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Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Tours
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From $102.78
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Small Group VIP Manatee Pontoon Tour
Recommended for your Crystal River trip
Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
4 hours (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
More questions?
(888) 651-9785
Overview
Swim with the manatees on a half-day pontoon boat tour of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a marine refuge designed to protect the threatened Florida manatee. Learn about the fascinating marine mammals on a tour designed for spotting manatees without disturbing them or disrupting their habitat, and explore a scenic Florida ecosystem. This small-group experience is limited to six people for personalized service, and all equipment, entrance fees, water and hot drinks, and snacks are included.
- See native wildlife in their natural environment
- Family friendly
- Fully narrated tour
- Choose to dive in and swim with manatees if you spot them
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Make your way to a departure point in Crystal River, where you’ll meet a Coast Guard Certified Master Captain who will share your itinerary, as well as guidelines for snorkeling with the manatees.
Suit up in a wetsuit, then board a covered pontoon boat for the trip into Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. During the winter months, the pontoon boat cabin will be fully-enclosed and heated, and drinks will be available throughout the cruise.
Manatees aren’t the only thing to see in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, so as you cruise the Crystal River, watch for birds, fish, and other wildlife. If manatees are spotted, slip into the water with your snorkeling gear to see what’s beneath the surface. While sighting the wild animals can’t be guaranteed, the best chance to see them is in colder weather, when they cluster in the reserve’s warmer, sheltered water.
An underwater photographer will join you throughout the tour, and if desired, you’ll have the option to purchase DVDs or digital photographs of your experience. This tour concludes at the original departure point in Crystal River.
Suit up in a wetsuit, then board a covered pontoon boat for the trip into Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. During the winter months, the pontoon boat cabin will be fully-enclosed and heated, and drinks will be available throughout the cruise.
Manatees aren’t the only thing to see in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, so as you cruise the Crystal River, watch for birds, fish, and other wildlife. If manatees are spotted, slip into the water with your snorkeling gear to see what’s beneath the surface. While sighting the wild animals can’t be guaranteed, the best chance to see them is in colder weather, when they cluster in the reserve’s warmer, sheltered water.
An underwater photographer will join you throughout the tour, and if desired, you’ll have the option to purchase DVDs or digital photographs of your experience. This tour concludes at the original departure point in Crystal River.
Itinerary
Enjoy the unique privilege that is exclusively ours here in Citrus County Florida by swimming with the manatees in the spring-fed King’s Bay Wildlife Refuge! Crystal River is home to the world’s largest population of endangered manatee during the winter season, and even a small population the warm months. Having the chance to encounter these wild giants in their natural habitat is an adventure that your family will never forget!
Admission Ticket Free
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.
Admission Ticket Free
It is very important to have realistic expectations when it comes to a wild animal encounter! Every trip is different and the experience is unique for each individual. In the cooler weather the animals migrate to this area and congregate here for the protection of the warm water springs; when the weather warms they can move about going wherever they want! The early mornings tend to be the best time to find the animals and best chance of seeing them near the springs where the water tends to be more clear. Remember it is very simple, cold weather = many manatee; warmer weather=lower manatee counts and more time looking for these endangered animals. Even seeing a few manatee is a phenomenal adventure!
Admission Ticket Free
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Product code: 7336P13
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