If you have been a friend of River Ventures for very long, then this is a name you will certainly recognize!! Captain John Baltzell has been with us for over 4 years, and we affectionately call him Johnny B! He may look disarmingly handsome and charming; but he is truly one of the most qualified and talented Captains on these waterways! 

John came to us from Key West where he was a Dolphin eco-tour Captain for 15 years and had an awesome reputation for taking pride in what he does. This is where he honed his mariner skills and realized what a joy it is to introduce wildlife and his passion for conservation to the world! He was born and raised in beautiful Northern New Jersey, is a big fan of the Miami Marlins (sorry John) and was an avid motocross racer for decades. 

This sarcastic and intelligent Gemini recently hung up his motocross boots and is now saving up to build a home on the beautiful property he just purchased here in Citrus County!! John says there is no place else he would rather be and has no plans to retire from being a Captain anytime soon. What else is there to do, when you are already living the dream?!?!

Thank you, John - for all your years of loyalty, service and providing an inspiration to thousands of animal lovers!! If Johnny B sounds like the Captain for you, it is always possible to request him when making your dreams of swimming with manatees come true!