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