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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)

mikeyfowler

Jan 2018

This was a brilliant day trip. The staff were all really good, Matt who swam with us and took photos was great, and so was our boat driver Mariah who was waiting with a hot chocolate when we got out of the water. The lady that did the instructions at the start, and gave us wet suits etc was so passionate, it really got everyone excited for the day ahead. Being able to swim with Manatees was incredible, and was made even better by doing it with these guys. I absolutely recommend them if you are in the area. Thank you!

Kevin O

Jan 2018

Great, professional team. Very passionate and knowledgeable. We were well look after and well informed. Loads of playful babies and adults. Would highly recommend.

Kim B

Jan 2018

This tour fills up fast - so if you do not want to be disappointed - make your reservations. We did the 6:45 tour both days. One was a 3 hour and the other a 4 hour. You have a quick introduction and then watch a video explaining more about what to expect ( 10 minutes). They fit you for a wetsuit and you change there before you get on the boat. They take you in a van to the dock - about 2-3 minutes. We had a heated, enclosed pontoon boat both days. Since it was below freezing both days 0 the heat was appreciated. Hot coffee and tea are available on board ( and in the office too). We had a guide in the water with us both days. the first day was Tom and the second day was Heidi. BOTH were great guides and you can tell they were loving what they were doing! They really made the snorkel fun. They took pictures and they were available to purchase at the end of the tour - about $30. The guides tell you the best way to have a personal mantle experience is not to move much. It certainly worked for me both days! The first day I thought I was going to get "scolded" because one manatee was all around me and i could not help but touch it. Both days they got right up in my mask. It was so cool! One swam around me each day and followed me. the friend I was with said she looked over and it looked like I was having my own personal party with the manatee! Yes - she got some pictures! I have my own gear - but they provide you with a snorkel if you need one as well as the wetsuit. Once the sun was higher in the air you could see the animals better. Clarity was okay - the first day, better the second day. Captain Casey had a plan to help us get the BEST manatee experience as possible. Very knowledgeable about the animals as well as the area. Listen to him as well as your guide and you are assured they will do the best they can to make this the best manatee experience possible. The office people work really hard to make sure you have what you need before you go and are very pleasant. It's a nice way to start your tour - and finish it too! We hope to get to do it again soon!! AWESOME!