Capt Stark, was very knowledgeable of the water and places around town to visit..
Had a great time. Me and the wife drive an 18 wheeler. Parking lot across the street was very accommodating. We had Sheena as a guide, very friendly, made us feel like we go there every day.
Don’t bother paying an extra $10 for the full face snorkel masks, even with anti fog spray they fogged up constantly and my mask leaked even as tight as it would go. We ended up having to switch out to regular snorkel gear which interrupted our experience. If you can I’d recommend paying extra for the semi private tour or even doing the full private. We only had one other person in our group so it was more intimate and the photos we paid for didn’t have a bunch of other people in them. Also our boat had a bathroom and they served us snacks and hot cocoa.
Emerson and Evan were our guides and they were super friendly and helpful while it was our first time paddling and snorkeling. Emerson is some kind of manatee whisper and the manatees would just come right at him and show their tummies to be pet. Great experience, would recommend!
You have to do this! All I can say is, if you like manatees, they like you more. They come and give you kisses and our guide and boat captain were great. Really friendly, funny and patient. Some of the other companies don't manage their parties well. They guys were spot on.
All the staff make you feel welcome and like you've been there forever
This was our first time with manatee and we overall really enjoyed the experience. Right from the beginning I got separated from the group as I ran into a bunch of manatee but didn’t get pics of this because I was away from our guide who had an underwater cam. Though interacting with the manatee was amazing!! We went to the Crystal River area and Sister Springs. Crystal River was pretty murky and busy with lots of tourists even early in the AM but Sister Springs was crystal clear and pristine, although not really any manatees except for in protected areas. Would have been nice to interact with them in the clear waters, though I guess they grow in numbers as it gets into Dec and Jan. We would like to go back during those months next year.
Well worth paying a little more fore the snorkel mask upgrade. They have a pre-tour briefing to go over engagement rules and safety for your safety, the environment and the manatee. Have a wonderful time. I know you will.
Wonderful experience from the moment we arrived (free parking) walked through the door to an extremely genuine and friendly welcome. (Complimentary coffee & tea) (restrooms and changing rooms available) Don’t forget to bring a towel. If you do you can purchase a towel at the very reasonable priced gift shop with everything manatee. Short 5 minutes bus ride with a friendly driver to the boat. Meet the captain (we had Rhonda Fantastic person along with Crystal our in water guide equity Fantastic) all staff very knowledgeable and engaging. I have never enjoyed tour staff so much and I use to go on tours weekly as part of my job. The tour was breathtaking and an amazing life experience, manatee’s are wonderful creatures, I also seen cat fish, crabs and more.
River Ventures is a US Travel Agency based in Crystal River, Florida. River Ventures is located at 498 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA.
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