Animal Encounter Crystal River

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  • Packages start from $84.00

$ Prices

From $84.00

Semi-Private or Private Heated VIP Manatee Swim Tour - Pontoon of Privilege - Crystal River

Overview


Join River Ventures for an unforgettable adventure on our heated, luxury pontoon boats, where you'll be treated like royalty. We keep it intimate with a maximum of 6 people per tour guided by our in-water HD photographer, ensuring a personal and high-end encounter.

Why book with River Ventures?


The ‘OG’ of Swim with Manatee : Dive into the world of manatees with the largest and most experienced center in Crystal River and Homosassa – since 2004!


Manatee Guarantee ($): No manatees? No worries, we’ll refund you.
Tour options for any budget: Save money or splurge, we have a tour for you.
Manatees, Dolphins & Airboats: Combo-Tours, book for the manatee and stay with the dolphins
Over 5000 5-star reviews online! Need we say more? 
Your A-Team: Expert guides, pirate captains, underwater photographers and booking wizards
Eco-Edutainment: In-classroom presentation. Learn from our passionate guides.

What makes this a VIP tour?


In – water Guide & Photographer




USCG Master Captain
Heated Vessel
Cushioned Boat Seats
Maximum Capacity of 6 people
Mask & Snorkel
Full length Wetsuit
Adult Beverages
Coffee, Hot Cocoa & Tea
Bottled Water & assorted sodas
Assorted snacks

Duration


3 Hour Tour

Meet up


Arrive 15 minutes prior to tour time
Location: 498 SE Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL 34429

What to Expect




Begin your journey with a warm welcome from the most seasoned Crew in town at River Ventures Tour Center
Acquaint yourself with USFWS Manatee Encounter Rules and get fitted for a wetsuit in a classroom setting
Step aboard luxury pontoon boat with full isinglass enclosure and comforting warmth during winter
Experience exclusivity with a limited group of just 6 VIP passengers on this tour
Cruise in style through Kings Bay, Three Sisters Springs and more while searching for manatees
Swim with Manatee while Guide captures your experience with a cutting-edge HD action camera
Savor a selection of hot beverages, alcoholic drinks, refreshing sodas and assorted snacks on board
Conclude your experience at River Venture’s Tour Center, indulge in souvenir shopping and admire photos

Important Policies


Minimum of 3 people to operate, if the minimum is not met, you will be offered a different tour time.
Minimum Age to Participate in the Semi-Private VIP Tour is 3 Years old, please book all 6 seats or a private manatee tour (***add link) to bring younger passengers.
Dogs are not allowed on the Semi-Private VIP Tour, please book a private manatee tour (***add link) to bring your furry friend.

Expectations & Tour Conditions


Colder Weather = More manatees
Warmer Weather = Less manatees



We prioritize both the satisfaction of our customers and the safety of the Crystal River manatees. It is crucial to maintain realistic expectations when engaging in encounters with wild manatees since we cannot control their behavior or migration patterns. Typically, colder weather attracts a greater number of manatees, while warmer weather results in fewer sightings and more time spent searching for these gentle giants. Each trip is distinct, offering a unique experience for every individual. For detailed information on current conditions, we encourage you to visit our conditions page or contact us directly for more details.


THREE SISTERS SPRINGS is managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service who reserves the right to close the area to swimmers at any time. During cold spells when the animals are thermoregulating in the spring area, it will be closed to avoid harassment and ensure the animals can rest. We May or may not be able to access this one-acre spring (part of the 600-acre refuge area) and that is something we cannot predict from day to day.

The Manatee Guarantee


River Ventures is now offering an optional manatee guarantee upgrade! With our Manatee Guarantee, we eliminate the risk from your tour by assuring you'll have the opportunity to swim with manatees. In the event that you are unable to swim with manatees during your tour and you have chosen the optional upgrade prior to your tour, River Ventures will provide you with a full refund! The guarantee does not cover situations where a guest is unable or unwilling to participate in the activity or fails to adhere to instructions and rules provided by the River Ventures crew.

Additional Information


Exclusive Natural Encounters


Indulge in River Venture’s VIP Manatee Swim Tour in Crystal River, FL, crafted to offer a refined and respectful rendezvous with the Florida manatees. Our seasoned guides are dedicated to upholding the stringent USFWS guidelines, guaranteeing the well-being of the West Indian Manatee in their pristine natural habitat during your exclusive swim with the manatee tour.


