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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

Sat 16 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

Sat 16 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)

GJRich

Jan 2019

We were recommended this by a friend and decided to book it on our second weekend, and were very very glad we did. A relatively easy drive from Orlando ( 1.5 hours) and what a lovely way to do something completely different and see another side to Florida. Jose and Captain Tanner expertly took us to all the best spots and we saw lots of manatees and interacted with them under their guidance so as not to disturb the creatures. Very recommended!

ginnymacp

Jan 2019

From the welcome on entry to the end of the tour this trip excels in making this experience memorable and unforgettable. Excellent value for 4 hrs meeting and swimming with these amazing creatures always reaffirming the need to be respectful of the manatee habitat.

Sarah W

Jan 2019

This experience was incredible and I highly recommend it! I went on the 6:45am VIP small group tour, there were two other people in my group so we had plenty of room. When I called a few weeks prior and spoke with the team who works there, they were very helpful and gave advice on the best days and circumstances (weather, time of year) to come do the tour. They are really invested in giving you the best experience possible. You don't have to bring anything but yourself, a swimsuit, and a towel. Also bring a change of clothes because you'll be freezing after! I really appreciated the heated boat because my body gets cold really easily and my lips were purple at the end! But it's absolutely worth it to go after a few cold nights, you'll see more manatees that way. The manatees are worth the cold! They provide you with wet suits, snorkel, and a mask. Our group saw eight manatees and spent most of the time floating/swimming with a mom and calf. Our tour guide and captain were great and gave us a special experience, we were all new to snorkeling so I was very glad for their help! One thing I really loved about River Ventures was their photo/video packages. During the tour they take photos and videos of the experience and you, so you only have to focus on enjoying the time you have. If you don't have an underwater camera, or even if you do, I recommend spending the money so all you have to do is enjoy the experience. I will definitely be back in the future! Thanks River Ventures.