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.
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
Not recommended for travelers who are not comfortable at least floating in the water
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
wetsuits
Bottled water
photo and video package.
defog
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Gratuities
Parking (Pete's pier charges a 10 dollar parking fee)
towels
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.
Duration: 3 hours
Photo and video packages
1,322 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Vicky P,
Oct 7, 2025
- Viator
We had a great tour with Joshua and Walter! They were extremely knowledgeable and very friendly and made it an amazing experience for our 4 year old daughter who was a bit nervous at the start. I would 100 percent book another tour with them, they were fantastic ! Thank you !!!
Bryan L,
Sep 29, 2025
- Viator
So glad we went with local!! Walter & Joshua were good humor, knowledgeable, and very laid-back. Very accommodating as well! Joshua guided us around a few different manatees and was great at incorporating each member in photos and or the videos. Walter keep near and brought us to really nice spots. They have such a great repour with other group leaders sharing, listening, and offering tips. The photo/video package being included was easy to access and download to our personal cloud device....Joshua...awesome shots!!! Gotta love the selfie...lol! Highly recommend this tour group with the great communication, easy of access, and positive attitudes! Well worth it!!
Constance H,
Sep 28, 2025
- Viator
Very fun! Wonderful for children!! We loved getting to swim with the manatees. This was our second time using this company. They really are THE BEST in the area!!!
Emma B,
Sep 26, 2025
- Viator
AMAZING! The Go Local crew was great. Super knowledgeable about both Manatee and the area. Found us some Friendly Manatee to swim with, even at a time of year when the population is low. I can't recommend them enough!!!!!
Regenia C,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
Excellent outing! Captain, Walter, and swimming guide did an excellent job. Would highly recommend. Great value and time we'll spent.
Operated by Go Local Manatee Tours