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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
Fri 15 Nov
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $101.38
Fri 15 Nov
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)
hannahderr
Apr 2022
Skylar and Faith were wonderful! My friends and I visited January 2022 and were not disappointed. we ended up being the only ones on the tour as the other people scheduled didn't show up, which was awesome for us. the water was colder than i thought it was going to be, but not too bad. definitely tolerable. they allowed us a few options as to where specifically we went in the water. very knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. it was my first time and it took me a bit to get used to the position they ask you to get in when you are in the water. also i am a slow swimmer. my friends have taken this tour many times so they had me amped up before we even arrived. im happy i went with this time
andybQ5305AU
Apr 2022
If you are thinking of swimming with the manatees then look no further than River Ventures. Really well organised from start to finish. Our guide Shana & captain Troy first class. Boat was excellent. Loads of snacks & drinks on board. Most importantly though we got to swim with many many of these magnificent beasts. We will be back for sure. Recommended.
BravoZooloo
Apr 2022
RE: Semi-Private or Private Houseboat Manatee Tour Michelle, Poppy, Nanna, Will and I had a great time touring the beautiful Crystal River and swimming with the Manatees. Courtney was a great guide and Matt did a wonderful job as skipper (or was it captain?) getting us to the Manatees and keeping Nanna and Poppy entertained while we were in the water. The operation was well organized, safe, and easy to book. Another plus: they use smaller boats which makes your experience with the manatees much more intimate compared to some of the boats with thirty swimmers churning up the water chasing after a single manatee. We'll definitely use River Ventures again!

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