Exclusive Small Group VIP Heated Manatee Snorkel Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
We will let you in on a secret! You can get the high-end experience, with an affordable price tag! Our new heated (during winter), luxury pontoon aims to amp up the manatee sighting and deliver a more personal event! Observe the endangered West Indian Manatee in Crystal River’s idyllic Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Your US Coast Guard licensed captains and guides will take you into the 600 acre spring fed refuge waters for viewing and snorkeling with these slow moving wild giants. All equipment, fees, snacks and beverages are included.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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)
Gratuities
Food and beverages (unless otherwise specified)
Photo DVD (available to purchase)
Towel and swimsuit
Options
Guaranteed VIP Manatee Swim
Including a Manatee Guarantee: VIP Swim with manatee tour. Eliminate the risk of not encountering a manatee. No manatees? We'll fully refund you!
VIP Swim w/ Manatee Tour
Crystal River Small Group VIP : VIP Swim with manatee tour. 3 hour, heated, small group swim with manatee tour!
Reviews
1,058 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Once in a lifetime experience
sargparker,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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.
Great time floating with the manatees
O5661TEjeffm,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Crystal the guide and Capt. Mike were both awesome. Highly recommend!
Great First Time Experience
R7338TEcourtneye,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 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.
Amazing experience!
heidig788,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So 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!
Manatee Swim
A2256IHmatthewl,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booked 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.
Best day ever!
Relax21681414627,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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!
Anniversary Bucket List and was AMAZING!!
493javanc,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely 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!
Got to check off swimming with manatees off my bucket list
32mallorys,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I 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.
VIP Manatee Tour
888cherih,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 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!
Above & Beyond VIP Manatee Experience – Perfect for Families!
allysonr359,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 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.
From US$108.93
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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