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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)

Stephanie O

Jan 2018

Captain Mariah and tour guide Heidi were fantastic, as well as all the staff. I have done manatee swims with other companies and other tour guides and this was hands down my favourite experience with manatees. If you intend to scratch a manatee swim off your bucket list, you have to do it with River Ventures.

Response from Host

Jan 2018

WOW, WOW, WOW!!! What a super review and it means so much from someone who has been multiple times, and with other Companies. Folks often ask us what sets us apart, even though there are many operators that do these tours....RIVER VENTURES IS VERY DIFFERENT. We pride ourselves in that difference...our phenomenal people! We truly appreciate that this is not 'just another day' for our guest, but often a bucket list outing or a trip multiple family members had to sacrifice for!! Being responsible for the manatees, our privileges here in King's Bay and the highest possible customer experience puts a lot of pressure on our shoulders.....but we welcome the daily challenge! Having folks like you to recognize our efforts, really reminds us why we do what we do....and it keeps the fires stoked for an awesome tomorrow. Mama Mariah and Safari Heidi are a 'dynamic duo'....and you simply can't do much better as far as experience, care and fun. I mean if you don't have fun with them....you better slap yourself, cause you're just not a fun person!! You are a member of the RV family now, so we hope you get the chance to come back again and visit us. The manatees will be waiting!!

dennis k

Jan 2018

There is only one place in the world to swim with the manatees and that is in the Crystal River area. The manatees are huge, peaceful sea creatures that need warm waters ( 68 degrees or more ) to survive. They live in shallow waters and eat only sea grass. The underwater springs that feed into the Crystal River make this the ideal place for these docile creatures to spend the winter. Now imagine that you are face to face with a 1200 pound ( or much more ) creature with only a snorkel mask between you. At first this is a bit frightening ( for me, at least) but, soon you will realize that they are very friendly and have absolutely no desire to hurt you. The professional guides at River Ventures will work hard to make sure your experience is truly an unforgettable one. On this tour Captain John and guide JJ were fantastic in making sure we had a great day. I want to personally thank JJ for making this adventure one that I will always remember ( he will know why ). Our small group of 6 were on the VIP pontoon tour which provided snacks and drinks and 4 hours of fun. But I am sure any tour that involved snorkeling with the manatees would be unforgettable. I also want to recognize Brandy and all the staff at River Ventures for being part of a great day for my wife and I. One very important note, while some manatees are here year round the winter months of December, January and February see the largest population and the clearest waters. I would highly recommend making a point to see them during this time.

Jeri C

Jan 2018

Beautiful morning out on Kings Bay and the surrounding areas observing Manatees and wildlife.Captain John was very knowledgeable of the local history and wildlife here in Crystal River. Fascinating and Funtastic!