cyberbubba 5
05 Feb 2022
It's been years since I had these guys take me out for a manatee adventure and I'm really happy I returned in 2022! Since my last visit they've continued to expand and improve the great facility here including the big fantastic gift shop they have the biggest selection of great quality manatee merch I've ever seen AND it's reasonably priced. (we all bought too much :-)
This was a very special trip as my daughter, who loves manatees, had never been to Crystal River and this was her first experience in the water with them. My son-in-law and a friend traveled from frosty Pittsburgh in January to get in the water, so of course, that made it even more of a treat for them.
100% of the needed gear is provided, although I suggest bringing a towel and on windy days maybe a hoodie, the boats, and equipment are in excellent condition and well maintained and the shuttle ride to the docks is a short trip to the launch area. Regarding gear, if you're a scuba diver and have your own quality mask and snorkel that you're comfortable with then I recommend bringing it, however, the mask and snorkel they provide are quite good. I have a big head LOL and a beard so getting just the right fit and seal is a bit tricky. However, if you've never snorkeled before then it might benefit you want to find one before the day of your adventure to practice to see how it feels, the sensation of breathing through the snorkel, and get comfortable with, it will prompt any anxiety that some people experience their first time.
Since there were so many of us we booked the Private VIP Manatee Tour on the Pontoon of Privilege. We chuckled about the name of this one, but it is was indeed special to be aboard this luxury pontoon with enclosed with Eisen glass and has a heat source. It includes basic snacks, beverages like soda and juice, coffee, cocoa, and assorted beer and wine. It been has a commode for emergencies, and a curtain to pull for a bit of privacy. Privileged, yes :-) It was absolutely worth every penny because this was, hands down, the best tour that I've ever had here and it couldn't have been better for the rest of the first-timers. Not because the boat and crew were totally great but once launched we only motored a very short distance from the launch to before our outstanding Captain (Skylar) and guide (Troy) moved us into a cove where we were all alone with a half dozen manatee and babies!!! They were mostly napping but checked us out, a lot, even tugging and nibbling on my daughter's hair. I know that swimming with these gentle and marvelous creatures is magical but this relaxed, secluded encounter was magical squared, it really was quite extraordinary.
Troy, our efficient guide, was in the water with us and took some fabulous underwater pictures plus he makes some mean cocoa. is very friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, he's da' man!! Our Captain Skylar really knows her stuff too and it's interesting to learn that in the summer she is a fishing guide in the wilderness of Alaska. They were both exceptional people that made our trip truly remarkable. (I'm running out of adjectives) LOL They're both very safety-minded, both for visitors and manatees, professional, friendly, and really great at what they do!
The price per person ranges from $59 to $74, depending on the boat and tour you choose and is a great deal for a top-notch outfit like this and very reasonable for the making of some fantastic memories! Booking early is recommended anytime but especially during Crystal River's annual manatee festival, which is when we're there.
Bottom line: I had tried a couple of other guides prior to finding these fine folks several trips ago and I continue to stand by my decision to make thee guys the go-to guardians of my ventures for manatee adventures. Highly recommend!!!!!
