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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)

Susan M

Feb 2019

The staff at check in were welcoming and helpful. The introductory discussion and video prepared us for our swim. Captain John and Skyler were great. With a recent cold snap we were lucky to see the number of manatees we did. We stopped at one location and within minutes we saw manatees, even were checked out by one. We moved to a location closer to a spring and clear water. Their hospitality between locations was very nice. Once at the spring we had an experience of a lifetime with fish schools, numerous manatee sightings, a young one nursing, and a close encounter with a young playful manatee. Thank you for a wonderful morning.

csaturn5

Feb 2019

My family (children aged 6 and 8) LOVED this manatee tour. Captain Emerson and "Grandma" Heidi as our manatee guide were incredible. We had no expectations for a manatee sighting, as the unseasonably warm weather was preventing a lot of manatees from coming to Crystal River. We were thrilled when there was a sighting very early on in our four hour trip. Heidi led the way, and was so encouraging and patient with our kids. She was so fun, engaging and knowledgeable about the manatees, area and water. We loved listening to her! After swimming with the manatee, we got back on the boat and headed for a ride to Three Sisters Springs for a swim. It was beautiful. Again, Heidi led us there so patiently. We had a blast! She interacted so sweetly with my kids, and even did some handstands with our daughter in that crystal clear water. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Emerson and Heidi and would highly recommend them to anyone. We plan to come back and hope to cross paths with them again. Thank you, River Ventures!

Karen B

Feb 2019

Fantastic experience for the whole family. Troy and Gavin were the best guides! Led a wonderful tour — first checking out the gorgeous springs and then at two different locations swimming with manatees. Really great guys who go out of their way to make sure you have a first rate experience. Warm weather sends the manatees to the Gulf but we were able to find some and thanks to Gavin and Troy get some up close experiences. Gavin even took my 11 y/o son around personally to make sure he got a great view. Son was so excited and can’t stop talking about what an amazing day he had! . Great houseboat and well run, organized company. So glad we went with River ventures.