Home
About
An Endangered Love Story
Crew
Recruitment
River Safaris
River Ventures #1
Tours
Swim with Manatee
Guarantee Manatee
Private Manatee Group Tour
Airboat Tour
Scalloping
Lodging
Gift Certificates
Availability
Manatee Stuff
All About Manatee
Seasonal Tour Conditions
Swim with manatee FAQs
Manatee Gallery
Merchandise
Destination
Lodging
RV & Camping
Food & Spirit
Rivers & Springs
Festivals & Happening
Nature Coast
Florida Attraction
Gifts & Shopping
Blog
CONTACT

River Ventures

Home
About
An Endangered Love Story
Crew
Recruitment
River Safaris
River Ventures #1
Tours
Swim with Manatee
Guarantee Manatee
Private Manatee Group Tour
Airboat Tour
Scalloping
Lodging
Gift Certificates
Availability
Manatee Stuff
All About Manatee
Seasonal Tour Conditions
Swim with manatee FAQs
Manatee Gallery
Merchandise
Destination
Lodging
RV & Camping
Food & Spirit
Rivers & Springs
Festivals & Happening
Nature Coast
Florida Attraction
Gifts & Shopping
Blog
CONTACT
  • About
  • An Endangered Love Story
  • Crew
  • Recruitment
  • River Safaris
  • River Ventures #1
Featured
347113029_943197513402852_3190476185618084197_n.jpg
Oct 26, 2023
Brianna Vance: The Unstoppable Force with a Vision
Oct 26, 2023

Born and raised in the heart of Michigan, Bri's competitive spirit was ignited by the unwavering support of her father. He stood by her and her brother through thick and thin

Read More →
Oct 26, 2023
sara1.jpeg
Oct 26, 2023
Sara: The Manatee Maven
Oct 26, 2023

In the heart of the adventure-laden realm known as River Ventures, there resides a soul that beats to the rhythm of compassion and exudes an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

Read More →
Oct 26, 2023
Vickie 1.jpg
Oct 25, 2023
Vickie Hall: A Fun-Loving Gem
Oct 25, 2023

Once upon a sunny Floridian day, the enchanting Vickie made her way into the vibrant world of River Ventures, and little did we know that we were welcoming a true gem into our family!

Read More →
Oct 25, 2023
Screenshot 2023-09-19 at 7.55.18 PM.jpg
Oct 25, 2023
Mike: The Connection between Science and Adventure
Oct 25, 2023

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.

Read More →
Oct 25, 2023
245777104_10209313641914831_9169245072972896838_n-2.jpg
Feb 18, 2023
Meet Cortney Margaret, our office cheerleader
Feb 18, 2023

Cortney Margaret, the office cheerleader is a strong, independent woman who has a big heart and an even bigger sense of humor. She loves making people laugh by either telling a funny joke or snorting when she laughs, causing her to earn the nickname Snortney from her loving mom when she was a child.

Read More →
Feb 18, 2023
Captain Ross
Aug 21, 2021
Meet Captain Ross
Aug 21, 2021

He chooses to join RV because of our reputation and he heard that the crew here are more like family than co-workers. He's been with us for nearly 2 years, and loves the comradery, flexibility, and support he has found here with our team. Ross is a real superstar and we are so happy to have him here as a part of our River Family!

Read More →
Aug 21, 2021
Guide Liz
Aug 21, 2021
Meet Guide Liz, an incredible 2021 addition to our crew
Aug 21, 2021

Liz has a background in hospitality and food service... which means that she knows how to anticipate your families' needs and deliver you an experience well beyond what you'd expect.

Read More →
Aug 21, 2021
Meet Mrs.Trisha Black
Aug 21, 2021
Meet Mrs. Trisha Black!
Aug 21, 2021

As Captain Wade's unofficial guide/partner they have become one of the most requested and respected teams on the Bay. If you don't know ANYTHING about manatees, you will by the time Trisha is done with you! She's from Atlanta, Georgia, and was Wade's high school sweetheart.

Read More →
Aug 21, 2021
Captain Kelly Turkette
Aug 21, 2021
Let's meet Captain Kelly Turkette
Aug 21, 2021

Kelly has been a manatee guide and passionate photographer for years now... and has recently added the Captain feather to her cap! She can't wait to teach the world about the ecosystems she loves while at the helm of her own vessel! Kelly is known as the Scallop Slayer

Read More →
Aug 21, 2021
river ventures grizzly captain
Dec 6, 2019
Meet Grizzly And Captain - Two Essential Members Of The RV Crew!
Dec 6, 2019

The River Crew has decided to take a break from our typical Employee bios, and instead introduce our readers to our 'Shop Dogs'! Fact is, we find that most of our visitors are almost as excited to meet the dogs, as they are to meet a manatee! Meet two of the most integral and hardest working on the Crew... Grizzly and Captain.

