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Manatee Encounter: Semi-Private Tours in Crystal River
5.0
1,389 Ratings
Crystal River
Experience unforgettable, eco-friendly manatee encounters in Crystal River, Florida with Go Local Manatee Tours. Join our small, responsible tour groups for a relaxing and educational experience.
Experience unforgettable, eco-friendly manatee encounters in Crystal River, Florida with Go Local Manatee Tours. Join our small, responsible tour groups for a relaxing and educational experience.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- 1 SW 1st Pl - On our 3 hour semi private swimming with the manatee tours. We put a maximum of 6 guests to insure an intimate and educational experience. We embark our tour from Petes pier marina located in the heart of kings bay where the manatees can be located anywhere in our 600 acre bay. Once we find the manatees we then exit the boat and…
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1 SW 1st Pl - On our 3 hour semi private swimming with the manatee tours. We put a maximum of 6 guests to insure an intimate and educational experience. We embark our tour from Petes pier marina located in the heart of kings bay where the manatees can be located anywhere in our 600 acre bay. Once we find the manatees we then exit the boat and snorkel with the manatee. Our experienced guides lead the guests in the water throughout the entire at that time time they are taking photos and videos. All of our photos and small videos taken on the trip are included.
Please note.
This is a true wild life experience and we do not guarantee perfect conditions. As a small owner operated tour company we believe in transparency with our guests. A lot of tour companies advertise Crystal clear water and picture perfect attractions. During manatee season those are the most likely times to see manatees in or near the springs. Where the water is clearer.
During spring, summer and fall. The manatees will be eating on our grass flats where visibility can very between 1 to 6ft. There is residential population of manatees that live in our bay year round. So you can still see manatees in the off season.
What's Included
- Wetsuits
- Bottled water
- Photo and video package
- Defog
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Wetsuits
- Bottled water
- Photo and video package
- Defog
- Use of snorkeling equipment
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Parking (Pete’s pier charges a 10 dollar parking fee)
- towels
- Gratuities
- Parking (Pete’s pier charges a 10 dollar parking fee)
- towels
Additional Information
Go Local Manatee Tours provides unforgettable, intimate manatee experiences in Crystal River, Florida. Their daily semi-private tours, accommodating up to six passengers, focus on responsible tourism to minimize the impact on manatees and their habitats. As the sole tour company in Crystal River owned and operated by locals, they offer unmatched…
Go Local Manatee Tours provides unforgettable, intimate manatee experiences in Crystal River, Florida. Their daily semi-private tours, accommodating up to six passengers, focus on responsible tourism to minimize the impact on manatees and their habitats. As the sole tour company in Crystal River owned and operated by locals, they offer unmatched knowledge and passion for the area, ensuring guests have an authentic and enriching experience. Being owner-operated means they are personally committed to each tour, delivering a high level of personalized service and education, while maintaining a balance between tourism and conservation in their hometown. Additionally, they proudly offer complimentary photo packages, allowing guests to preserve their memories at no extra cost. This unique blend of local expertise, personal commitment, and added value makes their tours truly exceptional.
- Not recommended for travelers who are not comfortable at least floating in the water
Location
1 SW 1st Pl
Southwest 1st Place
When you arrive at Pete's Pier Marina, we'll meet you at the bait shop located at the end of the pier. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions. We'll also be contacting you the day before your departure to ensure everything is good to go. Can't wait for your awesome manatee tour!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1389 Ratings)
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Pacurn25
Nov 13, 2025
Magical Manatee Moments -NOT TO BE MISSED! - I cannot recommend this small-group manatee swim highly enough! We went on a very chilly morning (49 degrees)and it ended up being the most unforgettable part of our entire trip. The cold weather brought even more manatees into the springs, and our small group size made the whole experience feel peaceful, intimate, and respectful of the animals.
Walter and Josh were incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate about protecting these gentle giants. They made sure everyone was comfortable in the wetsuits and took time to teach us how to float calmly so the manatees would come right up to us— and they did! My brother had one sweetheart manatee blow into his ear ( the most luck he has had with a female in a long time) We had more than an hour of close, slow, magical encounters that were truly once-in-a-lifetime. I think that our guides were just as amazed as we were!
Walt commandeered the boat like an expert, following us at a perfect distance to ensure safety, and he prepared hot chocolate and a heated area for when we got out into the chilly air.
Josh documented our experience with a go-pro and facilitated our interactions with the manatees by gently guiding us. He is obviously well loved and known by these gentle giants, and one manatee literally was hugging him with her fins, and nibbling at his wetsuit.
Despite the cool air temperatures, the water was warm and clear, and the smaller group meant we weren’t crowded or rushed. We had plenty of time to watch the manatees glide, feed, and even interact with us with total trust.
If you’re considering this tour, do it— especially if it’s a cold day. The manatees gather in the warmer springs, and the experience is beyond anything I expected. Absolutely phenomenal from start to finish!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lula_l
Jun 7, 2025
A Great trip with my granddaughter. - Our guides (Walter & Derrick) were great. They are with Go Local Manatee Tours. I would highly recommend this groups as they are locally owned and operated.
Review provided by Viator
David_d
May 29, 2025
Great experience with Manatees - Great experience with Manatees. Captain Walter and guide Josh were 1st class and made our experience memorable.
Review provided by Viator
Dg379
Apr 2, 2025
Great experience. The guides go over and above to make this great. Want to do this again! - The crew did an amazing job of making sure it was a great experience for the guests. It was a moving experience to be this close to these gentle giants.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tcase1934
Apr 1, 2025
Bucket List Adventure - Go Local Manatee tours was an amazing adventure. Captain Walter and in water guide/videographer were fun, knowledgeable, and helpful. It was everything we wanted for this bucket list item😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adventurer97885
Apr 1, 2025
Floaty Potatoes - They went above and beyond. It was a great experience that I am telling everyone about. It was the best group because they sent me all the pictures and video.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelle
Mar 31, 2025
Amazing trip to swim with the manatees - We had an amazing time. The crew were incredibly knowledgeable and clearly loved allowing the passengers to experience Crystal River and the beautiful manatees in their natural habitat. We were hoping for a wonderful time swimming with the manatees and Go Local surpassed all my expectations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigate33724973305
Mar 30, 2025
Manatee sightings - This was sooo amazing! A once in a lifetime experience. Captain Pete and his staff were incredible! We had a private tour and there was no disappointments in finding the Manatees. If you want a great experience Go Local is the charter for you and the bounce is they are a local company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessicacr4964xc
Mar 28, 2025
Amazing Manatees - Scheduled with this group about a month before our trip. The communication before our date was good- email regarding what to bring, etc. When I contacted them a few days before our swim, Peter was very helpful in talking through the pros/cons of keeping the early morning swim time, and giving info on the manatees. Day of the swim- boats were there and staff in the lot to greet us. Although late in the season, we were able to swim with several manatees, and having Derek take the photos, included in the price was a plus. Might have liked a few more underwater shots closer with manatees- realize it was difficult with so many other groups in the spring- definitely spring break crowd. In fact seeing several other tours there, was very glad to be with this group- enjoyed the 6 person boat, very respectful of the manatees, trying to emphasize observing and giving the animals space. Really amazing creatures.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E2869wbjessical
Mar 27, 2025
Amazing 😍 - We had a wonderful manatee experience with a true local gem of a team! They were very knowledgeable and not only got us in the water with many manatee they also provided educational information and accommodated everyone on the boat! We 100% recommend booking with them to any and every one. We hope to be back for another experience soon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor