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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

Tue 24 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

Tue 24 Dec

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)

Glenn M

Nov 2017

It was on the bucket list. And Captain John S, guide Jamie, and the rest of the folks of River Venture made sure we had a great time as we crossed it off the list. Everyone was smiling and making sure we enjoyed ourselves. They know how to make their guests feel welcome. Of course, it sure helped that the manatees cooperated but our captain (River Daddy I am told) made sure to get us to great locations and Jamie made sure that we got an experience of a life time.

Mary Ann H

Nov 2017

My husband and I did the Semi-Private VIP tour for my birthday/bucket list. The staff were all wonderful and their appreciation for both the tourist's experience and for maintaining respect for the manatees was obvious. Captain John Stark and our guide Tom made this an amazing experience. We had some friendly manatees who were happy to interact with our small group. I highly recommend River Ventures and will use them again if I am lucky enough to have another opportunity to come here.

megan2319

Nov 2017

My husband and I decided to go to Florida for our honeymoon specifically so we could go swimming with the manatees. We tried to search for the best company since this was the main part of our trip. We eventually decided to go with River Ventures and definitely were not disappointed. Captain John Stark and Lindsey led our tour and definitely made the whole trip. They were so fun, personable, and accommodating. There were only 6 of us on the tour so it made it more intimate and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend one of the tours with the photographers on board. It was so nice to have the whole experience documented for us instead of worrying about trying to get good pictures. If you are looking for the best manatee experience, then I would definitely book with River Ventures. Great staff, great experience, great value.