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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
Mon 18 Nov
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $101.38
Mon 18 Nov
Starting at $101.38
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.
  • 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
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 (565)
rpdmom
Jan 2022
River Ventures is the best tour company in Crystal River. They are very responsible about respecting and teaching the rules about observing these wonderful creatures. I definitely recommend Trish and Wade as the in-water guide and captain. My friend who was with me had never snorkeled and she said they were the only reason she got the courage to do it. Wade and Trish found the best viewing area and Trish was awesome as an in-water guide. I live in the area and am familiar with the companies in the area, and River Ventures is the best!
annehT6822PO
Jan 2022
All 3 of got hugs and kisses from very friendly manatees🥰 Sarah our guide and Mike our captain were so fantastic!!!
twinmom296
Dec 2021
It was an amazing time. We got to see several manatees. Captain Peter and Liz were very informative. It was nice being out with a small group and not having a bunch of people trying to get close to one manatees. The only negative was the photos I purchased didn't really have any pics of me with the manatees.
Response from Host
Jan 2022
We're so glad you had an amazing time, we love sharing this incredibly unique experience with our guests! Often times, it can be tough for 1 guide to get lots of pictures of everyone in their group, especially when the conditions are tough or someone else in the group is struggling. Our guides first priorities are always the safety of everyone in the water and the protection of manatees by ensuring all guests are following their manatee manners. If one of their main priorities takes up too much of their time, you may end up with a few less photos, even more so if you swim away from the guide and group. Our guests are always welcome to bring their own cameras as long as they are not on a selfie stick just for a situation like this. Our sincerest apologies that our guide fell a few short photos short of a perfect experience.

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