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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)

neemad19

Jan 2018

My family had a great time swimming with the manatees and I'm glad we booked with River Ventures. We took an early morning tour and they were very organized and efficient. Captain Troy and our guide Emerson were both wonderful and took great care of us, especially my 6 year old who got scared and didn't want to be in the water. I'm so grateful to Troy for keeping her happy and entertained on the boat so the rest of us could enjoy our time in the water with the manatees. It was an unusually cold, miserable day in Crystal River, but they kept us as comfortable as possible. We had fantastic manatee interactions and never felt rushed at all.

Jennireesa

Jan 2018

Our guides, Evan and Dave, were awesome. They were very knowledgable and helpful. They took us to great spots with lots of manatees. The day we went was freezing! I'm glad we booked the VIP Heated Pontoon tour, the group was small (6 people) and we had heat. We also brought bathrobes to keep warm after swimming. We wore our sneakers and they had gotten wet, so make sure to bring flip flops or water shoes to wear on the boat.

Response from Host

Jan 2018

Thanks so much for this awesome feedback!! Evan and Dave are true professionals and their love of what they do shows! You left our readers with some great advice...when it is cold, PREPARE!! Towels, a blanket, warm, loose fitting clothing, socks and/or shoes....but bathrobes!?! Completely Rad!! And if one of our heated vessels is an option, then BOOK IT! Well worth a few extra dollars for most people (well the personal attention, snacks and drinks are pretty cool too!) Talk about getting cozy! Thanks for the five star shout out....and we can't wait to have you back again!

KDubsWilson

Jan 2018

I had such an amazing time on the VIP Pontoon Tour with Mariah and JJ. They did an awesome job informing us of boat safety, manatee trivia and information about the location. We got lucky in that the temperature dropped significantly the day before our tour, which meant, more manatees! My husband and I got face to face (literally) with multiple sea cows. I couldn't have asked for a better day in the water with these spectacular creatures. Do yourself a favor and splurge for the VIP Heated Pontoon. It was 42 degrees when we went out and the water was a cozy 72 degrees. The heated pontoon was exactly what we needed when getting out of the water, back into the cold air!