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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)

Chris H

Feb 2020

We booked the 6:45 AM semi-private houseboat manatee tour at River Ventures and it was an amazing experience. We went in hoping to see a few manatees and maybe get a few good photographs and our expectations were blown way out of the water. We were lucky enough to have Jose as guide and Mike as captain, who were integral to the wonderful time we had this morning. The two were very knowledgeable about the majestic creatures and made the trip much more wholesome. Jose was in the water with us the entire time and made sure we all got a personal experience with a manatee. Over the course of the trip we made our way to two springs and saw well over 15 manatee, many of them up close. Jose captured many, many moments on his camera while we were in the water... I had to purchase the USB of all the photos! To anyone who is on the fence about booking a trip with River Ventures: do yourself a favor and book it. I guarantee you won’t have an experience like this anywhere else. Thanks again Jose and Mike, and the rest of the wonderful staff at River Ventures!

reyponce87

Jan 2020

We rode with Mike and Hailey in the houseboat experience with snacks and drinks. Experienced many manatees and had so much fun learning about these monstrous gentle creatures. Highly recommend.

Kapkid54

Jan 2020

Today my husband and I enjoyed a ‘Swim with the Manatees’ Semi Private tour with River Ventures in Crystal River Florida. From the time of booking right through to the finish today, the staff couldn’t have been better. The staff at the base greeted us warmly, showed us a short video, got us outfitted in wetsuits and organized us for the 2 minute drive to the boats. Emerson, our captain, and Shelley, our in water guide were great - funny, helpful, knowledgeable and patient, making sure our experience was a great one. The trip gave us new respect for the manatees and for all those who help to protect them. Kudos to all!