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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

Sun 17 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

Sun 17 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)

randyd67

Feb 2022

Captain Emerson and our guide Lyndsay could not have been better! My family, which included our mother and father in their 80's had the best time swimming and interacting with the manatees, as they approached us. We couldn't recommend this trip more! Definitely a bucket list experience! I would suggest to book the early morning trips like we did to get maximum interaction with these sweet creatures.

Jennifer H

Feb 2022

I brought my niece for a manatee swim on January 23, 2022. We had an awesome time, and we saw so many manatees! Sara was an excellent teacher and in-water tour guide and Emerson was a fantastic boat captain. I came back two weeks later on February 8, 2022 with my husband and sister-in-law and we went out again. This time we had Liz as our classroom teacher and in-water tour guide. She was fabulous as well and we had some wonderful encounters with a mama and baby manatee and many others. Irish Dave was our boat captain, and he was awesome! I highly recommend River Ventures! The memories of the two tours will last a lifetime! We all cannot wait to go again!

Goddess77

Feb 2022

Captain Troy and Paige were excellent guides, and really made sure we had an amazing experience. This was our first time seeing the manatees, and my first time snorkeling. Paige took extra care to ensure I was comfortable with using the equipment before we got in the water. Our tour started with a video briefing on what to expect while on the tour, then a short bus ride to the dock where we met Captain Troy and boarded the boat. A short safety talk, and we were off. We quickly had a sighting so headed over and were helped into the water. We found a beautiful resting manatee who was happy to let us watch him for a while. We are advised to keep calm and just float while watching, avoid loud or sudden movements as this can disturb the manatees. There were other manatee in the area but they were in shallow water so more difficult to see. After short time, we moved off to allow other groups in..it is important not to overcrowd. We went further onto the river and Troy educated us on what signs to look for, and was happy to answer our questions. While travelling we saw other wildlife, such as Pelican Cormorants and Turkey Vultures. We had several other sightings, and our final stop of the tour found us in a group of manatees, including a very playful and curious baby who was very interested in us. It was just amazing to share space with these beautiful animals. After we got back on the boat, we were offered snacks and hot or cold drinks, and provided with heaters to warm up. Certainly an experience we won't forget, and wouldn't hesitate to do again. River Ventures is an excellent company to use, ensuring guests are well looked after and remain respectful of the manatees.