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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

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

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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)

Chris Q

Apr 2019

We went for a Private VIP Pontoon Tour with Heidi and Captain John Stark. Within 2 minutes of getting on the boat, Captain John spotted a Manatee and we spent the next 60 minutes in the water floating next to a large female while she was feeding along the bottom. An incredible experience. Captain John spotted another manatee swimming towards us which turned out to be a mother with her calf. They cruised by, checked us out then carried on swimming. Once back on the boat, Captain John had boiled some water which he poured down the back of our wetsuits to keep us warm. A great idea. We were then served hot chocolate and a huge box of snacks, which kept our 8 yr old and 10 yr old sons very happy. We then motored slowly along to the Three Sisters Spring where the water was crystal clear. At the first spring we watched another large female sleeping before entering the main spring area where boats are prohibited. There was another mother and pup lounging on the bottom and they then cruised right underneath us and back out to the river. Incredible to see. I highly recommend the tour, Captain John and Heidi love showing the area and the manatees to visitors. They will show you exactly how to behave so the manatees are not afraid and you can float and watch these wonderful creature.

DevonGene

Mar 2019

From initial contact to make arrangements to our tour and swim with the manatees, our family had an exciting, wonderful experience. When making the arrangements before leaving home in Devon, the staff kept us well informed about the accommodations, preparation (show up in bathing suits, etc.), and how the tour would be conducted. Most of all, they made it very clear that our opportunities to see manatees would be entirely at their option (the manatees' option, that is). As clearly stated and described on the web site, a complex of parameters including temperature, growth of sea grass, weather, and maybe even just the mindset of the animals all would determine what we would or would not see. We were fortunate, in that we would see lots of manatees close up and personal in several sites in the bay and the Three Sisters Spring area. This was a truly awesome opportunity to be right among these amazing creatures. Captain Troy and Guide Matt made sure to find the best spots, as well as pointing out other natural features including both flora and fauna. We even had an amazing view of a fight between a Bald Eagle and an Osprey. They also made sure that we were comfortable and safe, The folks in the office introduced us to the experience, with a short video and personal descriptions. It's obvious that they love their work, and are committed to preservation of nature. Before going to the boat, we were fitted with full-length wet suits. We had brought our own masks and snorkels, but they would have been provided, as well. The boat was stocked with packaged snacks and beverages, both alcoholic and non. It was comfortable for our party of six (ages 7 through 77). This tour is a great choice for a day on the water and with nature. Water is calm, the boat moves smoothly and slowly, with great respect for the comfort of visitors and animals. It was a once in a lifetime experience (in a good way), with the good luck to see lots of manatees and to enjoy a great crew.

AllenTjr

Mar 2019

Mike and Jose did an excellant job of putting us in a position to view the manatee up close and personal. They were warm and friendly and truely wanted to see us have a good time. We took the 4 hour VIP and the extra hour over the normal tour was well worth the additional experiences. Got to see a few manatee with no other group around.