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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 21 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

Sat 21 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)

Tiyana85

Feb 2018

Once and a lifetime experience! The captain Troy and our guide Sheena were awesome and so much fun. Gave us so much information the whole trip and took us to amazing places. Will definetly suggest everyone try the VIP tour.

Response from Host

Feb 2018

Troy and Sheena are becoming one of our powerhouse teams!! What an awesome combination of knowledge, positive vibes and passion....that's exactly what is needed for an awesome manatee experience! Thank you so much for visiting us and this super feedback will keep us going for another day! It really makes a difference when great people like you give us this feedback; it ensures that this never really becomes a 'Job' it always remains a 'Joy'! Come see us again when you can, and feel free to request troy and sheena to be your hosts!!

judical

Feb 2018

I took my daughter here as a graduation gift. Great instructions before we headed out. Our guides, Jamie and Dave, knew just where to go. We were able to see two manatees in our own private little cove. Jamie and Dave both have eagle eyes for spotting them. We were able to pet them several times. They are both very knowledgeable about the manatees, springs, and the nature around us. Thank you, Jamie and Dave!

Tyler S

Feb 2018

What an experience this was! In one moment, we were in our familiar world on land, sitting on a boat, and imagining the manatees as we have seen them from the surface, read about them, and watched them in soundtracked internet videos. In the next moment, we were underwater, in snorkel gear and a wet suit, and approaching a large and curious manatee! There was no soundtrack; just silence and wonder, and respect for their domain. It's easy for us humans to reference our own civilization as the center of the universe, and our place on Planet Earth as the center of this world, but there are really so many worlds going on here at once, both above sea level and below it! Swimming with the manatees brought up a deep primal feeling of being out of control and at their mercy for me; not in a bad way; but in a humbling way. In the end, the manatees we encountered were gentle and sometimes curious and playful beings who were a joy to swim among. Yet again, I feel blessed to witness life from another perspective outside of myself, and to remember my responsibility to behave as a good steward of this planet, and a good neighbor as I can to the other worlds co-existing on it with me. Also, the boat ride and snacks were great, and the hosts and touring company were superb! We had an amazing and life-enriching time with the manatees!