Small Group VIP (Heated in Winter) 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.
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.
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!
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,062 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience.
Z40CKryann,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience. We went in the guys checking us in were great. Our captain Emerson(Amazon) and our guide Nat were awesome. Went above and beyond. Really knowledgeable and took us to great spots to see manatee and to see the natural springs. 10/10 would recommend. We will be coming back in the winter.
100% book this
lognw,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Captain Mike guided us through the waters nicely pointing out nearby sights while guide crystal spotted us a manatee right away and swam with us to get the absolute best views
Very fun
O7072JAtylers,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Mike and guide Crystal were fantastic. 10/10 recommend.
Swim with the Manatees - must experience
306tedw,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Used Claude to recommend the best company. River Ventures was chosen. Wade and Shawn were our outstanding captain and guide. Exceptional experience. Swam Near Mommie and Baby, several other lone Manatees, and watched safely from boat a pod of males chasing a female for mating. Very comfortable boat, great conversations, hot chocolate and snacks. Even alcohol drinks but declined since still morning. Very clean shop and equipment. Great recommendation for coffee shop since we arrived so early. Actually accommodated us by leaving a bit early and we were the only clients - ended up being a private tour. Highlight was when one Manatee gently brushed against me while swimmming towards me (felt like a very large dog brushing against your leg) . These creatures are much larger than they appear from the shore but beautiful and so gentle. Appreciate River Ventures efforts to protect and safeguard these wonders.
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!
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