VIP Heated Manatee Snorkel Tour: Affordable Luxury
5.0
748 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.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
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 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)
What's Not Included
  • 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 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.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(748 Ratings)
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Dennisnr2250po
Apr 28, 2024
Great experience swimming with the manatees - We had a great time with Captain Ryan and our guide Storm. They were both very knowledgeable and friendly. We were able to find manatees to swim with and even saw a dolphin in the bay. Great experience!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marina_a
Apr 26, 2024
We had a great time and saw a lot of manatees. The tour hosts were great. - We saw a lot of manatees even though the manatee season was over. Our tour guide Nataly and the captain were very attentive and friendly and took good care of us. The photos unfortunately weren't that good .- We were able to use only one photo - the group photo at the start of the tour, and one video of a manatee.
Review provided by Viator
Flyer05855762475
Apr 26, 2024
Big shout out to Troy and Carlos - Had an amazing experience swimming with Manatees our captain was Troy and in water guide was Carlos they gave us a warm welcome and were very informative and made us feel at ease and nothing was too much trouble.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Getaway00896767096
Apr 25, 2024
Immersive and genuine Manatee Experience - What can I say but wow…. What an incredible experience myself and my family will remember for the rest of our lives. Capt Kelly is so incredible and our Guide Dave (the bosses fiancé) had us laughing non stop from the time we arrived to we departed almost 4 hours later. Capt Kelly was a great spotter for manatees taking us away from where large groups of other tours were assembling for a more intimate/private experience. Dave was so knowledgeable and knew exactly how to behave around and respect our underwater friends passing the knowledge and care to myself and family and thus truly immersing us in this experience. The staff and crew shuttling us to the docks were friendly and amazing in every way. GIVE THESE PEOPLE YOUR MONEY!!!! You won’t regret a thing. Definitely recommend the VIP tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark_w
Apr 25, 2024
Awesome - Michael and Captain Tanner are a Delight. Funny, Knowledgeable and great People to be around. As middle aged People it was an easy and fantastic experience. Thank you Guys. PS. The Check in was very easy and great People at the Front desk.
Review provided by Viator
805marcyr
Apr 23, 2024
A new one for the books that everyone should experience! - Took a mini vacation to do something different. The VIP private ride was very enjoyable and was worth the money and time. Captain Troy and First Mate Mike were both great! The rest of the staff was all also friendly and helpful. Overall very nice, friendly, knowledgeable and fun! It was so cool to swim with the manatees! Overall wonderful experience for all of us! Pictures were also worth the package offered.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenna_p
Apr 23, 2024
Magical manatee experience - The whole experience was great ! I can’t wait to bring my four grandchildren. Natalie and Kelly were great- knowledgable, helpful and so nice. Wonderful time - the manatees are magical!
Review provided by Viator
Marissad498
Apr 20, 2024
Amazing Time - The captain and the guide Mike was amazing! It was such a fun time. We saw a good 6 or 7 manatees, and the springs were beautiful. I highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherrysc6854va
Apr 16, 2024
Waaaahooo! - Trish and Captain Wade were absolutely wonderful. Before the trip began we were shown a short 7 minute video and given detailed instructions on what to expect and how to safely interact with the gentile, giant manatees. Wade explained and fitted the mask and snorkel then put us in the perfect place to swim with the manatees. Trish was with us the entire time as we swam, giving us directions and assisting with positioning. Wade stayed on the boat and gave us information about approaching manatee. Trish took wonderful pictures and videos of our trip in and out of the water. The pictures and videos do cost an additional $41.34 and are sent to your e mail for viewing and purchasing. The boat was clean and at a pleasant temperature as the plastic sides can be closed and heater turned on. Included in the price of the trip was transportation to the dock and back, dry suit, snorkel, mask, pool noodle, hot coco, coffee and snacks. Please be sure you bring a swim suit, towels and perhaps a blanket to help warm up after the swim. The water is about 72 degrees F. We went on the 9:45 am swim. The air temperature was about 75 degrees F but did warm up as the time passed. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of manatee for the time of year. There were a number of boats, but the captains are courteous and kind with each other and allow plenty of space for each group so there is no over crowding. Over all we were exceptionally pleased with the trip. We did do the slightly more expensive tour that had heat and only up to 6 people. We chose this option for the heat and a more personalized experience. It is well worth the extra bit of money. This was my second trip with Wade and Trish. Ask for them!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zuhaillye
Apr 7, 2024
Snorkeling with the manatees! - It was super fun. Captain Troy and Guide Crosby were phenomenal, they took us right to where the manatees were and one of my kids got to get a baby manatee surprise hug. It was truly a wonderful experience for my family. Thank you so much! Our driver Bri was an excellent driver as well! <3
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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