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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)

tonyhZ8493OY

Nov 2018

We booked this Small Group VIP Manatee tour because we wanted the personal touch! Just a bit more in price, but, it was completely worth it. Our Tour Guides were Wade and Trisha and they were more than perfect!! Even my teenage daughter participated, put on the wet suit and went in the water. It was one of the most memorable trips that we took with the family. ** Keep in mind, Crystal River is 75 miles north of Tampa, so, allow plenty of time for the drive. November, December and January are the best times as Manatees group together near the springs at Crystal River. Don't do any other tours and just choose this one! Don't try going cheap either because a small group is really what you'll need for the perfect family experience! Loved it!!

661amayae

Nov 2018

We went on this tour on Nov 12 2018 and I have to say it was very educational and fun. Captain John Stark and Phil were great and we got to see a couple of manatees, this was one of the best experience of our lives and we will definitely be back next year to do this again. Thank you to Captain Stark and Phil for making it a lovely experience and we hope to see you again next year.

Florian M

Nov 2018

We had the most amazing time at the Manatee tour today! Unfortunately our first booked kayaktour got canceled because there weren’t enough participants, but we got a free upgrade to the VIP tour which was even better. Our guide Heidi and Captain John S. were just amazing and made everyone feel prepared and as friends. We got a little introduction and security booking before we took off on our ponton boat (with free hot and cold beverages and snacks) and after maybe 10 minutes saw our first Manatee! A rather small male one (small only according to Heidi) who was munching all the sea grass on the bottom of the lake (maybe 3-4 foot deep there). We got around 30-40 minutes to spend with him and after the first “fear” or, let’s call it respect towards this huge animal we had an amazing time observing him! We took off to another spot after a while and got to observe a female with her calf (which was around 5-6 foot long already!!) in almost crystal clear water, which was absolutely astonishing. The overall flora and fauna there is amazing. We got to see so many fish around there, too! Because we got there before the Springs were closed for the Manatees, we were able to visit the 3-Sister Springs, too. Incredibly clear water there, you could literally see the fresh springwater come out of the holes in the ground! The 4 hour tour was over rather quick and we got back to the bus and the center, where we changed back and left after an really amazing day. Thank you so much River Ventures! Your approach of respectful observing these animals was the perfect way to engage those incredible animals!