Exclusive Small Group VIP Heated Manatee Snorkel Tour

River Ventures
5.0
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Cancellation Policy
Up to 24 hours before your scheduled admission.
yosefw352
1 day ago
Hands down best part of my girlfriend’s and I experience during our two week trip in Florida. The staff were very nice and passionate about their job and conservation. We did the heated boat for our tour since it is winter and there is a cold front. Everything for the trip was provided and it was a check of off on bucket list item we didn’t know we had. The Manatees were magnificent and beautiful. They could sneak up on you which was very surprising that a small car can appear out of nowhere underneath you, and we got to see many adult and calves. I loved out both our guid and boat captain made sure we got the most out of time. If you go in the winter like us the water is a little cold, even with the provided wet suit, but I would be cold all over again to just to spend a few more minutes with the gentle giants. Great staff, great tour, would highly recommend to anyone.

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.

Departure Point

  • Please arrive at River Ventures 15 minutes prior to your tour departure.
Return Details
  • Please arrive at River Ventures 15 minutes prior to your tour departure.
Duration3 hoursLanguages Available
  • Human tour guide - English

Points of Interest

Stop At: River Ventures498 SE Kings Bay Drive, , Crystal River, FloridaEmbark 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.Duration: Not Available

Additional Information

  • 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.
Inclusions
  • 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)
Exclusions
  • Food and beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Photo DVD (available to purchase)
  • Towel and swimsuit
Redemption Instructions• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start of tour • Children must be accompanied by an adult • Wetsuits are available in all 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 belongingsVoucher InfoMobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the River Ventures in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon. This offer is not eligible for promo codes.

Need To Know Info

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

Customer Reviews

5.0
based on Groupon 1,000 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
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yosefw352
Hands down best part of my girlfriend’s and I experience during our two week trip in Florida. The staff were very nice and passionate about their job and conservation. We did the heated boat for our tour since it is winter and there is a cold front. Everything for the trip was provided and it was a check of off on bucket list item we didn’t know we had. The Manatees were magnificent and beautiful. They could sneak up on you which was very surprising that a small car can appear out of nowhere underneath you, and we got to see many adult and calves. I loved out both our guid and boat captain made sure we got the most out of time. If you go in the winter like us the water is a little cold, even with the provided wet suit, but I would be cold all over again to just to spend a few more minutes with the gentle giants. Great staff, great tour, would highly recommend to anyone.
jansY6278AC
We had an amazing in experience with Gary as our leader and Mike as our captain! Gary made sure we got to see manatees up close and personal and Mike was the ultimate host once we returned to the boat to warm up! Having a warm environment with hot drinks was very much appreciated on a cool day. The knowledge that Gary and Mike of the manatees was incredible and we could tell how much they loved their job! Everyone staff member we met while booking the tour was kind and informative!!1! Thanks for a wonderful experience!! We would recommend this tour 100%!
RunsWithPugs
I don't know where to start. This was the absolute best day. We started at the River Ventures Dive Center at 6:30AM, where we were offered coffee, tea, hot cocoa and snacks, and spent the next bit with an educational video and a wetsuit fitting. From there, we took a bus to the dock, in the most gorgeous sunrise light. let by our Guide Nat. Captain Emerson met us at the covered, heated pontoon, and our group set off through the water, for the protected manatee zone. The water was FULL of our sweet sea potatoes... in fact, it was difficult to even get off the boat because our new friends swam right up to the ladder. Nat had given excellent instructions. We immediately leaned into our pool noodles and gently followed her lead through the water. It took just moments before manatees were all around us. We stayed calm and quiet, and they either continued snoozing, or swam up to investigate us. Nat was on point with the camera, and with showing us things like the tarpon and sheepshead fish, and she was also shared little details about the manatees as we floated. Of course, with nature, there are no guarantees, and I really had no idea what to expect, but I was absolutely delighted by the interactions we had. The cold snap absolutely played into our favor, and I am so glad we showed up with our adventurous spirit. When we returned to the boat, there were more snacks, as well as hot cocoa, coffee, tea, and a variety of drinks in the cooler (water, beer, wine, soda, and white claws). We were so grateful for the boat covering and heater as we made our way back to the dock, and we had great chats with Nat, Emerson, and the other group on our tour. Was it cold? Sure. But the water felt great at 72ºF, and our wetsuits did a wonderful job of protecting us and keeping us buoyant. Our experience was incredible, from booking, to engaging with the staff with any questions we had, to the actual tour itself. The photos and videos were absolutely phenomenal, as well, and we were happy to purchase the package, as well as some gifts from the souvenir shop. We will be back for more manatee viewing, or to try one of their other tours. Thank you so much for the best day!
CosmicMomof3
Natalie and Emerson are excellent tour guides! Swam with many manatees and enjoyed the afternoon tour. Educational and fun.
Travel28192548038
Our family of 4 had a great experience with Captain Emerson and guide Natalie. They were fantastic and helped us have an awesome time. All we had to do was float on our bellies (which was easy with the provided wetsuits) and keep our feet up and follow them. 10/10 would do again. Thanks, guys.

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