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VIP Heated Manatee Snorkel Tour: Affordable Luxury
5.0
873 Ratings
Crystal River
Experience the ultimate luxury of snorkeling with heated manatees in Crystal River’s Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Affordable prices, expert guides, and all-inclusive amenities.
Experience the ultimate luxury of snorkeling with heated manatees in Crystal River’s Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Affordable prices, expert guides, and all-inclusive amenities.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- 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…
- 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.
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)
- 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)
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Food and beverages (unless otherwise specified)
- Photo DVD (available to purchase)
- Towel and swimsuit
- Gratuities
- Food and beverages (unless otherwise specified)
- Photo DVD (available to purchase)
- Towel and swimsuit
Additional Information
Here’s an insider tip! Enjoy luxury at a budget-friendly cost! Our new season-heated, deluxe pontoon aspires to enhance your experience of viewing manatees by creating more intimate encounters! Witness the protected West Indian Manatee in the serene surroundings of Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Crystal River. Our licensed US Coast Guard captains…
Here’s an insider tip! Enjoy luxury at a budget-friendly cost! Our new season-heated, deluxe pontoon aspires to enhance your experience of viewing manatees by creating more intimate encounters! Witness the protected West Indian Manatee in the serene surroundings of Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Crystal River. Our licensed US Coast Guard captains and guides will lead you into the 600-acre spring water sanctuary for a chance to see and snorkel with these majestic creatures in the wild. All supplies, charges, refreshments, and drinks are covered.
- 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.
Location
River Ventures
Southeast Kings Bay Drive
Please arrive at River Ventures 15 minutes prior to your tour departure.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(873 Ratings)
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Trailblazer307123
Apr 6, 2025
River Ventures Manatee Tour - The trip was Amazing. Kevin, Liz, and Piper were all phenomenal guides and our family would love to come back! Thank you again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chadcd324dt
Apr 4, 2025
Best trip ever - Captain Dexter and guide Crystal made our trip to Florida. Had planned a shot gun trip for our manatee loving 8 yr old Jozi. And wow were we surprised how awesome it was. We were not expected to see a manatee in the crystal water area but we did. Made my daughter’s whole trip and mine as a manatee lover. Thank you Dex and Crystal we will definitely be back.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cynthiasx2877gj
Apr 3, 2025
Great Manatee trip - Great trip with excellent guide and Boat Captain. We were very close to a Manatee and enjoyed the springs. Would definitely do again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessica_m
Mar 29, 2025
Wonderful manatee snkorling tour - Mike and our captain did a wonderful job finding manatees for us to snorkel with. We honestly swam with them the entire time. I can't say enough good things about my experience. Nice facility. Good wet suits. Amazing photos with the manatees.
Review provided by Viator
Laura_b
Mar 28, 2025
Great way to spend the... - Great way to spend the morning. Crew were professional, personable and knowledgeable about the area and manatees.
Review provided by Viator
C6392zbelisep
Mar 27, 2025
10s across the board! This is 100% worth it! - What a fabulous experience we had on this tour! I loved that we had a small group (6 total guests)—our guide, James, and captain, Melissa did a fantastic job keeping our nervous 5 year old happy and comfortable! This was honestly surreal—being THAT close to a manatee!! I thought the whole experience was priced right—and from start to finish, it was excellent! The staff was professional and knowledgeable but also very chill and fun. 10/10 would recommend and return!! Thank you, River Ventures!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisavm9290gh
Mar 25, 2025
Swim with Manatees - It was late in the season, but we still had some great manatee encounters and got good photos. James and Melissa were super accommodating and our young kids (7 and 9) had a great time. Would definitely do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Raviphol_s
Mar 25, 2025
Once in a lifetime experience - Went out for a morning tour with Capt Melissa and James, and it was an amazing experience. It was both fun and educational. It took us a while to find a good spot to swim, but eventually managed to find one. We swam with a cute playful baby that trying to nib my head, and watched a few larger resting ones.
Review provided by Viator
830dongw
Mar 25, 2025
Unforgettable Manatee Tour with Melissa & James! - This tour was hands down one of the highlights of our entire trip — and that’s all thanks to Captain Melissa and James, our in-water guide!
Melissa was a pro behind the wheel — friendly, confident, and super knowledgeable about the area. She navigated us through beautiful, calm waters and knew exactly where to go to give us the best chance at seeing manatees. Her calm demeanor and expertise really set the tone for a relaxing and safe adventure.
James was absolutely amazing in the water. He made us feel totally at ease, whether it was your first time snorkeling or you were a seasoned swimmer. He was incredibly patient and gave us clear, respectful instructions on how to interact with the manatees without disturbing them. His passion for wildlife and conservation really came through — and it made the whole experience feel meaningful, not just fun.
We had multiple close encounters with manatees, and it was nothing short of magical. Floating silently just feet away from these gentle giants was a surreal and peaceful experience we’ll never forget.
If you’re considering this tour, don’t hesitate. And if you’re lucky enough to have Melissa and James as your guides, you’re in for something special. Huge thanks to both of them for making this such a memorable and heartwarming experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanpq7564me
Mar 25, 2025
UNBELIEVABLE! - Mike and his captain did such an amazing job. The younger member of the family 19,23,31 all loved it. Their kindness was truly appreciated by me at 68 I had recently broken my back, hand and ankle as well as twisted an ankle on the other side so my swimming was kinda crooked. They put up with my squigles and we saw the most amazing manatees....even a baby nursing its mama manatee. The warm hot chocolate helped after 90 minutes in the water!! It was an experience of a life time for me as a veterinarian!!!!! The whole family loved it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
