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VIP Heated Manatee Snorkel Tour: Affordable Luxury
5.0
1,058 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
(1058 Ratings)
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Sargparker
May 2, 2026
Once in a lifetime experience - We can’t say enough about Piper and captain Lacey. Lacey was knowledgeable and brought us right to the spot and stood watch the entire time, making sure to point out any and all manatees. Piper was INCREDIBLE. She was fun and truly loves the animals and is clearly committed to their protection. We had an amazing time and received pictures we will treasure for the rest of our life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O5661tejeffm
Apr 30, 2026
Great time floating with the manatees - Crystal the guide and Capt. Mike were both awesome. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R7338tecourtneye
Apr 1, 2026
Great First Time Experience - My family and I had such a great time on our tour. We knew we were at the end of manatee season, but our guide, Sheila and our boat captain, Wade were so amazing! Honestly, all of the employees were great. We were able to spend our time with a mom and her baby, we got a peek into the craziness of mating season 😂, and we saw lots of other wildlife too. Really cool experience. We would definitely recommend River Ventures Tours to family and friends.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heidig788
Mar 30, 2026
Amazing experience! - So much fun! Captain Garrett and our guide Piper were amazing! Piper is a manatee whisperer. Capt Garrett navigated us to great spots. They both had so many other fun facts and taught us about other Florida wildlife and fish. Very fun tour! We will be back and requesting them as our guides next time too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A2256ihmatthewl
Mar 28, 2026
Manatee Swim - Booked towards the end of the season so wasn't sure how successful we would be. Our hosts Captain Ryan and our Guide Piper spotted us a Mom and Calf Manatee to spend a good hour and a half floating with today. A bonus Otter and Dolphin Sighting. Highly recommended. A absolutely great experience. Definitely recommend River Ventures and ask for Ryan and Piper.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Relax21681414627
Mar 24, 2026
Best day ever! - We had the best time our guide Anna was amazing and our captain Garrett was the best. He took us right to them! They are very good about protecting the manatees and not letting anyone get in the way! It was the best day ever!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
493javanc
Mar 21, 2026
Anniversary Bucket List and was AMAZING!! - Absolutely amazing!!! This was a bucket list item and did not disappoint! Piper “the manatee whisperer “ is incredible and so so much energy and love for these amazing creatures. Cpt. Laci was wonderful too! They made a great team and made our 34th Anniversary unforgettable. Thank you both so much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
32mallorys
Mar 20, 2026
Got to check off swimming with manatees off my bucket list - I went to swim with manatees here twice. My first trip I had the pleasure to have Captain Bryan and Sheila. Both were extremely nice and Bryan had many manatee facts to share. Sheila noticed me struggling to swim around the manatees so she pulled me around which helped a lot. We were able to see a mama and baby as well. My next swim I had Katie and Captain Emerson. Once again, both very nice and very informed; Katie was very energetic even at 7 a.m. We were able to go to the 3 Sister Springs which were beautiful. If you want a lot of manatees, the best time is in the morning. manatees is a MUST in Crystal River, and River Ventures is the best place to do so.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
888cherih
Mar 20, 2026
VIP Manatee Tour - Our tour with Piper and Mo was an unforgettable experience. They both obviously have alot of experience and knowledge about manatees and we leaned so much from them. Would most definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allysonr359
Mar 19, 2026
Above & Beyond VIP Manatee Experience – Perfect for Families! - Our VIP tour with River Adventures on March 12 was a highlight of our trip. Piper and Garrett were exceptional—warm, attentive, and fantastic with our kids (ages 8 and 10).
What truly set this experience apart was their care for our daughter, who had a knee injury and was in an immobilizer. They went above and beyond to ensure she could still fully participate in swimming with the manatees, which meant everything to us.
They were patient and encouraging while our kids learned to snorkel (and pushed through the cold!), and the heated boat plus hot cocoa afterward were thoughtful touches that didn’t go unnoticed.
Piper and Garrett also shared great insight on protecting the manatees and gave excellent local recommendations like The Freezer and Air Boat Tours.
If you’re on the fence—book the VIP tour. It’s absolutely worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
