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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 16 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

Sat 16 Nov

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)

uppermichiganK

Apr 2022

We had a 5 star experience with Cortney and Captain Troy! The tour was better than we ever expected. Cortney was informative while making it fun too! Captain Troy was an expert at spotting manatee and pointed out other wildlife and points of interest. We found some manatees and Cortney helped keep our group together and gently guided us around the manatees. Swimming up close with the manatees in their natural environment was absolutely amazing. They are so peaceful and a baby even interacted with us! The snacks and beverages were great to pass the time while looking for manatee. The VIP experience was pretty reasonably priced and even the picture package and gift shop items were too. If we are ever in the area again, we definitely want to come back and do it again! Thank you Cortney and Troy for an unforgettable experience!

Robin P

Apr 2022

Having grown up in south Florida, I never had the chance to swim with manatee. Now, as a mom of 3 daughters ( our oldest with Down syndrome ) I read hundreds of reviews and watched tons of videos to pick the perfect company for unique experiences. River Ventures did not disappoint! Captain Troy did any amazing job! I was concerned that I waited too late in the season to see the manatee. Captain Troy did an outstanding job finding manatee for us to observe while keeping us and the manatee safe. What I was really impressed by was his courtesy to other tours when approaching an area that had manatee. He always greeted the other captains and was mindful of the tours already in the water as to not ruin their experience and to not overwhelm the manatee. He was great with our daughter with special needs. After all the hours of research I did to find the perfect company, I am certain I made the best choice. We were ready to passively observe the manatee. But, we were not expecting the interaction the manatees wanted with us. One actually put its fin around my middle daughter and hugged her to its body. Another came nose to nose with me! One manatee hugged my husband's arm. We were so careful not to touch the manatee in any way and passively observe them but they were the ones wanting to play and engage with us. The crew was great at instructing everyone to just stay still and let the manatee maneuver around us. They really take measures to keep the manatee safe. What an amazing experience for my entire family. One we will never forget! Our photographer & guide in the water was Courtney. She was so friendly and took some great photos. I just cannot say enough about this company and their staff. They really enjoy their work and seem to be like a family. Lindsay who drove us and helped check us in was amazing. Take it from a mom who spends hours researching companies, THIS IS THE TOUR YOU WANT! We booked the semi-private ( 6 people max) and it was just perfect! They provide the manatee safety video, wet suits, snorkels, noodles, snacks & drinks on this tour. Best animal experience we have ever had. 5 STARS *****. Thank you Captain Troy, Courtney, Lindsay, Juno & the rest of the staff for your kindness, educational information, professionalism & FUN spirit. Most importantly we were able to have a great experience while keeping the manatee safe! ******Oh, & they honor the military with a discount! Thank you!

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Mar 2022

Fantastic experience! Trish and Wade guided us to a wonderful encounter with the Manatees. Great hospitality and sharing of info! Highly recommended.