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)

Hsojaw

Nov 2021

This was an incredible experience. We were paired up with Captain Wade and Guide Trish, and these two truly showed us a VIP tour of King's Bay. We saw so many manatees and most of them were mother and calf duos and small to large herds, which made the trip feel special. Wade and Trish knew the bay and all the best spots for swimming and viewing. If I could give River Ventures 6 stars (or even 10 stars) I gladly would. They were true professionals and everything about the experience was perfect; the comfort of the boats, the snacks and the hot or cold drinks available, the information about the bay and all it's animals...it was all just perfect. They have mastered all the little touches that turn a great experience into an incredible one.

Larren P

Nov 2021

River Ventures Captain Wade & Guide Trish Our trip with Captain Wade & Trish of River Ventures (Crystal River) was amazing. From the moment we stepped on the boat they were welcoming and genuinely wanted to educate us about the river and the importance of preservation efforts to save this magical estuary for generations to come. Much has been done to preserve the health & welfare of the river and its inhabitants. Homeowners living on the river, the manatees and businesses coexist in peaceful harmony. This amazing ecosystem and all living animals in and around the preserve are thriving because of determination and restoration efforts. We quickly realized that Captain Wade & guide Trish truly care about respecting nature, the preserve and the manatees in their native habitat. They made sure we had the best experience they could provide. I was unprepared however for the actual experience itself. It was the first weekend in November 2021. Though early in the season for manatees returning to the warmth & security of the springs we were fortunate to soon be in the water with a momma and her calf. Two others were nearby and we gently floated and they glided around beside and below us, gave a couple of kisses and gentle rolls as they were curious about the humans who’d come to visit today. Trish was 100% in her element being in the water so much so that I wondered if she was a mermaid herself. Trish simply put is a girl who sincerely cared about providing a unique experience for their guests on the boat that day. Plus, she LOVES the manatees and they seemed to love her……. The entire experience was humbling in the sheer size yet gentleness you sensed being next to the manatees. The sunlight shone through the water onto pockets of spring water bubbling up which created iridescent sparkling rays of light with water swirling around sun beams shining from the river bottom to the surface in a perpetual dance. As the sun danced and sparkled the manatees ate while smiling at us enjoying our company or so it seemed. They were very curious. It was both spectacular and breathtaking. The entire experience for me was deeply spiritual and I cried happy tears my heart pumping hard from the excitement. I felt full of gratitude and then…. Trish smiled as she then gently guided me over to witness the momma nursing her calf. UNBELIEVABLE!

deanod403

Nov 2021

First of all, River Ventures is easy to locate and very well equipped. It had coffee and snacks and hot cocoa and beer and wine. Troy was our boat captain and Paige was our water guide. They are a fantastic duo that made our trip very enjoyable. Troy explained about the life and habits of the manatees while carefully located groups of them for us to swim with. Paige has a soft and generous nature about her and served as an excellent water guide. She was very knowledgeable about everything from rules of manatee engagement to diving experience. Troy took us to three sisters spring as a bonus and it was gorgeous. We encountered a baby manatee and a fabulous sunrise. A very worthwhile trip. I plan on doing it again and I plan on requesting Troy and Paige. Great tour guys.