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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)

JayJayLL387

Jan 2020

Jose was our guide and he described himself as a "manatee whisperer." No exaggeration, he's a rock star, we were in contact with multiple manatees during the entire visit. The office staff were informative and friendly and very good with details, and our boat captain Starke was careful and safe. It is obvious that everyone in this company genuinely cares about the natural world and the creatures in it. We got some great photos taken by Jose. We were very glad to have paid for the upgrade for the smaller group and the heated boat. (Note that even though this was the semi private trip, there were other people and other boats in the manatee areas, so adjust your expectations. The semi-private part was your individual contact with the guide and the small group you were with.)

Jeanette W

Jan 2020

Comment from our 13 yr. old grandson! Three of us enjoyed two back to back mornings. Whole staff friendly and love what they do; from manager, Brandie Wooten to the girl doing your photos. Troy, our boat captain both days was great. He made sure each day was an incredible experience both for us and the manatees. Matt, our guide the first, took care of this 75 yr old Nana, while taking great photos. Second day, great visit to the clear waters of Three Sisters and then on to Kings Spring for some manatee interaction! Jose, our guide and photographer, made sure we had the best interaction and took some breath-taking unique photos. Oh and the VIP tour has heaters, hot chocolate and snacks! Much appreciated. If you go to “float” with the manatees at Crystal River, you can not choose a better company than River Ventures. This was my daughter and my fifth trip with them and we wouldn’t go with anyone else.

jessicafX5262YZ

Jan 2020

I’ve been going down too crystal river for 7 years now to swim work the manatees. I always book with river ventures. Our trip January 18, 2020 had got to be one of the best swims ever! We had wonderful guide Sheena and a wonderful captain Emerson. Wouldn’t go snake else! See ya next year!