Captain Wade is currently our 'Head Captain', and an anchoring member of this crew, meaning we can count on him to give an awesome tour in winter or summer; morning or afternoon! He started with us years ago... but kept his day job thinking that being a manatee Captain was just too good to be true. We are proud to say that Wade left his 'day job' over six years ago, and has been with us every day since!! If you check out Trip Advisor, you will see not only his name hundreds of times on five-star reviews but his wife Trish also. They bring their love for each other and the manatees to the shop daily and have quickly become one of the most requested Captains and guides in this game! If you run a boat on Crystal River, then you know (and probably love) Captain Wade! The respect he garners from others on the water, and the experience he brings to the table make a huge difference in the quality of tour experience that he can deliver to you!

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JJ has been with River Ventures for over six years now, and as one of our 'Original In-water guides,' he holds a special place within our family! Many people do not remember or even realize, but until 6 years ago our Captains were able to get off their vessels to swim with our guests and photograph. The Coast Guard decided that Captains were now needed to stay aboard, but we wanted to do right by our visitors' AND manatees by finding qualified, passionate guides to accompany our Captains for the tours. JJ was the first, the original... and we hope he will stay forever, as he is truly one of the best!

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Unique, passionate, humorous, and highly entertaining... these are just a few words that describe Captain Emerson! He's only been in the area for about 3 years, and we knew the first time we met him that he would be an awesome addition to our team! Starting out as an in-water guide, then got his lifeguard certification followed by his Captain's license... we've been proud to watch him grow and his star is shining brighter every day!

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In the tranquil waters of Crystal River lies a remarkable individual named Mike. With a heart full of determination and an unwavering work ethic, he has become an indispensable asset at River Ventures. Mike's role as an in-water swim guide with manatees isn't just a job; it's a passion. He's a master at creating unforgettable experiences for visitors and is continuously refining his skills. Beyond this, Mike is diligently working towards earning his Masters Captain's License, a testament to his commitment to a life on the water. 

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One of our most in-demand and respected guides is Crystal... and none of us can deny how much she loves what she does every day!  

Crystal Diodati has been with us here at River Ventures for a year... and what a year it's been!! New Company, a new address, and new love have come Crystal's way since she joined the family and she has welcomed all the opportunities with open arms!  

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Meet Erin Egbert... one of our fearless leaders here at River Ventures! Erin started as a kayak instructor, CDL bus driver, and shop girl with us 4 years ago and now she is the Manager of our Crystal River location. She spends a good portion of her time with scheduling, booking systems, and technology but also focuses on fleet management and boat reports. She is truly a 'Jill of All Trades' that has never lost her passion for outdoor adventure!

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