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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)

Jessica B

Jun 2018

The semi private tour was worth the extra $$ for the better experience! We got lucky and had the boat to ourselves! Captain Laura and Sheena were amazing and made the day memorable even though it was a tough day locating manatee's in Kings Bay! The pictures and video that Sheena took for us were amazing, and I can't stress how awesome our day was! If you're looking for a manatee snorkel tour in Crystal River I would recommend River Ventures to anyone and everyone and I'll definitely be asking for Captain Laura and Sheena again!!! Thank you for the hard work and not giving up trying to find manatee's today!!

Molly A

May 2018

The semi-private tour is worth the extra price because there are only a few other people on the boat with you, so everyone gets as much manatee time as they want without crowding or others frightening the manatees away. Captain Wade and swimming guide Mike worked well as a pair taking us to several great spots in clear water with several manatees. On this trip you get to listen to the manatees chew grass below you while you snorkel and float above them. It is serene and a one-of-a-kind experience. The captains clearly respect the wildlife and know a lot about the area, which I appreciated greatly. This was the best part of my trip to Florida and I will certainly be back

NMMountainGal

May 2018

Our captain, john, and in water guide, Jodi, were the very best. Spend the extra and go for a private or semi-private tour. You get manatees to yourself until you are content. We also got a private tour of the bay area, which was a huge bonus. The guide and captain both were very knowledgeable about the area. We were more than pleased with the whole experience. One in our party had trouble getting the hang of snorkeling but John and Jodi had tricks up their sleeves to help and a boat-load of patience ensuring everyone was comfortable and got to experience the best trip with the manatees. Absolutely the best activity in Crystal River. Don't worry about the time of year. Manatees reside in the bay year around. Thank you to River ventures for the excellent tour. Do use this company and you will be in the best hands.

Response from Host

May 2018

Thank you so much for taking the time to inform the world about your adventure!! Having customer feedback like this makes it so much easier for first time visitors to book with confidence!! If you had an awesome adventure, chances are we will make their visit awesome as well! We love John and Jodi....John has been doing this a very long time, and as a passionate nature lover Jodi has a TON of knowledge when it comes to animals and eco-systems. They make an incredible team, thank you for noticing!! We hope you get the chance to come back and visit us....people like you make our jobs wonderful!!