Read More →
Dec 6, 2019
15541345_10208064704278477_906006607717226515_n.jpg
Feb 9, 2019
Meet Erin Egbert, One of Our Fearless Leaders Here at River Ventures
Feb 9, 2019

Erin was born and raised in Amherst, New Hampshire. Amherst is a small town of 11,000 people... that were excited to get their very own Walmart in 2002! It's also home to the Ponemah Wildlife Sanctuary and the Hodgeman State Forest where Erin first found her passion for Nature and exploration. She came to escape the cold winter of 2013, and hasn't left Citrus County yet! Her grandmother, who is also

Read More →
Feb 9, 2019
P1010010-002.JPG
Dec 26, 2018
JJ the 'OG'
Dec 26, 2018

JJ, more formally known as Jeremiah Johnson, has been a kayak guide, a fly board instructor, a life guard and a professional photographer. He's been there for many of our weddings, celebrations and special occasions to record them via video, drone or still as 'Crystal River Photography'.

Read More →
Dec 26, 2018
guide gavin 2.jpg
Dec 21, 2018
Guide and all-around Right-Hand Man Gavin
Dec 21, 2018

Gavin comes from a long line of fisherman and Captains, ultimately being a Captain is his goal as well.

Read More →
Dec 21, 2018
captain rhonda.jpg
Oct 29, 2018
Meet Rockin' Rhonda, One of The Most Experienced Captains in The Area!
Oct 29, 2018

When Rhonda is not Captaining Ms. Manatee, you can find her digging into a great book of inspiration, traveling, scuba diving....and she LOVES music! She's also a big sports fan so you might catch her watching college football on Saturday to keep up with her Wisconsin Badgers or watching the Packers on Sunday. Shout out to all the other Cheeseheads out there!

Read More →
Oct 29, 2018
captain emerson.jpg
Oct 29, 2018
Meet Captain Emerson
Oct 29, 2018

Other than Mother Nature, manatees and growing food, Emerson's passion lies in music. Chelsea and Emerson have a traveling musical duo and are called 'Well Worn Soles'; they are FANTASTIC and the crew loves to go watch them play at Burke's and Crackers. He an a-typical Tauras; caring, kind and generous with the best of intentions. He's like most of us, saying that the least favorite part of his job is the early alarm clock ringer. He's never had a job where he had to rise before the sun every day!

Read More →
Oct 29, 2018
captain mike.jpg
Oct 29, 2018
Meet Captain and Guide Extraordinaire Mike Milsci
Oct 29, 2018

Mike was born in Puerto Rico (hence his nickname Rico Sauve! shhhh) but grew up in the Boston area. Like most folks from Boston he is down to earth and a super Red Sox and Patriots fan. Mike comes from a huge Italian/Portuguese family and is married to a lovely lady who bakes us all cupcakes (shout out to Jessica!) Family is very important to Mike, and he's become a very important member of our River Ventures family! We are grateful to have him!

Read More →
Oct 29, 2018
captain mariah
Oct 19, 2018
Meet Captain Mariah
Oct 19, 2018

Her motto for a happy life? "Never frown – it causes wrinkles'! And you will never see a frown on this lovely lady's face. Every day here at River Ventures she takes our frowns and turns them upside down...there are smiles where ever this special lady goes!! 

Read More →
Oct 19, 2018
river-ventures-crystal
Jul 12, 2018
Captivating Crystal
Jul 12, 2018

Crystal has lived in this area most of her life, moving here from Pennsylvania in the fourth grade. She doesn't remember much about her young life there, but she does know that she loves her Florida winters without the snow!

Read More →
Jul 12, 2018
5D3_9888-Edit.jpg
Jun 19, 2018
Meet 'Marvelous Matt'… swim guide extraordinaire!
Jun 19, 2018

Marvelous Matt loves to tinker….so when he is not swimming with manatees you may find him making inventions, modifying different objects to make them useful or riding the team around on his go-kart. Man is it fast!! He also loves bugs, spiders and lizards…..you won't believe the species that he collects! He has been a fisherman, a wet suit washer and has worked his way up around here to earn the respect of all his peers.

Read More →
Jun 19, 2018
IMG_4879.jpg
Jun 13, 2018
Meet Captain Wade Black
Jun 13, 2018

Captain Wade is a happy-go-lucky, fun loving spirit and his motto is... Be happy, or go away. There is so much beauty and blessings all around if you just open your eyes! He's not sure he ever wants to retire, but he does look forward to growing old with his loving family. Until then, we are PROUD and humbled to consider him an essential member of our River Ventures family! 

Read More →
Jun 13, 2018
5D3_9870-003.jpg
Feb 14, 2018
Let’s Meet Irish Dave - the Manatee Whisperer
Feb 14, 2018

Devoted to the customer experience and an active manatee rescue volunteer, Irish Dave shines as a photographer and one of the unique personalities that adds to the soul of our wacky family!

Read More →
Feb 14, 2018
captain john.jpg
Dec 10, 2017
Meet the Staff - Captain John Baltzell
Dec 10, 2017

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! 

Read More →
Dec 10, 2017
Gloria.jpg
Nov 3, 2017
Meet Our Crew! Today, let’s meet Gloria….
Nov 3, 2017

Today, let’s meet Gloria….

Read More →
Nov 3, 2017
Back to Top
 
River Ventures Facebook
River Ventures Google+
River Ventures Instagram
River Ventures Youtube
River Ventures Tripadvisor
 

HOME        ABOUT        swim with mANATEE faqs        contact        BOOKING        BLOGS