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

Sun 17 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

Sun 17 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)

desertlori

May 2019

Swimming with manatees has been on my bucket list for years. The staff at River Ventures made it a reality and one of the best experiences ever! After a lovely boat ride out to where the manatees were, we slipped into the water and were led to a female manatee grazing. She was pregnant and beautiful. We then went over to observe a mama and her calf sleeping. It was perfect for Mother's Day. I loved how the boat captain and crew shared info with us and how each boat kept the others apprised of where to go so that everyone in the water had the maximum experience. We were all careful to let the manatees be and they rewarded us with their gentle nudging and face to face encounters. Please note that even though this is not high season for manatees (most have gone out to the Gulf), it was such a privilege to see the ones we did. Altogether, we saw 4 or 5 and I felt honored. This was the best trip ever!!!

Elvira B

May 2019

In spite of taking this tour off season, it was well worth it. Tom was a wonderful captain, full of information and enthusiasm. Mike was a fantastic scuba instructor and guide. The two of them worked very well together guiding the group to manatees. The experience was awesome, I would.be swimming along to find a manatee next to me, under me and/or face to face.

Claire P

Apr 2019

We went on the early morning manatees tour with JJ and Capt Stark. Both were really friendly and helpful and we were fortunate enough (because we were going out of the main season) to see 3 manatees including a mum and calf. It was great to do something a little different and we've just spent the evening looking through the photos JJ took of the trip. Many thanks from brother, wife and mother England and Philip.