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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

Mon 18 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $101.38

Make a reservation

Mon 18 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)

leeanns716

Jan 2022

Had an amazing afternoon with Wade and Troy! They are extremely knowledgeable about the manatee and local wildlife. They took us to one area where it was just our small group and another area where there were many manatees. It was an awesome experience! The pictures Troy took are spectacular! All the staff at River Ventures are friendly and do a great job! Thanks!

RJRJMR

Jan 2022

We took the early morning (7:00am) semi-private 4hr manatee swim/tour. This was perhaps one of the best tours we have ever taken . Our “guide” was Troy. He was fantastic . He was in the water with us the entire time , pointing out manatees and taking pictures and videos for us. At times we were completely surrounded by manatees - large males , females with their young and solitary males or females. The experience was breathtaking . These “gentle giants” were amazing . Our “captain “ was Skylar (Skye). She is a “local” having spent most of her life ( winters - she goes to Alaska in the summer) , so she was extremely knowledgeable and informative. Plus she was a lot of fun ! After spending the first part of our adventure in an area with several other tour companies , she took us to an area where we were the only boat and we could swim with several manatees completely alone. The entire operation is definitely first class. The pontoon was enclosed and HEATED. Coffee , hot chocolate and snacks were provided and plentiful ! This tour is definitely worth the money and worth doing again . Hint - do the early morning tour - it is less crowded and there are more manatees.

splashintoadventure

Jan 2022

Taking the manatee tour was an excellent experience with these folks. I was exceptionally pleased with their customer service. I found out the nasty storms were coming in the day we were scheduled neither them, so I called and they were able to get us moved up the day before no issues. I was so grateful! We took the semi private VIP you, which is a max of 6 people. It's a much better experience in my opinion. At first I was a little worried we weren't going to see manatees because we were an area with crappy viz. thank god we moved and ended up seeing a couple different manatees just hanging out and eating. I got some amazing photos. Our guide Troy, also took awesome photos! I ended up doing the $32.95 photo package. I would definitely go out with them again and definitely recommend.