meet Travis – The Coolest Captain Who Brings Home The Biggest Catch

Book a fishing trip by messaging Travis on Facebook: Happy Place Adventures. Remember to follow and like so you can see the daily haul. Or, contact Travis directly:

• Phone: 352-634-1923
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 410 N Pirate Point Crystal River, FL, United States, Florida 34429

For fishing enthusiasts, I will share an article dedicated solely to my experience with Happy Place Adventures because this company deserves it! I will also add new photos and comments from a friend I have referred who’s going out in April.

Other Fishing Charter Companies In Ozello

I haven’t fished with any of these companies, so I can’t tell you how good their skills are. I am sure all captains create a unique guest experience, but I’m already “hooked” on the kayaking approach:

• Ozello Fish Company: 13930 W Ozello Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
• Ozello Keys Marina: 2355 S Ripple Path Crystal River, FL 34429
• River Adventure Tours: 2355 S Ripple Path, Crystal River, FL 34429
• Adventure Coast Charters: Bayport Park Boat Ramp, 4140 Cortez Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34607
• U-hook-um Charters: Fort Island Trail Park Boat Ramp, 12073 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
• Reel Shallow Fishn Charters: Bayport Park Boat Ramp, 4140 Cortez Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34607
• Crystal River Guide Services: 18 NE 4th Ave, Crystal River, FL 34429
• Early Bird Charters: Homosassa Duncan J. MacRae Boat Ramp, 5300 South Cherokee Way, Homosassa, FL 34448
• A-Lure Charters: Crystal River Watersports Boat Ramp, 2380 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, FL 34429
• Live Action Fishing Adventures: Crystal River City Boat Ramp at Pete’s Pier Marina, 1 SW 1st Place, Crystal River, FL 34429
• Extreme Fishing Habit Charter and Tours: 10780 West Yulee Drive #490, Homosassa, FL 34448
• Heftys Ozello Adventures Fishing: 2216 S Ferndell Point, Crystal River, FL 34429
• Salty Stash Charters: 1650 S Fishcreek Point, Crystal River, FL 34429

Boat Ramps

Feel free to take on the channel-less Ozello if you are brave enough! I did it once, and there are several boat launches:

• Fishcreek Boat Ramp
• Ozello Park Boat Ramp
• Ozello Park (John Brown Primitive Boat Ramp)
• Ozello Community Park
• Ozello Trail Kayak Launch

Pro Tip: The elevation of Ozello is only about three feet above sea level. There’s a strong chance that you will return to a high tide or unexpected conditions. Make sure you know the times of the tide and are back in time!

Where to Eat in Ozello

Perhaps a favorite reason of mine to visit Ozello. Food alone is a reason to visit Ozello. I discovered Ozello by accident. I was searching for blue crab, and Ozello came up. So, off I went to explore. Almost anyone who’s been to Ozello or knows anything about it will tell you that one of the most popular places to eat is Pecks! This said, there are a few other options:

Peck’s Old Port Cove

I’ve shared Peck’s Old Port Cove in other articles. I’m slightly addicted to the place. If I am even remotely in the vicinity, I am off to Pecks. Why? The blue crab! Live blue crab from the crab farm cooked to order, whichever way you take it! They also make a killer blackberry margarita.

Located on the waterfront, this is the perfect place to eat.

Even if you don’t like crab, the rest of the food is fantastic. Pecks serves fresh-caught fish, stone crab, Gulf shrimp, and various land offerings, such as steak or chicken.

Backwater Fins

Located on the waterfront, this is the place to hit if you crave a seafood broil or cajun-style seafood. They also serve a brunch Sunday through Tuesday that starts at 8 am. If that’s not enough, Backwater Fins often has live music!

Ozello Island Outpost, Previously Known As The Island Outpost

I’ve never eaten here, and to be fair, I don’t know much about this eatery. However, from some research, I know that ownership has changed recently. Sadly, it is currently closed due to the 2024 hurricanes. Island Post is not on the canals; it’s on land but has an outdoor patio. It’s a casual, no-frills place that serves everything from pizza to linguine.

Where To Stay In Ozello

Ozello, Florida, has limited accommodation options. Most of the places are privately owned vacation rentals. The best option is Airbnb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Closing Thoughts

I visit many remote locations in Florida—heck, I live in a remote shrimping town—but Florida is a maze that will take a lifetime to explore. Each town is uniquely different in history—each town offers a new vista that never gets old.

Ozello, Florida, is an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to fish, boat, hike, or relax in nature, there’s something for everyone. Lastly, if fishing is your thing – you ain’t fished until you’ve done Ozello with Travis!

Looking For More Florida? Start Here:

• Crab Creek Spring On The Chassahowitzka River
• Crystal River & Three Sisters Spring
• Hernando Beach – The Complete Guide To The Gulf Of Mexico
• Homosassa – Is It Better Than The Crystal River?
• Homosassa Springs Florida
• Rainbow River – Why You Should Visit
• Swim With Manatees at The Crystal River, Florida
• Weeki Wachee Springs
• Weeki Wachee Spring’s Buccaneer Bay Water Park

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