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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

Mon 11 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

Mon 11 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)

TINA P

Mar 2018

First impression was cleanliness. Extremely professional and knowledgeable. Capt John and Capt Memphis want to educate the public about the manatee while having fun. Words can’t express the gratitude for the experience. It’s a trip that will be talked about for years. They even took pictures of the interaction. They were patient with us and made sure we got the most of our adventure. I traveled over 2500 miles to do this and I’d do it again with them. Lovely, friendly, and knowledgeable employees. Thank you for making my experience awesome. It truly was the best day ever.

Grant M

Mar 2018

Spent the morning with Guides Troy and Heidi. They were very knowledgeable and fun. They found manatees right away even though the weather hasn’t been the best. Heidi took great pictures and videos so you don’t have to worry about bringing an underwater camera or phone. The picture package was very reasonable and well worth it! They also took extra time to show us other cool things in the area. Would recommend them to anyone looking for a great experience!

CeeCee1102

Mar 2018

My 12yo is OBSESSED with manatees, so we tried to see them last April with another company and only saw one sleeping, and what seemed like 100 other people in the water. We went in January this time through River Ventures...WOW, this was life changing! You really need to go when it's cold to get the best experience, and we lucked out. Captain Dave and Crystal were super knowledgeable and fun! Crystal took over 100 pictures of us in the water with the manatees which we were able to purchase (a few attached). Since it was cold, we saw a LOT, and were lucky enough to experience a "stampede", which meant all the manatees left the protected shelter so we saw HUNDREDS of them! Captain Dave kept lookout from the boat, but toward the end, he just said, they're everywhere, put your faces in the water. Quite a few engaged us so we got to pet them and give belly rubs. One calf kept bumping into me in the cutest way ever. We are so lucky to have experienced this, and many thanks to Captain Dave and Crystal for all their efforts. This really was one of the best days with my 12yo I've ever had!