We also took our own wetsuits as well as snorkels and masks. Pretty amazing experience even for our group which was experienced scuba divers. We were in the water for about four hours at six different locations and saw 20+ manatees. They answer all of the tourist stupid questions and seem to really enjoy their job. They were both amazing!! Very personable and friendly people who are totally easy to get along with. Chip was our Captain and Shelley was our in water guide. Your captain stays with the boat and you’re in water guide Gets in the water with you and helps you navigate the area as well as locate manatees for you to see. From there it is about 10 minutes by water to the first area where you view the manatees. He then meet your captain and in water guide and load up on your boat. And then load up into one of their vans and take a two minute ride to the dock. You then or put in a little room and watch a 15 minute informational video which is actually quite good. Just take a bag with your car keys and clothes as well as towels. Make sure you lock your valuables and personal possessions in your car as there is not much room to take things on the boat. They will give you wetsuits and you change your clothes in their locker room area. You park your vehicle, go inside and check in. You arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to their headquarters located about a mile from the water. First of all let me explain how the process works. Manatees don’t like people panicking too.tis for the best.ĭuring Christmas break we did a VIP tour on the river. Just a handy tip for those not confident in the water. If you are not a strong swimmer wouldn’t necessarily recommend going with the full face mask option over a snorkel as adjusting them mid float/swim is impossible when a little panicky and already a little water logged. It’s made abundantly clear this is their ethos, and the last time in Homosassa we found them the same many years back. What I like about River Ventures is they do care and don’t want people horsing about and ruining what joyous chances we have with these gorgeous creatures. Absolutely would repeat this experience at the cost because honestly the first tour of the morning is so beautiful with the sunrise and everything being so fresh. They took us to quieter spot on the bay where no one bothered and because of the temperature this delivered some of the sweetest manatee interactions we will probably never have the pleasure of experiencing again. Irrespective of the odd crowded areas here Megan guided us and we had numerous beautiful peaceful ‘floats’ amongst the inquisitive sea cows and it was simply life changing. Do be warned of this as the River Ventures crew kept us in check and we knew to leave some manatees alone when they were just breathing etc. The first congregrated spot was a little overwhelming and for some swimmers it can be a bit scary, more because other people are kinda selfish and don’t care about others or the manatees well being for that matter. They were honest and caring about our experience on the boat and Megan caught a good few pictures and videos for us taking the stress off us documenting what was a great morning. Megan and Emerson led our private premium heated houseboat tour (worth every penny if you hate the crowds and just the general folk who have zero respect for the manatees and just want the best selfies). We have done this before and at the wrong time of year.did we 180 it this time!Ĭold snap in January meant we were in a good pecking order for a good day with the big boys and girls of Crystal River. River Ventures offers daily group trips of up to 12, and also offers private trips for both large and small groups including VIP and houseboat tours. Our highly experienced in-water guides will escort you into the refuge to find the endangered manatee for viewing and up close encounters. We offer many tour options to share all that the Nature Coast has to show you and we emphasize education about these Eco-systems!We have a passion for what we do, and it shows! Our Endangered Encounter manatee tours are our specialty, but we have so much more to offer! Air boat tours,VIP customized packages,Stand Up Paddle Boards, Scallop charters, sunset cruises, private charters, guided paddle tours on multiple rivers.we have much more to offer than you would expect!Spend the day or spend the week and River Ventures will introduce you to 'More than Manatee'!! Tours to snorkel with the manatees in their natural habitat are conducted daily, year round (reservations in advance are highly suggested). River Ventures is a full service Tour center located in beautiful Crystal River, Florida.
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