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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

Tue 19 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

Tue 19 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)

C5201EHcarolh

Dec 2019

Thanks to Captain Wade and Trish for one of the most amazing vacation experiences ever. We swam with dozens of manatees in uncrowded settings. They were very knowledgeable about manatees and other nature along the way. We didn't want the experience to end, but we have Trish's incredible photos to remember it by.

WeLoveToHike

Dec 2019

We wanted to take a break from lounging at the beach and take in some of the nature this part of Florida has to offer. I recommend this manatee tour because you are in a small group, the boat is very nice, and both the captain Emerson and the guide JJ were friendly and engaging. There was a heater on board when somebody got cold. There were plenty of snacks and drinks, including hot chocolate. You will see a lot of manatees because they congregate around the springs this time of year.

meli47

Dec 2019

We were on the semi-private pontoon manatee tour. There are 6 guests total on the tour, which, when you are all hovering around a manatee to observe, is enough. Our Captain John and guide Skylar were exceptional with both their knowledge of navigating manatee waters as well as providing information and tips to make our trip the best. Don't bother messing with your own camera on this tour, they have more than got you covered. The guide gets in the water with you and captures many highlights throughout the tour. We are thrilled with the photos and videos of the tour that show the very manatees we interacted with during our time. We went to several different locations and got to observe manatees in varying activities of their everyday life: nursing a baby, sleeping, eating, swimming, playing, being curious about humans. A few of them interacted with us and everyone in our group of 6 had some sort of interaction with a manatee which was very special. The information they give you on how to behave around manatees helps you have the best experience and to not be a nuisance to these amazing creatures. After witnessing other people in the river, I had a different level of respect of our guides and group and how well we were navigating the waters. You are with professionals who have the utmost respect for these creatures and it shows in everything that they do. We had so much fun and this really was the excursion of a lifetime. We didn't require it, because the day was warm, but in colder weather this pontoon is heated and they serve and array of hot beverages and snacks. They take care of you from start to finish here and we were so grateful for the experience. Thank you, John, Skylar, and the whole River Ventures team! (PS - if you are waiting for your tour and you see a dog or two in the office, ask about "the treat button")