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All 30 Crystal River Attractions »

River Ventures Manatee Tour Center

498 S.E. Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL 34429
352-564-8687
Ranked #2 of 18 tours in Crystal River
5.0 of 5 stars 135 Reviews
Type: Tours
Owner description: Join us at our Tour Center located in Crystal River Florida, where you will embark on an exciting adventure to Swim with the Manatees. Our highly...... more » Owner description: Join us at our Tour Center located in Crystal River Florida, where you will embark on an exciting adventure to Swim with the Manatees. Our highly experienced Captains & Tour Guides will guide you on our Coast Guard Certified and Inspected Manatee Tour Boats to the best locations for viewing, swimming, and snorkeling with the Florida Manatees. Group and private tours available daily, year round. « less
Useful Information: Bathroom facilities, Activities for older children
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135 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    128
    5
    2
    0
    0
Date Rating
Jackie60795
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 22, 2012 NEW

As a school librarian, I have brought this wonderful experience back to my students. The Underwater DVD that I showed to the kids is worth its weight in gold. The children have never been that interested in my lectures as they were when I was talking about my manatee experience. Captain Glenn was a wonderful manatee guide. He was patient,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
jocnr
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2012 NEW

Extremely well done manatee swim experience.The staff was very professional, friendly and helpful.The boat captain and tour guide (Glenn) was knowledgeable,thorough and right there in the water with us.This isn't a theme park, seems like experience. This is the real deal, done right. Truly a memorable life experience. Jim O More

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Steve240
Cowes, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2012 NEW

My daughters partner arranged that we go with River Ventures Manatee Tours after some research on the web. I am glad he picked this company. From the time we entered their shop to the time we left, the staff was welcoming, cordial, and most importantly, professional, in the way they ran their tours. They made sure everyone watched and understood... More

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Diane A
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 20, 2012 NEW
2
people found this review helpful

My boyfriend and I swam with the Manatee's at the suggestion of my sister and husband. What a memorable experience! Captain Glenn was the ultimate tour guide, and the pictures and video he captured were magnificent. I would recommend this trip to anyone who does not want to spend a fortune to swim with the dolphins, as River Ventures are... More

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jwolfgang9
NJ
Senior Contributor
24 reviews
8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 20, 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

At first our Captain Larry was having a tough time finding the manatees, but with persistance and good-natured optimism he guided us to 3 Sisters springs, where we found a mother lode. Larry was a good guide, guiding rather than lecturing, and had infinite patience when our 2 teenage tour members wanted to stay out until no one could keep... More

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lovetotravel0510
Atlanta
Contributor
18 reviews
4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 19, 2012 NEW
2
people found this review helpful

We were very impressed with the friendliness and professionalism of this outfit! From reservation, to walk in, to loading the boat, to swimming with manatees, our experience couldn't have been more perfect. Chris and Rosie were helpful, friendly and exuded an appreciation for what they do. The gift shop offers a great selection. (wish the tshirts were better quality). Our... More

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Hhdan2012
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 17, 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

I believe that in heaven we will interact with wild animals in peace, and this is what we experienced today. We had 40+ manatees all around us. We were very fortunate and saw 2 mothers nursing their young. My husband got a hug and kiss from a baby, and I had many tummy rubs and eye to eye contact. Our... More

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PatM60453
Oak Lawn, Illinois
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 15, 2012
3
people found this review helpful

Captain Sean was amazing. He obviously loves the area and the animals and this showed in his tour. He was respectful of the waters and manatees' needs. He was extremely patient and caring about our abilities as swimmers. Sean took us to some beautiful areas of waterways so we could appreciate the uniqueness of this area of Florida and see... More

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Penguinatlaw
Sacramento, California
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 14, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

I took two trip with Mike Burns as the leader, and both were great. Homosassa Springs was the best because we were the only boat there with three of us in the water. We had five or six manatees to ourselves and one mother and her calf, Juliette and son, were so curious and playful. I've supported Save the Manatees... More

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Shannon D
Slidell, Louisiana
1 review
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 13, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

I booked this online through there website and was originally unsure of them but they ended up being the best choice I could have ever made for a manatee tour. Our tour guide Donovan was awesome it took a little longer to get in the water with the manatees but he took the time to find a private area with... More

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