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VIP Heated Manatee Snorkel Tour: Affordable Luxury
5.0
1,052 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
(1052 Ratings)
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Carriesz685tb
Feb 10, 2026
Highly Recommend - This tour far exceeded our expectations. We vacation frequently and this is one of the most amazing things we've done. The kids actually liked this better than Disney! Thank you to Capt. Wade and Guide Crystal. They were both so amazing with my nervous 9 year old. They gave her all the encouragement she needed to enjoy her day. We would do this tour again in a heartbeat and would definitely request Wade and Crystal. Thank you for an outstanding trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A17acr
Feb 9, 2026
Amazing Experience thanks to Staff - Booked the small group tour and went for the 9.45 but now I know I would book the 6.45
As earlier you arrive the better the water visibility.
Even so we saw as group of 75 to 100 plus Manatees and had the great staff of Gary and Emerson who were fantastic and a credit to river tours.
Would come again in a Heartbeat
Review provided by Tripadvisor
136jeffa
Feb 8, 2026
Great Experience! - Had an absolute blast with Gary and Captain Brian. They made the experience incredible. They both had great information to share and made sure we had the best time. Definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sammycat727
Feb 8, 2026
Great manatee site seeing tour with Gary and Brian! - Boat was comfortable and we were given a good tour of the area by both Brian and Gary. They found the perfect place to see manatees! Gary did a great job guiding us around the manatees and pointing out fish. We saw lots of manatees and fish- great time! Thank you guys for a rememberable adventure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
8marshak
Feb 8, 2026
Vip Manatee Swim with the Manatees - We had a great time with Emerson and Sheila as our captain and guide. Memories and pictures that will last a lifetime. Would definitely recommend River Ventures for your once in a lifetime adventure! Marsha
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X1998uusamig
Feb 8, 2026
An amazing experience! - Gary and Captain Bryan were amazing! They made our experience so memorable. I'm personally terrified of water so Gary held my hand until I could breathe normally and actually enjoy myself. My sister in law didn't want to go into the water since it was too cold but Captain Bryan made sure she didn't feel left out by teaching her all about the manatees and local wildlife. We will most definitely be back and will be asking for Gary and Captain Bryan again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hope
Feb 7, 2026
Once in a lifetime - We had a really amazing time today with Gary and Laci! Our heated enclosed boat was especially nice for the chilly morning. We saw dozens of manatees and got to experience a once in a lifetime activity. Thank you Gary!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariagn9877zy
Feb 7, 2026
The best time in the water I've ever had!! - It was the most amazing time I've ever had!! We got to float with several loving and sweet manatees. They were curious and came face to face with all of our group!! I can't wait to do it again!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R755zcheatherh
Feb 7, 2026
Awesome experience - Such a cool experience! Our guide and captain were amazing. Gary and Teri were great. We had snacks and drinks on the boat and were provided wet suits that made for a great experience. We saw manatees, tarpon and sheepshead
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Williamf450
Feb 7, 2026
Best way to see the manatees. - Nat, Anna, and Captain Ang did an outstanding job. They gave us a lot of great advice, they showed us the best way to observe the manatees, and they made the entire trip fun. We will be back!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
