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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
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $101.38
Sat 21 Sep
Starting at $101.38
Make a reservation
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
1
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)
irritech
Jan 2018
This is definately the company you want to go with to swim with the manatees. We took the early morning tour with Capt John Stark and India 2 days after Christmas. 6 of us including my older parents. From start to finish this was a top notch trip. I would suggest bringing warm socks if you are going in the winter months. Thank you RIVER VENTURES!!!
hannahcrespel
Dec 2017
Amazing manatee tour thanks to the ladies at the center and then our awesome captain J. Stark and our swim guide Jamie! We had a brilliant day and saw lots of manatees, even a slightly frightened younger member of our party was convinced to swim by Jamie and had a wonderful experience. Thanks for a great day!
Mike S
Dec 2017
Drove over two hours to River Ventures to live one of my lifetime dreams, swimming with manatees. First class operation; facility, gift shop, education and best of all the staff. Our pilot and guide, John and JJ were professional and fun. Within ten minutes of travel, we were swimming with three manatees, it was unbelievable. The same experience every time we moved to another location. I'd recommend the small group tour as there were six of us sharing one guide. As a scuba diver I can tell you the rush you get when you are only feet away from a sea turtle and/or shark, yes shark! That same feeling when a huge manatee comes up for air and it's face is only inches from you. You don't get certified to snorkel, twenty minutes of instruction and you are on your way to a fantastic experience. Two hour drive to River Venture, will repeat next time in the area. Five star rating, great people to deal with.

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