Took a mini vacation to do something different. The VIP private ride was very enjoyable and was worth the money and time. Captain Troy and First Mate Mike were both great! The rest of the staff was all also friendly and helpful. Overall very nice, friendly, knowledgeable and fun! It was so cool to swim with the manatees! Overall wonderful experience for all of us! Pictures were also worth the package offered.

The whole experience was great ! I can’t wait to bring my four grandchildren. Natalie and Kelly were great- knowledgable, helpful and so nice. Wonderful time - the manatees are magical!

The captain and the guide Mike was amazing! It was such a fun time. We saw a good 6 or 7 manatees, and the springs were beautiful. I highly recommend.

Trish and Captain Wade were absolutely wonderful. Before the trip began we were shown a short 7 minute video and given detailed instructions on what to expect and how to safely interact with the gentile, giant manatees. Wade explained and fitted the mask and snorkel then put us in the perfect place to swim with the manatees. Trish was with us the entire time as we swam, giving us directions and assisting with positioning. Wade stayed on the boat and gave us information about approaching manatee. Trish took wonderful pictures and videos of our trip in and out of the water. The pictures and videos do cost an additional $41.34 and are sent to your e mail for viewing and purchasing. The boat was clean and at a pleasant temperature as the plastic sides can be closed and heater turned on. Included in the price of the trip was transportation to the dock and back, dry suit, snorkel, mask, pool noodle, hot coco, coffee and snacks. Please be sure you bring a swim suit, towels and perhaps a blanket to help warm up after the swim. The water is about 72 degrees F. We went on the 9:45 am swim. The air temperature was about 75 degrees F but did warm up as the time passed. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of manatee for the time of year. There were a number of boats, but the captains are courteous and kind with each other and allow plenty of space for each group so there is no over crowding. Over all we were exceptionally pleased with the trip. We did do the slightly more expensive tour that had heat and only up to 6 people. We chose this option for the heat and a more personalized experience. It is well worth the extra bit of money. This was my second trip with Wade and Trish. Ask for them!

It was super fun. Captain Troy and Guide Crosby were phenomenal, they took us right to where the manatees were and one of my kids got to get a baby manatee surprise hug. It was truly a wonderful experience for my family. Thank you so much! Our driver Bri was an excellent driver as well! <3

We had SUCH a great time! Crosby and Troy were the perfect guides! They were perfect hosts - attentive to our kids, knowledgeable, and respectful of the manatees. We will absolutely do this again!

Our family of 4 went on the small group tour in the morning in March 2024 (one other couple was with us so 6 customers total). We had Liz as our guide and JJ as our captain and they were both very personable and knowledgeable. Liz did a great job of explaining everything about the manatees and their conservation, and how to act around them. Our guides were very friendly with other tour operators, communicating where some manatees had been sighted, and taking turns with groups getting close. We went down a quiet canal and observed a younger female manatee for a while. Later someone spotted a tour group with a mama and baby, but then those manatees took off so we didn't get to see them. There are also hot springs you can see underwater. We had snacks and coffee/hot chocolate and they turned a space heater on after because we were cold (remember to bring your own towels and warm clothes for after you pull down wetsuit). We had a great experience and I recommend River Ventures. It was a great value for 3 hours of a memory that will last forever.

Just went on out today with captain Mike and guide Carlos! It was the most magical experience. Manatees are my favorite animal and this has been a bucket list item for me to do. The team made it everything and more! Would 10000% recommendation and I will be back again! Thank you for making a dream come true!

We swam with the manatees with Caption Wade and Diver Master Trish. They really made it a fun and informative adventure. We had a great time and plan to come back and do it again.

This was amazing! Dave and Troy were excellent, and we were able to see several manatees. A great time was had by all, from the kids to the grandparents!

This tour was a 10th birthday gift for our twin boys and we had a wonderful time. Crosby and Troy made sure we found a manatee for our boys. We were able to spend quality time with the manatee and after we returned to the boat, the guys took us on a boat tour. Crosby and Troy were very knowledgeable about the area and it's wildlife. The heated pontoon came with snacks and drinks aplenty and the team made sure we had all we needed. 10/10 recommend to anyone considering!

Snorkeling with the manatees and watching them eat, surface to catch a breath and then submerging again to forage for food.

Best of three tours we did. Guides made sure we saw manatees in clear water, making for a great experience

The small group VIP heated tour was absolutely amazing! The staff was so accommodating to my six year old daughter and I on the trip. Our guide Marissa was so knowledgeable and kind! She took special attention to my daughter and made her feel very included. They were very hospitable on the boat, offering drinks and snacks multiple times, which I appreciated very much! I would 10/10 recommend and I will likely go again on my next trip down!

I would like to see my pictures from the trip I still haven’t received them Enjoyed our trip very much But would love our pictures

We absolutely enjoyed our tour with the Manatees! Trish and Wade are top notch guides! You can tell they have lots of experience, and a love for what they do, and their tour did not disappoint. We luckily found the manatees quickly and got a lot of time in the water with them. My little one (7) got cold and went back to the boat early, Wade quickly heated up the boat and served him hot cocoa, and he was comfortable, the rest of us were able to keep floating. Trish was extremely good at always getting us a good view of the manatees and helping my sons stay in the appropriate position for viewing and very encouraging towards them. We also had the treat of seeing 2 large tarpon and hundreds of mullet. I could not recommend this company and Trish and Wade more! We went on the earliest tour for the best results and I feel like it was worth the early wake up and the money. We will definitely be back!

Captain Troy and Guide Marissa made the tour a memorable experience. We were a group of six, two families with two young girls, age 10 and 11. Troy and Marissa were informative and reassuring for the girls. They took us to a cove where we experienced the manatees. Wow! The manatees are gentle giants! The water was pretty clear and the manatees were amazing. We also experienced a swim in a cove with underwater springs with fish and crystal clear water and bubbling sand.

Captain Wade was terrific. Our in water guide Trisha was incredible. Just loved all of it. Manatees were amazing. Loved the dogs in the office too🥰

Sheila and Troy were a great team. It didn't take long to find a manatee. Sheila was able to get some great pics-especially when the manatee came right up beside me for a breath. See pic. It's body was so large that it actually brushed me when it came up-and she caught it on film. WOW! This is my second time doing this. Last time I used a different company, but River Ventures was by far much better. I loved the VIP tour because there were only 6 people total. It made for a great experience and not too crowded like the last time I went. The pic package was only 39$ and well worth it. I highly recommend River Ventures

Capt Troy and Natalie were great. Thanks to Capt Troy for finding, mamma and baby first thing. An experience to remember