3-Hour Small Group All-Inclusive Manatee Swim with Photo Package

Overview

Available languages

English

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

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‘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

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.

Options

3 hour small group all inclusive manatee swim with free photo package !

Duration: 3 hours
Photo and video packages

Reviews

5.00

1,394 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1392

Magical Manatee Moments -NOT TO BE MISSED!
pacurn25,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Great family experience
tmB1406KW,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This tour was planned as part of a family vacation and was a great experience for all ! Peter and Derick provided the best experience by sharing their expertise and personal assistance with the Manatee encounters - Also tyhaving patience with members of our family who had limited experience in the water. The area we visited, being less crowded, provided close encounter experiences we were hoping for and exceeded our expectations ! While there are many options for the Manatee tours, we found Peter and Derick’s local knowledge of the area, Bay Area environmental conditions, and Manatee activity, to be above and beyond our expectations for the visit.
The greatest!!!
Roxanne c,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Definitely book this!!! So fun and informative we were up close to the manatees..without disturbing them. Once in a lifetime experience! You could tell Walter and Josh loved what they do..the coffee and hot chocolate were nice touches after getting out of the water.We always like to support local businesses.. Go local is the best...hope to be back again soon...
10/10 would recommend
Sara M,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our guides were wonderful and exceeded any expectations we may have had. They were fun and informative, and their love for the manatees was evident. We would definitely book through this company again!
Great time and...
Faith B,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great time and experience! Walt and Josh were wonderful! Thank you for the hot chocolate and beautiful pictures! Hope to see you both again!
Amazing
Kristen B,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Once and a lifetime experience. These memories will last a lifetime. Walter and Josh made us feel comfortable and prepared us well. It was absolutely amazing. Pictures were great and will be cherished. Thank you for such a magical time.
Up close experience
Matt B,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wonderful up close experience with manatees with amazing guides that really made our experience special.
Go Local 10/10- researched all vendors
ginasP7319GW,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Owner answered all of my 50 questions and was so knowledgeable and kind. I researched all the operations and decided this was the best and so glad I did. The crew was great, very supportive and also very respectful of the manatees. I got lucky with only a 2 person tour but they run the boats with smaller crowds vs others which improves the experience. Also really appreciate the wide variety of wetsuits, the heater the captain brought on boat and definitely that the guides gave us pictures at no cost. Got to see several manatees and a couple mommas and babies. 10/10 you are in good hands with Go Local. It’s about 2 hour drive from Orlando and the best thing I did on my trip.
Meeting the manatees with local experts
JoyJoyJoyce,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had an amazing time with Go Local Manatee Tours, and would definitely recommend them! I was a little nervous at first to go as a solo traveler, but once I got there I felt so welcome, almost like visiting old friends. Walter and Derek were super fun guides! They are long-time locals who not only know the manatees but also share deep insight into the area’s history and ecosystem. You can really tell that they care about the environment and the community. Tours are kept small to minimize environmental impact and ensures careful attention to every detail so that everyone get the most out of the tour. They even take photos and videos for you which is included in the price so guests can fully be present in the moment with the manatees. I loved seeing these gentle creatures up close, peacefully swimming and grazing on seagrass. It was such a healing experience that I’ll always remember. I hope I can come back someday!
Highly recommend
Leena M,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing, beautiful experience with the best guides. It was informative and so worth it!! Photographs were perfect.