Manatee Fun Tours, Crystal River FL

The entire experience was very professional and extremely enjoyable. The woman (I wish I remembered her name) who did the introduction in the River Ventures office was superb. She was enjoyable to listen to, enthusiastic and very informative. Captain Broderick was extremely welcoming with his corny jokes and genuine concern that all of us have a first class tour. My wife is recovering from an injury and he assisted "Mama" in getting down from the dock and encouraged her to take her time climbing the boat ladder from the water. He immediately located a group of manatee and got us on the water before the participants from the other tour companies could crowd the space. His concern for our safety as well as the safety of the manatees was always evident. When we come back to Crystal River next February, we will definitely request Captain Broderick and the Manatee Fun at River Ventures!

Great warm welcome by booking staff. Then on the day we had a fun and informative introduction and felt completely at ease.
On board the boat Matt and Broderick were fun and professional. We were straight in the water with these wonderful mammals. Matt guided us through the water with confidence and care. It was clear the guides and company have a lot of respect for the manatees. Matts photography was amazing, so many great pictures and videos to share at home. Captain Broderick was great fun.
Highly recommend this once in a lifetime tour all the staff were helpful and upbeat.

This was amazing. Every person who worked with us made us feel like we were family members. Captain Mike found us manatees in just a few minutes of getting on the water, and Matt, our swim guide was able to get us all up close and made the entire trip just amazing! We were there in the off season but that didn't stop them from finding Mothers, Babies and other manatees. Highly recommend this company, and do the smallest group you can, we did the 6 member package, and would do it again anytime! Thanks for making my dreams come true. And I love the video Matt made, I didn't even take my own camera, I just totally focused on my experience.

Troy and Skylar were excellent. The house boat was small and private. They were able to personalize our tour to what we wanted.

What a mind blowing experience! Captain Broderick and our guide, Tom, were amazing hosts. They took time to explain safety rules and appropriate interactions with the manatees. They were good-humored, professional and fun. It was obvious that every effort was made to ensure we had the best experience we could, with Tom hopping in the water to check visibility before we selected our swimming spot. Tom took plenty of photos that were available after for purchase so that you could focus on enjoying the experience of being with the manatees. It was a very cold day, and the hot chocolate was SO appreciated! I will never forget this experience! Highly recommended.

Captain Broderick and Tom were so much fun. You both made our trip amazing! We will definitely be back.

This company totally disregards the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) laws regarding manatee interaction. I guess they figure good pictures equals better tips. Their "in the water guide" who is supposed to keep tabs on swimmers was actually taking pictures of a swimmer hugging and petting a manatee that was in shallow water eating! This is without a doubt illegal. The captain turned a blind eye to what his water guide was doing. After I voiced my concern.then.the water guide asked the swimmer to stop. Are you kidding me.so unprofessional! I only use companies that practice zero tolerance and enforce the rules of passive observation.this is not one of them.companies like this harm manatees.which is not good for them or people who care about their well-being and want to interact with them the safe and legal way. AVOID!

One of the greatest animal interactions I have ever been on. Even though we went during the off season we saw five manatees. We went to four different spots. It was a magical experience.

Captain Broderick and Tom were absolutely amazing! They assured we followed all laws regarding manatees and we spent a lot of time in the water with the manatees while being very careful not to interrupt their eating. Both had excellent senses of humor, were very knowledgeable about manatees, and made sure we had the best experience! I would HIGHLY recommend this tour to anyone looking for a great experience!

Guide Tom and captain Broderick were incredible! This is the best tour. Company. Small groups and they made it fun for adults and kids, an they made sure every person was comfortable and saw manatees. Actually, a bunch of manatees, up close and personal. Very professional. I would definitely take another trip with Tom and Broderick.

Broderick and Tom made our tour educational and hilarious. It was a beautiful and fun morning! We saw many manatees and they are very sweet creatures.

Feb. 2018. We had a wonderful trip with Sheena our guide & John T our captain who ensured the very best trip. We saw two mothers with babies and many many manatees. I would recommend these two, we came away with great pictures and memories. I would recommend selecting your own boat and guide, the experience was well worth it and will do it again

Broderick ge driver was hilarious and delightful and our guide Emerson was super cool. Beautiful views and really magical to meet the manatees!