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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)

nikkic990

Jan 2019

Swimming with the manatees is an experience that my husband, children and I will be talking about forever! What an amazing day! River Ventures is a class act...from beginning to end of our adventure, they were friendly, knowledgable, and patient. Our guides, Matt and Troy, were incredible. With only 6 of us on the boat with them (my family of four and another couple), we really got an intimate look into the Crystal River Refuge, springs, and surrounding area. Matt and Troy went out of their way to make our experience unique and enjoyable. My kids are already asking me when we will be going back out with Matt and Troy for another manatee excursion! I would absolutely use River Ventures again if we ever get another opportunity to swim with manatees.

Timothy J

Dec 2018

It has been my wife’s dream to swim with manatees for a long time, and we were able to make it happen this holiday season. I chose River Ventures based on their great reviews, and I have to say that our experience was even better than expected. Captain Wade and Guide Jose made the trip fun and entertaining, I can’t speak highly enough of the two of them! Although the weather has been unseasonably warm and the manatees were scarce, Wade and Jose were so diligent in finding some for us to swim with, and we ended up having an amazing experience that fulfilled our hopes! Highly recommend River Ventures and Wade and Jose!

818pattiw

Dec 2018

What an amazing adventure. Our Captain Troy, was not only a fine boatman but friendly, knowledgeable and courteous. Our guide, Heidi, was exceptional. She guided us to manatees, pointed out and named various fish, was also lots of fun. Would do it again in a New York minute!