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Small Group VIP Manatee Pontoon Tour in Crystal River

Small Group VIP Manatee Pontoon Tour in Crystal River

Overview

We will let you in on a secret! You can get the high-end experience, with an affordable price tag! Our new heated (during winter), luxury pontoon aims to amp up the manatee sighting and deliver a more personal event! Observe the endangered West Indian Manatee in Crystal River’s idyllic Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Your US Coast Guard licensed captains and guides will take you into the 600 acre spring fed refuge waters for viewing and snorkeling with these slow moving wild giants. All equipment, fees, snacks and beverages are included.

City: Crystal River

Wed 20 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

Wed 20 Nov

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional guide

Use of equipment (mask, snorkel gear and wet suit)

Introductory/instructional video offered in English, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish

Beverages (bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate, tea and adult)

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wetsuits are available in sizes from toddlers (2 years old and up) to adults up to 5X
It is advised that you have your swimsuit on underneath your clothes for a quicker check-in
Please bring a towel and a plastic bag to hold your belongings
Children Under 3 years old are not allowed on this tour. Please call for other options.
Post COVID-19 Policy- We are mindful to thoroughly clean water vehicles between visitors.
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
Guides required to regularly wash hands

What To Expect

River Ventures

Embark on your journey with a Coast Guard Certified Master Captain who will be your in water chaperon, educator and photographer. Your tour will run four hours from start to finish and everything you will need is included for one price. You will begin at our full-service tour facility, where you will be educated about the animals in a classroom type setting and receive tips for your snorkel tour to make the most of your day. You will be taught the in’s and out’s of ‘passive interaction’ as this ensures that the animals enjoy the experience as much as we do! You will then be suited up and transported to the dock, where a Coast Guard certified covered pontoon will be waiting for you. This rich estuary will amaze…..birds, fish and wildlife abound! Submerge yourself in the manatee’s world! Finish your adventure by viewing your Captain’s photos back at our facility and be sure to visit our one-of-a-kind gift shop! Our well-informed staff will direct to other local attractions, restaurants and answer of your questions before you are on your way.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (565)

gooeybutterboot

Feb 2020

Went out today with Chip and Skylar and saw dozens and dozens of manatees. It was a great experience, one of my favorite in recent years! The crew was entertaining, laid back and helpful. I'd highly recommend doing this trip with these guys.

auggiesmom

Feb 2020

We enjoyed a semi private pontoon boat manatee snorkeling tour with River Ventures. Our tour started at 6:45 am. We had a short orientation and then were given wetsuits to change into. These did not include water socks or shoes and I will I had remembered to bring water shoes as my feet got quite cold. The air temp was a brisk 45 degrees, but the water temp is a constant 74 degrees. There were 5 people on our boat plus the captain and tour guide. Our captain was Emerson and our tour guide was Gloria. They did an excellent job providing much interesting information about the manatees and the Crystal River. Gloria was very accommodating to our needs as two of our group got cold and needed to return to the boat but the rest of us were allowed to stay and enjoy the manatees. The water was very murky as there were many other boats and snorkelers in the area but that is not anything that River Ventures could control. Emerson took us to 3 different areas to snorkel and we enjoyed seeing manatees at 2 of the 3 areas. The pontoon boat is indeed enclosed with plastic that helps to protect you from the wind but I strongly advise you take a heavy jacket or sweatshirt and a beach towel for when you get out of the water if you go during the colder months. I highly recommend River Venture tours as a company for snorkeling with the manatees and I would ask for Emerson and Gloria as my crew!

675crystals

Feb 2020

This manatee tour absolutely rocked. It exceeded my expectations and we saw several of the majestic creatures. The crew of the pontoon were very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. The tour operators also were very kind and friendly. I highly recommend them and will be back with family and friends.