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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)

Rodger M

Jan 2022

This was our second visit with River Ventures and our 2nd VIP Tour. We rated our 1st experience as a 5 star event and I am being generous to rate this experience a 2. First off, we had specifically requested the same captain and guide as we had last October. Had the company let us know they would not be available we would have tried to find them and gone out with whatever company they worked for. We requested 5 ml wet suits (we used them on our October tour) and our guide gave us 3 ml suits and said they would be fine: They weren't. We KNOW they had 5 ml suits and her refusal to give them to us ruined our experience. My wife was only able to remain in the water about 10 minutes and I was only able to make it less than 20 minutes. We are currently living in South Florida and 12 years before that in the Caribbean and have very thin blood and even though the water was 72 degrees that is quite cold for us. This alone ruined our experience. We paid extra for an enclosed boat with a heated interior. The Captain only lit the heater when we got out of the water. Air temp was 31 F. The heater should have been on before we even got on the boat to insure even a semi-warm interior upon returning from the water. My wife and I are experienced Whale Shark Tour Guides and fully agree with the Rules and Regulations with regards to wild animal tours put forth by the Fish and Game Department and the video which we watched before going on both tours. On this, our 2nd trip, the Tour Guide broke several rules and encouraged guests to do likewise. We were horrified! What a terrible example! That did NOT happen on our first tour our we would never have returned to this company for a second trip. The worse thing for us was that we had invited another couple to join us this time and it was worse than embarrassing. On a positive note, the boat captain was very professional and handled all other functions perectly. I am quite sure if I sent the pictures we purchased of this trip to the Florida Dept of Fish and Game the Guide would be sited for violations. Most people probably wouldn't care but as Conservationists, especially worries about our oceans and all the creatures that live there, this greatly saddens us.

Response from Host

Jan 2022

Hey Rodger, I'm sorry you were disappointed with your tour and the experience you had on your second visit. I believe you went out with Troy and Paige and did request them, they were both on the schedule and they both called out sick. Per your request note, "We are requesting that we have Troy and Paige as our "Team". We just had a really fun time with them. If they are not available we certainly understand!" we assumed you'd be happy with another team, our apologies for not communicating this to you ahead of time. We attempt to fulfill every request, but sometimes it's just not doable. Our apologies on the heater, it's always tough on the coldest days of the year. I will make sure all captains start the heater earlier. In regards to the violations, I did review the photos and do not see any obvious violations. But, I would like to discuss this further with you as I am not on the water every tour. We are conservations, and always want to ensure we're sharing these magical animals in a way thats safe for them. Please email me at [email protected] or call 352-564-8687 Wed-Sunday and request to speak to Erin to discuss further so we can use this as a learning experience.

Monica_S

Jan 2022

Such a cool nature experience being that close to the gentle manatees. Our tour guide Shelly and our captain Irish Dave were friendly and informative. Everything about this experience was top notch!

Amanda M

Jan 2022

SUCH AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. Sarah was wonderful and funny. Everyone associated with this place was so nice and very cool. They explain everyone and they are also kind enough to take photos with you and the manatees. 10000% recommend. Also, if you go, tip them well, they deserve it.