TOP 10 REASONS

RIVER VENTURES IS THE REAL #1!

When speaking with tour operators while doing research, they will all tell you they are number one... but there are so many things that set River Ventures ahead of the pack! Keep reading for 10 reasons that River Ventures is the REAL #1 operation for tours in Florida! 

#1: INTEGRITY

  • Honesty is our policy
  • If we make a promise, we keep it
  • If you book a tour, we honor it
  • We treat staff and guests like family

#2: REPUTATION

“Nancy Grace, Coyote Peterson, National Geographic, Jason Alexander, Mote Marine, Sea Turtle Conservancy, the Daily Show, Dr Bob Bonde and Roger Reap, Patrick Dempsey... all toured with River Ventures!”
  • Thousands of top notch reviews. Check our TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook & Yelp reviews.
  • Strong online presence that makes it impossible to hide ANYTHING
  • No hidden charges or fees
  • No shady characters, only reputable, highly trained crew
  • No lugging your own gear or changing in a parking lot
  • Finest service for our guests... you will feel safe and secure! 
Breaking Trails explores the realm of the endangered manatee with Coyote Peters: on as your guide. Fun to watch and full of info this video will inspire you to check this adventure off your bucket list!

#3: COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

  • Employees that volunteer for manatee rescues
  • Regular involvement and organizing of Bay clean-ups
  • School programs are where we shine! Outreach and education to local schools and clubs
  • Complementary tours for groups of disabled vets and make a wish participants
  • Proud members of the Manatee Eco-Tourism association that uphold their standards and ideals
  • Only tour company in the area with a classroom type setting that emphasizes education and awareness instead of a petting zoo mentality.

RV staff involved in the biggest manatee rescue in the history of Citrus County.

#4: EXCELLENT FACILITY AND GIFT SHOP

  • One of the largest gift shops in the area
  • Most prolific manatee shop in the world! 
  • Clean restrooms and changing rooms
  • Complimentary coffee and cocoa upon arrival
  • Safe, well lit and welcoming facility

#5: SOME OF THE FINEST VESSELS AND GEAR IN THE INDUSTRY

  • Updated wet suits and snorkel gear regularly
  • Coast Guard Certified boats, all approved for safety and stability
  •  Heated and enclosed houseboats and VIP pontoons
  •  Variety of boat styles offers more unique options

#6: FLEXIBILITY AND VARIETY

  • So many boats that we can customize almost any adventure!
  • More variety than most competitors
  • Our operation in Homosassa which offers winter time manatee tours and summer scallop adventures
  • Air boats and pontoon rentals at our sister Company 'River Safaris'
  • Tree house rental available for lodging - sleeps up to 6
  • Options for Rainbow River, Chassahowitzka River, guided hikes and paddles, even Segway tours on request
  • Unique and exclusive options like our Family Fun Day Tour, Ultimate Voyage and Manatee Paddle
  • From mild to wild we have it all!

#7: DEDICATION TO THE ANIMALS AND ENVIRONMENT

  •  A passionate crew that participates in rescues, reporting and animal monitoring
  •  Approved 4Ocean vendor with profits going to ocean cleanup
  •  Working with local school kids to improve conditions of local waterways
  •  Contributing vessels and Captains for local fundraisers
  •  Moving away from the use of plastics, using paper and recylebles when possible
  •  Recycling approximately 50% of our 'trash' 
  •  Butterfly garden for contribution to their fragile environment
  •  Propagating eelgrass in our back yard 'pond'

#8: FOSTERING INDUSTRY COLLABORATION AND BROTHERHOOD ON THE WATERWAYS  

  • Conscientious practitioners of controlled group behavior  
  • Working with our team as well as competitors to make positive changes
  • Participation in the Manatee Eco-Tourism Association for the longevity of our Industry
  • Building friendships all across the waterways by sharing and caring

#9: CUSTOMER APPRECIATION

  • Discounts for repeat customers
  • Discounts for military; both active and retired
  • Gifts of appreciation; free reusable bags, gifts for fathers and mother's day
  • Online promotions that offer free trips each season
  • Quarterly emailed newsletter with manatee updates and great info. Sign-up for our newsletter, please click here.

#10: OUR PEOPLE

  • Only hiring the most passionate personalities for our guides, Captains and office staff
  • Crew from all over the world with varied interests and hobbies
  • We have a personality on staff that will perfectly compliment yours
  • Requiring continued education for all yearly
  • Crew recognition based on positive customer feedback
  • Crew helps contribute to website content and new product ideas 
  • Proven performance of our people over the years; the crew is what shines here! 
  • Click here to meet them in person