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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)

opch2018

Feb 2019

What a wonderful experience! Everything was so well organized, right from the people at the front desk to the boat captain (John Stark) and tour guide (Mike). Everyone made us feel very comfortable. They got us up close to the manatees and the girls were able to touch some that were extremely playful. We would highly recommend River Ventures tour to anyone. P.S. Ask for John Stark and Mike.....they were great!.

nmgriffin

Feb 2019

This was a great experience. It is such a privilege to be able to swim with manatees in their habitat and it was clear that everyone at River Ventures truly cares about the manatees. Everyone was so friendly and enthusiastic and our captain J. Stark and guide Skylar were great. Even though we went in February, it was already getting warm and the staff was very transparent about how it was going to be difficult to find manatees that day before we even got on the boat. We only saw a few manatees and none of them were very interested in us, but our captain was great at finding them in spots where we got the be the only group in the water with them. I did find that some of the other people in our group were a little aggressive, chasing the manatees and touching them without being approached, when River Ventures stressed the importance of passive observation. Even with having seen only a few manatees and not having much interaction with them, this was still such an amazing experience and Skylar took awesome photos. We will be back! Do not listen to the people giving this poor reviews because they have ridiculous expectations.To the people complaining that they barely saw any- the staff sets very realistic expectations prior to the tour and the number of manatees in the river is not in their control. The manatees do not exist for your entertainment. And to the people complaining about the water being murky when the pictures online are clear- some parts of the river are crystal clear, and some are murky, but you can still see. Why wouldn't the company post the pictures where you can see the manatees clearly...

Response from Host

Feb 2019

Thank you so much for this awesome feedback, and thanks a million for defending our honor!! Yes, we try super hard to set clear expectations! Unlike many other operators we strive to have INFORMED visitors. If you know you may only see one when it's warm...but then you see three?? You're pleasantly surprised and your guide/Captain get to be superstars!! It seems no matter how clearly (or repeatedly) we speak about the wild and population patterns...some people just do not hear us. We truly appreciate the support of folks like you!! We hope you get the chance to come back and see us again....when it's cold, and there's a true manatee fantasy out there!! Until next time......Peace, Love and Manatees from the whole RV crew!

JoAnn B

Feb 2019

What an amazing trip!! A must do! Ask for Irish Captain Dave and JJ - they were super fun! JJ talks to the manatee in some silent language, I'm sure. He was an awesome guide! Great pictures on a USB at the end - no need to worry while snorkelling. Just soak up these wonderful creatures!