Afisha Life Homepage
Crystal River
Explore
Walking Tours
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

Mon 18 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

Mon 18 Nov

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (103) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (113) Entry Tickets (47) Sporting Events (1) Good for Small Groups (6) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (41) Walking Tours (697) Outdoor Activities (20) Limitied Availability Tours (6) LGBT Friendly Tours (4) Family-friendly Activities (7) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (27) Travelers recommend (73) Good for Groups (8) Top Activities (18) Guided Audio Tours (3) Art, Culture & History (135) Attractions to explore (38)

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)

JeanEllen239

Nov 2019

Swimming with the manatees was something we will never forget. The small group was amazing and so worth the extra money because we got such personal attention and soooooo many amazing pictures! We also got a boat with heat and hot cocoa (both of which are very nice in between stops). Our guide was also awesome and brought some hot water and put it on our feet... really warmed them up. Guide Jose worked his tail off to get us to have the interactions we wanted and of course the pictures. Because of River Ventures thorough instructions we knew what was both legal to do and how best to be apart of nature and not disturb or interfere. We felt very comfortable. The manatees were very curious about us and came over and gave us manatee kisses. They also rolled over for belly rubs. It was so amazing. So much better than I could ever have imagined. Some added bonuses were that we got to swim in 2 different springs and we saw giant 150lb tarpons near one of the manatee stops. Highly recommend this amazing company and especially Guide Jose and Captain Mike!!!!

Katie J

Nov 2019

Our captain was John and JJ was our guide. From the moment we stepped in the door, everyone was incredibly friendly and kind (especially captain and grizzly💕), made us feel very at ease! They gave us all the information we needed to know, provided wet suits and we were bussed our to the docks. John was hysterical and gave us tons of information. JJ was super knowledgeable, and tons of fun. We had an incredible experience and will 100% be back.

HillsdenHouse

Nov 2019

In October we took a mini road trip to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, and boy are we glad we went to Crystal River to experience this. We had a private boat tour with Captain John Stark and our guide Jose. They were so knowledgeable and we were lucky enough to find two manatees to swim with. Jose was very patient with our 12 year old daughter in the water and was quick to put her at ease with being so near to this huge, beautiful creature. Then snorkelled in Three Sisters Springs, amazing. Jose took some fab pictures (no pressure to buy). Made to feel so comfortable, lots of snacks and drinks on board, would highly recommend. We hope to come back some day in the Winter months to see more manatees, truly magical day out for us. River Ventures, thank you for making our vacation extra special!!!