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River Cruise Tour with Manatee Viewing

4.5 (20)
Crystal River, US
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River Cruise Tour with Manatee Viewing

4.5 (20)
Crystal River, US
Share
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Experience the wonders of the Nature Coast with our River Cruise Tour with Manatee Viewing! This eco-tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and amateur photographers alike. Get ready to be amazed as you explore Kings Bay, the second largest spring system in Florida, and witness the incredible diversity of animal species that call it home. From wading birds and waterfowl to bald eagles and the endangered manatee, you'll have the opportunity to see them all in their natural habitat. With over 280 million gallons of fresh water flowing daily, this ecosystem is vital for the survival of these creatures. Your knowledgeable captain and Mother Nature herself will ensure an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 1 hours 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-12 Participants
  • Small Group Tour, Private Tour
  • Self Guided Experience
  • Sparkling springs and calming river
  • Abundance of wildlife to enjoy
  • Opportunity to view manatees in their natural habitat
  • Knowledgeable captain sharing information about the area
  • Unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience
  • Water
  • Gratuities

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More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the wonders of the Nature Coast like never before on a River Cruise Tour with Manatee Viewing. This captivating tour takes you on an eco-journey through the breathtaking Kings Bay, the second largest spring system in Florida. With its crystal clear waters and abundant wildlife, this tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, amateur photographers, and nature lovers of all kinds. Get ready to explore this unique ecosystem and be amazed by the diverse range of species that call it home.

What to expect?

On this River Cruise Tour, you can expect to be surrounded by stunning natural beauty and a rich variety of wildlife. As you cruise along Kings Bay, keep your eyes peeled for wading birds, waterfowl, black crowned night herons, wood storks, bald eagles, and more. The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to witness the majestic manatees in their natural habitat. These gentle giants are known to gather in the warm waters of the bay, providing a truly awe-inspiring experience. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, this tour promises to deliver unforgettable moments and incredible photo opportunities.

Who is this for?

This River Cruise Tour is designed for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and discover the treasures of the Nature Coast. Whether you're a solo traveler, a family looking for a unique adventure, or a group of friends seeking a memorable experience, this tour is perfect for you. Nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and birdwatchers will be in their element as they explore this pristine ecosystem. The tour is suitable for all age groups and does not require any prior experience or special skills. Everyone is welcome to join and discover the wonders of Kings Bay.

Why book this?

Embarking on this River Cruise Tour is an opportunity to witness the extraordinary beauty and diversity of the Nature Coast firsthand. The unique selling point of this tour lies in the chance to observe the endangered manatees in their natural habitat. As you cruise along Kings Bay, you'll be captivated by the tranquility of the surroundings and the abundance of wildlife that depends on this ecosystem for survival. With a knowledgeable captain and Mother Nature as your guides, you can rest assured that every moment of this tour will be filled with awe and wonder. By booking this tour, you not only support eco-tourism but also gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature.

Good to know

During the River Cruise Tour with Manatee Viewing, it's important to note that water is included, ensuring you stay hydrated throughout the journey. However, gratuities are not included, so it's customary to show your appreciation to the crew for their exceptional service. Before the tour, make sure to check in at the front desk of River Ventures Manatee Tour Center 15 minutes prior to your departure time. This will ensure a smooth and timely start to your adventure. Remember to bring your binoculars and camera to capture the breathtaking sights and wildlife encounters along the way.

Reviews

Those who have embarked on the River Cruise Tour with Manatee Viewing have shared their incredible experiences and overwhelming satisfaction with this unique adventure. They praise the knowledgeable and friendly crew who provided insightful information about the ecosystem and its inhabitants. Many highlight the magical moments spent watching the graceful manatees in their natural habitat. Guests also appreciate the professionalism and attention to detail that ensured a seamless and enjoyable tour. Overall, the reviews are filled with appreciation for the beauty of the Nature Coast and the unforgettable memories created during the tour.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Our Master Captain will cruise around the wildlife refuge and point out various birds, mammals, springs and shar information about the area.

Reviews

(20)

4.5 (20)

Maureen_O

I really don’t mean to be negative. But this tour was a joke. A tour should consist of somebody running the boat and another person stating facts about the cruise, the area, the animals, mammals, etc. Instead, we had The boat driver and the assistant talking about anything that came to mind. nothing was organized. There was no organization whatsoever. I am very disappointed

A2259LIdebw

We saw at least 20 manatees..we saw a baby calf nursing on it's mother, we saw about 6 dolphins up close. JJ and Natalie were knowledgeable. We learned alot and had a blast!

J6897RSstevew

Mike and Captain Jason were absolutely amazing. Mike took my family right to the Manatees. Our videos and pictures perfect

101lynday

Dano and Capt Brain we AMAZING!!!! We all had such a great fun time. I never thought I would be able to get in the water, but Capt Brian walked me through breathing and when I was nervous at the start, Dano literally took me by the hand until I able to move about on my own.

S8016CQchrisb

The tour was excellent and the captain and guide Crosby were like a comedy show. Super knowledgeable and hilarious. Well done

Chelsea_S

Our cruise was suppose to start at 1:30. We waited around for 45 minutes as the boat captain was “running late” from the last cruise, which once you go on the cruise, you’re not sure how that’s possible. We saw MAYBE 10 manatees. We did, however, see about 256 swimmers/kayakers, 175 boats ranging from “Gilligan’s island safe” to “Trump couldn’t even afford that” and a few mullet who graciously decided to jump out of the water when no one was looking. All around, it sucked. You can swim with manatees on other tours, but the “dry tour” as the crew called it was in fact… DRY. $154 for 4 people to waste a day.

Donna_S

Watching the dolphins round up there fish and eat very interesting.seeing the manatees and there babies. The pelicans and ostrich

Nancy_W

This was our first time and it was great!! We saw several manatee, a few turtles swimming and many birds. We toured Kings Bay and learned a lot!! Captain Mike and Marissa were great!! So much fun! Marissa went above and beyond!

327amk

Loved this so much. Didn't see alot of manatees but we had seen them at the 3 sisters springs so we loved seeing everything else. Captain Jayson was awesome & so was Guide Crosby. They really knew their stuff. Would definitely recommend.

caror624

We booked a "dry tour" (without swimming experience) - and paid directly at the cash desk (not booked via TripAdvisor). The price is about the same as online. We were driven to the departure point in a van (about a 2-minute bus ride) and joined Mike on the boat there. It was very pleasant that the boat was not too crowded (11 people including Mike). The boat had a „roof“ for sun-/ rain-protection. The tour lasted about 1.5 hours and we saw lots of manatees, pelicans, turtles and even a bald eagle. Captain Mike explained a lot about the animals, plants and history of the springs. Afterwards, the van picked us up again from the pier without any waiting time. We had a very good time.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-30 13:25