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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

Sun 22 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

Sun 22 Sep

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)

Wildcats123

Feb 2018

Warm weather made for scarce manatees, but Captain John and Heidi worked hard to make sure everyone got an up close view. Despite murky water our experience was brilliant.

Todd L

Feb 2018

Captain Troy and our guide Sheena rocked. We were cautioned that due to the warm temperatures we may not see many but they would do their best. Our first stop we found one manatee; it was an amazing experience. Our second stop we found 5 manatees. Spent a lot of time with them. We then headed up to the springs for a tour and swim, Sheena is very knowledgeable and shared her insights with us. We saw several other groups out, and I felt we had the best crew. Captain Troy and Sheena made the adventure top notch. The support staff in the office did a great job explaining things to us and helping us get outfitted for the trip. Kudos to the entire team. I will definitely be back.

Vicki J

Feb 2018

Another great trip with these guys! This is our twelfth year swimming. Our eleventh with River Ventures. Due to the unexpected heat the Manatees had moved back out to the Gulf. We did have a good encounter with one that hung around. We went out with Captain John Stark and our guide was Jamie. He was great and funny! Love Jamie! Have known her a couple of years now. It was great to finally get to be on one of the tours with her as a guide. Got to go up into the Three Sisters. I am still in awe of the beauty these springs are. The water is so clear. What a wonderful place the Manatees choose to come and hang out in the cold weather! Looking forward to our next trip. Even Beast had a great time visiting. Follow Beast on Instagram... beastsadventures71

Response from Host

Feb 2018

Wow! Wow! Wow! We can not say thank you enough for all this awesome feedback! Of course we love our visitors, but when they are so loyal and return to see us multiple times per year, you join the ranks of our 'manatee maniacs'! We love that you mentioned the conditions were tough, because we truly believe that if folks know what to expect by informing themselves, then they can absolutely have an AWESOME time!! Expectations and attitude are half the battle....and if you decide to enjoy the company of your Captain and guide while enjoying the nature all around, even when there are few manatees, then memorable times will be had! Special shout out to Clint and the Beast for keeping John Stark company on board....he enjoyed having you there too! We will see you next time, thanks so much for being awesome and a welcome part of our River Family!!!!