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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

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

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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)

baseballgirl167

Oct 2019

I have been a repeat customer to River Ventures, and it gets better every time I go! This time I booked two 4 hour Vip Swim with the Manatee tours back to back; One at 6:45 am and 10:45 am. I got to spend the day with Captain John Stark and the amazing guide Jose! This was the seventh and eight times I have done this, and this day was by far the best experiences I have had! I was able to interact with a juvenile male that wanted to play, which was an amazing experience. I even got a few Manatee kisses! I was exhausted by then end of the day, but it was completely worth it!! Going on both tours, I got two different Manatee experiences. The manatees were more active and playful in the morning, moving around and eating. The mid-day tour was more of a calm, sleeping Manatee viewing. I even saw a couple Manatee calfs nursing, which is wonderful to see. Both times allowed the viewing of many manatees, which was lucky since it isn't technically Manatee season yet! I will HIGHLY recommend River Ventures to anyone I talk to! Captain Stark and Jose were awesome, and a blast to hang out with for the day. If you are considering booking a tour, I would suggest you request them for an amazing experience!! I'm already planning my trip back in January!!

Teri M

Oct 2019

Jose and Captain Stark were exceptional guides and hosts. They are incredibly knowledgeable,skilled,and couldn't be more friendly. We feel fortunate to have picked their charter. Thank you Captain Stark for keeping us warm and Jose for the pictures and memories of a lifetime.

MarieLouiseStapels

Oct 2019

We were on the 6.45am Semi-Private Houseboat Tour and had a superb experience with Captain Tom and in water guide Matt! They did a fantastic job finding us 4 manatees in total and were really nice guys! There was a lot of information given on the manatees and overall the tour seemed to be very respectful to the mammals. Also thanks to the ladies at the office! All the staff from checkin to the shuttle driver were so sweet and attentive. I can’t imagine that there is a better company out there to experience the gentle giants!