Afisha Life Homepage
Crystal River
Explore
Walking Tours
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

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (103) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (113) Entry Tickets (47) Sporting Events (1) Good for Small Groups (6) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (41) Walking Tours (697) Outdoor Activities (20) Limitied Availability Tours (6) LGBT Friendly Tours (4) Family-friendly Activities (7) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (27) Travelers recommend (73) Good for Groups (8) Top Activities (18) Guided Audio Tours (3) Art, Culture & History (135) Attractions to explore (38)

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)

jamie7johnson

Dec 2021

My husband and I booked the small group VIP Tour for 7:30 am with River Ventures. Hailey (our captain) and Faith (our guide) were great! While we were all in the water, Hailey helped us scout out manatees from her vantage point above on the boat, and Faith would signal to us when she saw one close-by as she took photos of us in the water. Hailey had a much-appreciated batch of hot-chocolate ready for us when we were ready to come in from the cold into the heated boat interior. A good variety of snacks and cold drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) were also available for us to take as we pleased. Also - we paid $10 extra each for the fancy snorkel masks that go over your face so you can breathe through your nose. I loved mine - it didn't leak or fog at all and greatly enhanced the overall snorkeling experience for me. Strangely - my husband's would almost "honk" when he exhaled - and he ended up opting to switch his out for a traditional mask in fear of scaring away all the manatees. :) He wasn't bothered by the normal mask though. A small suggestion I would have is for the company to provide the boat with extra fancy masks just in case this happens in the future. Finally, the pictures Faith took in the water were great - and we ended up purchasing the album for a little over $30. I'm actually glad I forgot my waterproof camera because it allowed me to be fully engrossed in the overall experience! We are very satisfied with our experience and would recommend this tour!

D9250QEkrisb

Dec 2021

Amazing experience! An absolute bucket list adventure on your Florida trip. Tour guide Courtney and Capt. Troy where phenomenal, even with our non-swimming passenger. A complete up close, personal, and stellar experience with amazingly friendly gentle Giants! I highly recommend this experience, and crew, for your next vacation! Keep up the great work, you'll see us again!

Evelyn_Z

Dec 2021

This was an amazing experience!! From the moment your walked in the front door you felt welcome. Once you arrive at the fabulous boat (best one I’ve seen in the area) our captain was so friendly and our guide Faith was the best!! She made sure we got alot of close up pictures and experiences with the manatees! I can’t say enough great stuff about them!! I will be back!