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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)

Mac b

Nov 2019

We went on early November morning (645) after a cold night which drives the manatees upriver. We did the small VIP Group. Within 3-5 minutes we saw our first manatees (a Mother and a Baby). The mother was sleeping at the bottom but the baby was playful from a distance. We also saw many other types of fish. We eventually moved on, Then I met Brussel Sprouts, a local baby manatee, The manatee came to within 6" face to face for a few minutes, I shared a face to face experience I will never forget. All people in the group were able to touch Brussel Sprouts. We saw many manatees without being crowded and were in the water for over 3hrs. I was shivering but refused to get out of the water. The boat and guide staff Emerson and Heidi were nothing less than excellent. They kept us warm/fed and comfortable in the boat. Heidi never stop giving us information and taking pictures. Emerson taught my wife how to scout for manatees. I thought this might be a once in a lifetime experience but we are already planning a trip for next year.

maggieb335

Nov 2019

This trip fulfilled a dream for my daughter and me. Heidi and Irish Dave went all out to give us the best experience with these gentle giants. Diverting to the origin of the springs was fabulous,too. This was the main aim of our visit to Florida, and didn't disappoint. Wonderful experience..thanks so much!

sradanke

Nov 2019

My 11 year old son LOVES manatees and learned to swim (not an easy feat) just so he could have this experience. I did a ton of research on different tours, companies, etc. and could not be more thankful we chose River Ventures!!! The ladies in the front office, and their 4 legged helpers could not have been more friendly! Boat captain Emerson was great with a sassy dry sense of humor. Our guide Matt was just incredible! There were 6 of us on the tour, 5 adults and my son. My son was the first one in the water and Matt made sure he got in, adjusted his snorkel and brought him right over to meet his first manatee. Over the course of the tour, he continued to ensure that not only my son but all of us, had a great experience. Mid November is one of the best times to see manatees in Florida and there was no shortage of them on this tour! Both Matt and Emerson have a great deal of knowledge about manatees and other Florida marine life. Their passion for what they do is evident. My son has not stopped talking about this since our tour on Sunday. Matt & Emerson, thank you so much for making this such an incredible experience and a dream come true for a little boy! We will MOST DEFINITELY be back!