Address: 498 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA
Phone: +13525648687
Sunday: 6AM–5PM
Monday: 6AM–5PM
Tuesday: 6AM–5PM
Wednesday: 6AM–5PM
Thursday: 6AM–5PM
Friday: 6AM–5PM
Saturday: 6AM–5PM
Ellie. Moravek83
Absolutely amazing! From the staff to the location to the experience! I was so happy this location came up on my google search for “swimming with manatees Florida” Coming in the summer of course there aren’t HUNDREDS of manatees. But the “residents” didn’t disappoint! Captain & water guide were informative & easy to talk to. When my son (who’s five) was afraid to get in the water the captain let him stay on the boat with him - and pointed out where the manatees were so my son even got to see them from above! Amazing amazing amazing experience. My lifelong dream fulfilled! Office staff so friendly & wonderful! 100,000% recommend. Will be telling all my friends & family about this tour operation.
Manon Dean
This was our second time with River Ventures and it was even better than the first time! The first time 7 years ago is one of our best family memories that we still talk about all the time, but this time the water was clearer (March VS May) and we got closer to the manatee. It’s important to have realistic expectations because you’re dealing with wild life, but the manatee we encountered were super curious and kept checking us out! It’s such a unique experience and so special to get so close to wild animals. Troy and Kelly were awesome and very knowledgable. The boat was clean and they cared about safety. We purchased the photo package which included 241 photos of all people in our group (but I’m sure that varies per tour), so worth the money! Troy took some awesome pictures of my mom and I. We’ve been telling everyone we know about River Ventures and will definitely continue to do so! We’ll be back!!
Martha Holden
BEST manatee adventure ever! Guide Liz and Capt Peter found out I had been on a (failed!) manatee swim 10 years ago, where I did not swim with any gentle giants. This time was a successful do-over! Guide Liz went our of her way to ensure I was able to the very best of experiences I could ever imagine. Fabulous tour with professionals that know the area - and manatee manners! If I could get them 8 stars I would!!!
Alexandria Thomas
I had the most amazing time here for my bfs birthday. The company has great staff, communication, and everything you need for an amazing time on the water. Pick the heated pontoon with complimentary snacks and drinks, (wine, sodas, water and beer) and hot chocolate! Pete and Kelly were amazing captains/guides and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I now carry a sexy and I mow it sticker on my car and I love it!
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By dennys
They give you a noodle, and it is touchable to at parts but easy to float.
It is a good idea to plan in advance just in case the tours book up. The Homosassa river location is only a choice during the peak of migration season, so you will book it for the Crystal River location.
The USFWS requires swimmers to remain on the surface and be quiet. Emphasis on quiet. Gentle paddling and slow kicks are allowed but mostly you float on the surface with the assistance if a pool noodle, put your face in the water with snorkel out and watch the manatees swim up to you. We had to paddle about 60 yards from the boat to our viewing area but there are other areas where the boats get closer. When my husband got tired the guide escorted him back to the boat. He then returned to our group and escorted and towed others back. Swimming ability is not as crucial as stamina, patience and confidence/comfort in water. Before we came we went to the local pool and practiced with mask & snorkel. That made a big difference and built confidence. A different company had a group with children near us and the guide could not get the kids to follow the rules so she pulled them out early. This company is professional and we plan to go again. Nice boats and great guides. In water 2-3 hours.
Early is the best.
River Ventures has pontoon boats. When researching other companies, didn't see any glass bottom. Did see other companies while out on the water, River Ventures has the nicest boats.
Highly recommend the River Ventures manatee experience. And, great food at West 82 Bar & Grill.
I don't know if the wet suit is a 'must', but I highly recommend it. The spring is only 70°-72°. My group was in the water floating around to veiw the manatees for an hour. By the time I got out my hands and feet were numb, but the wet suit kept me from getting hypothermia. I didn't realize how cold I was till I got back on the boat. Overall, the experience is amazing and well worth the effort.
Although most of the manatees migrate away from us during the spring and summer, we do have a resident population that remains in King's Bay all year long. Those are the animals we are swimming with recently, so we are finding one or two and up to seven or eight on each tour. While we can offer no guarantees as these are wild animals; as far as we can tell, the local manatees have settled in for the duration of the year.
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