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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
Tue 23 Dec
i
You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $98.11
Tue 23 Dec
Starting at $98.11
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.
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 (835)
213jaxp
Oct 2024
We thoroughly enjoyed our manatee interactions with Guide James and Captain Bryan. Bothe our very knowledgeable (we couldn’t stump Captain…) and made sure we were all safe while having fun. James shared how special it was to see baby nursing on mama-manatee, and we were a small group (4) which made it even more special. We’d love to come back when the sanctuaries are full, and would definitely go with James and Capt. Bryan for part II. Huge appreciation for keeping the manatees safe and sound, and sharing with us these awesome experiences.
Response from Host
Oct 2024
Aw, thank so much for the wonderful review. We make it a challenge to try to stump Captain Bryan. The guy is walking encyclopedia lol. He and James do make a great team on the water, and I'm sure they would love to see you guys again. Make sure you call us so we can apply your repeat offender discount and submit a request for these guys. Again, thanks for the review, and thank you for choosing River Ventures.
ashleymB967ZA
Oct 2024
We had captain bryan and tour guide james and they were awesome! Full of humor, fun facts and really put their all into giving us a great experience. The entire experience was relaxed and joyful. We were able to witness and engage with multiple manatees among other wildlife. They even recommended some food spots! The entire staff from start to finish was friendly and engaging. They had awesome stickers and merchandise to buy plus some cute dogs running around to play with. It's a little cold at first in the water and sometimes hard to see but you get over it and the crew does everything in their power to make the trip worth wild. Nature is nature and it's not in their control. Highly suggest the vip -- the less people on the trip the more you get to engage. They have beverages and snacks too! Can't wait to go back. Thank you for a wonderful experience! And for those who aren't quite sure how it works -- YOU WILL GET WET 🤪
K4185NLdanielleh
Oct 2024
Johanna and Troy were absolutely wonderful. We had a great time in the water with Johanna and she got some beautiful pictures for us to be able to cherish forever. And Troy was so kind and helpful trying to keep a watchful eye for any manatees for us to say hello too as well as being extremely knowledgeable. Would 100% do again and hopefully will sooner then later, great people great experience 🥳

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