3 Hour Small Group All Inclusive Manatee Swim with free Photo pkg
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Go Local Manatee Tours offers unforgettable, up-close, and personal manatee encounters in Crystal River, Florida. Our daily small 6-passenger semi-private tours prioritize responsible tourism and minimize the impact on the manatees and their environments. As the only tour company in Crystal River owned and operated by staff raised here locally, we bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge and passion for the area, ensuring our guests receive an authentic and enriching experience. Moreover, being owner-operated means we are personally invested in every tour, guaranteeing a high level of personalized service and education, ensuring to maintain an equal balance of tourism and protection to our hometown. Additionally, we are proud to be the only tour company that offers our guests complimentary photo packages, allowing them to cherish their memories without any extra cost. This unique combination of local expertise, personal dedication, and added value truly makes our tours one-of-a-kind.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
No professional cameras or photographers with out prior consent from operator.
Not recommended for travelers who are not comfortable at least floating in the water
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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 Snorkelling equipment
Gratuities
Parking (Pete's pier charges a 10 dollar parking fee)
towels
Options
3 hour small group all inclusive manatee swim with free photo package !
Duration: 3 hours
Photo and video packages
Reviews
1,650 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour!
A9320ESandrewh,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great local guide service. We all saw so many manatees. Support the local guides that care about the manatees! We would recommend this tour to anyone who wants a great time.
Go with Go Local!
Christine G,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stephanie and Dillon made our day so fun and they were both so kind! Our group of 4 hasn't been to Crystal River in over 25 years, it was a reunion for us! Even for us OGs, we still learned new things about the manatees from them. Their indepth knowledge and the love they have for the area being locals shined... The boat was comfortable, the equipment was beautifully maintained! Highly highly recommend Go Local!
A Must Do Experience
mulvv,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an experience! Floating with these majestic mammals in their native environment was incredible. This is a must do. Captain Josh and First Mate/Photographer Derek from Go Local Manatee Tours were outstanding. Growing up in Crystal River with the Manatees allows them to impart local knowledge and understanding of the Manatees. Their appreciation and love for the Manatees come through in a very genuine way. It made my and my wife's experience that much more special. If you go, experience it with Go Local Manatee Tours. We drove in 4 hrs for this and it was so worth it. We stayed in the Crystal River area and had a great night before walking around the quaint town having diner at St. John's Tavern and enjoying ice cream at Guyer's.
A Great Time!
griffithb2026,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00OUTSTANDING! Will use Go Local again. Great team, put us right on the manatees, stayed as long as we wanted. Had hot chocolate and a warm cabin waiting for us. Very good pictures by the photographer and very good price.
The best way to see manatees!
SCbluedevil79,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the most amazing things we have ever done. Our crew was very helpful and knowledgeable; you can tell from the start that they are local and passionate about manatees. From the time we stepped on board they helped us with everything from wetsuits to masks and snorkels. They put us in the best spot to encounter the manatees and were in the water with us the whole time. There must have been 20-30 manatees in the spring with us and they swam all around us. We weren’t supposed to touch them but they came up and rubbed against us. Truly amazing. We have been swimming with dolphins, stingrays and manta rays but nothing was as special as these gentle creatures. I would recommend this trip to anyone of any age.
We went on the 7am tour...
Renee C,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We went on the 7am tour Nobody was out for about 1-2 hrs then there are 7 other tour companies at the springs Christine was in the water with us and very supportive She loves her job! The Capt heated the boat had Hot Chocolate ready and was very professional! I would highly recommend this tour only 3 other couples on boat not crowded We had pics taken by Christine while in the water with the beautiful graceful manatees! Photos and Hot Chocolate included with tour. Highly recommended!
Great morning with the manatees!
Meredith G,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience with the manatees!! Lindsay and Josh were excellent guides/ captain. Appreciate their knowledge, experience and helpful tips!! Do it!
Wonderful manatee experience with knowledgeable guides
SiobhanS161,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing manatee flat with Lindsey and Josh. They were not only knowledgeable about the manatees but also very kind and understanding to all in the group.
Amazing experience!
H6281VXsarahl,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! 💯 recommend Go Local Manatee Tour! The guides were friendly, knowledgeable and great! Got to swim up close with lots of incredible manatees! 🥰
This is the tour to book!!
Corissa N,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Swimming with manatees has been on my bucket list for years. I did a lot of research, but when it came time to book, I was honestly overwhelmed by all the options. I read so many reviews trying to make sure I picked the right experience—and I’m really glad I did. If you’re looking for a small group tour without paying private tour prices, Go Local Manatee Tours is it. They’re the last locally owned and operated manatee tour company in Crystal River, and they were fantastic. Walter was our captain and Christina was our in-water guide and photographer. From the start, they were very attentive—checking in to make sure everyone was comfortable, answering questions, and making sure we were having a good experience. You can tell right away this isn’t just a job to them. They genuinely care, and that made a big difference. Christina was amazing at finding the manatees and calmly guiding us on what to do so we could have a great experience while still respecting the manatees and giving them space. It was honestly really cool to see how excited she was every time we saw one—it made the whole experience even better. One of the best parts was not having to worry about taking photos. Christina took them for us, and they’re included in the price, which was such a nice bonus. It was 32° during our tour, but there was a heater on the boat and hot drinks waiting when we got out. There’s also a small changing area, so bring dry clothes. I would absolutely do this again and wouldn’t hesitate to book with Go Local Manatee Tours. If swimming with manatees is on your bucket list, this is the company to go with. 💙 Mike, Cori & Dillon
From US$99.00
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Operated by Go Local Manatee Tours