All-Inclusive Luxuries


Commence your journey at River Ventures' full-service tour center. Here, your certified in-water guide and talented photographer will provide essential insights on proper manatee etiquette in a classroom setting and ensure a perfect wetsuit fit. Once prepared, join our esteemed USCG Master Captain on our luxury, covered and enclosed pontoon boats, setting forth to explore the realm of manatees in the Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Crystal River, FL.


Seasoned Crew of Experts


Onboard, our highly knowledgeable crew will share their wisdom on manatee behavior and conservation efforts, enriching your Florida manatee encounter. As you immerse yourself in the spring fed waters of Crystal River, FL, anticipate an unforgettable swim with the manatee experience. Yet, the journey doesn't conclude there—keep your senses attuned to the wonders of wildlife during your boat tour of King's Bay, which may encompass Three Sisters Springs, Hunter Springs Park, and other local springs. From the initial manatee encounters to the finale with birds, fish, turtles, and perhaps even a dolphin, this tour unveils the uniqueness of our ecosystem, home to the Crystal River manatee.


A Once-in-a-Lifetime Affair


Join us today for the best swim and snorkel experience with manatees in Crystal River, FL. Our unwavering commitment to small group sizes ensures an intimate and personalized journey with only 6 participants on board. With comforting warmth provided, there's no need to brave the cold, and a selection of delectable snacks and beverages is readily available, so you won't go hungry. We go the extra mile so your bucket list adventure is a true luxury! Secure your spot on this extraordinary manatee swim tour now and make memories that will endure a lifetime.

Restrictions

  • people Group Size: From 1 Up To 6

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From $560.00

Private 'OG' Swim with Manatee Swim Tour - Exclusive Encounter - Crystal River

Enjoy the unique privilege that is exclusively ours here in Citrus County Florida by swimming with the manatees in the spring-fed King’s Bay Wildlife Refuge! Crystal River is home to the world’s largest population of endangered manatee during the winter season, and even a small population the warm months. Having the chance to encounter these curious, gentle giants in their natural habitat is an adventure that your family will never forget! Embark on your journey with a Coast Guard Certified Master Captain and in water chaperone, educator and photographer. Your tour will run three 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 giudes’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. We guarantee that after you meet our friendly gentle-giants you will never be the same! You will never forget your adventures here in Crystal River, and chances are - we will see you again!
Meet our manatee from your own private boat. Explore the sparkling waters of the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge on this guided 3 hour tour.

Masks, snorkels, and wetsuits included Bottled water included onboard In water tour guide and photographer provided at no extra charge Photo package available at the end of your tour
Price reflects 1 to 10 people; over 10 is additional per person All ages welcome on this tour! Please include all children in passenger count 7 days per week, year round! Departing from River Ventures - Crystal River
Tour Conditions
It is very important to have realistic expectations when it comes to a wild animal encounter! Every trip is different and the experience is unique for each individual. In the cooler weather the animals migrate to this area and congregate here for the protection of the warm water springs; when the weather warms they can move about going wherever they want! These are wild animals and we can not control their migration. Manatee spend their lives searching for food, mates, sleeping and playing....it is hard to predict what state they will be in when we encounter them. The early mornings tend to be the best time to find the animals and best chance of seeing them near the springs where the water tends to be more clear. Remember it is very simple, cold weather = many manatee; warmer weather=lower manatee counts and more time looking for these endangered animals. Even seeing a few manatee is a phenomenal adventure! If you need more details about what to expect when visiting us in spring or summer, please visit our conditions page or call us anytime! We are always honest about conditions and encourage our visitors to do their research!
*THREE SISTERS SPRINGS is managed by US Fish and Wildlife who reserves the right to close the area to swimmers at any time. During cold spells when the animals are thermoregulating in the spring area, it will be closed to avoid harassment and ensure the animals can rest. We MAY OR MAY NOT be able to access this one acre spring (part of the 600 acre refuge area) and that is something we can not predict from day to day. Only parties with an in-water guide will be allowed into both Three Sisters and King Spring during ‘Manatee Season’

Restrictions

  • people Group Size: From 1 Up To 19

today Check Availability / Book

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directions Location

Address:

  • Crystal River
  • Florida

Maps and directions used on our website are for guide purposes only. Please use the directions supplied with your booking confirmation when making travel arrangements.

Venue Ref: 1011628-268

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