Manatee Encounter: Semi-Private Tours in 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.

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…
What's Included
  • Bottled water included
  • Exclusive photo and video package
  • Snorkeling equipment provided
  • Defog solution available
  • Wetsuits for comfort
What's Not Included
  • 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…

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.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(1228 Ratings)
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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😊
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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.
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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.
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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
S2935nzamyw
Mar 25, 2025
Pick Go Local - Walter and Derek were great guides. We did the 7am tour today, well worth getting out of bed early for if you are hesitant about booking the early boat. It was also awesome being with a small group, we saw some tours with like 20 people. They only had 6 of us on the boat and it made it seem like a private tour. Awesome time!
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Happiness00289245397
Mar 23, 2025
Great tour, wonderful experience - Went on boat tour March 21st. We had a wonderful time. Pete was a great captain. Derrick made sure we had a space to view the manatees without getting crowded out by visitors from other boats. Helped with our wetsuits and masks until everything was fit and in place. Hot chocolate after was just what was needed to warm up. They really care and do what is needed to protect the manatees too!!
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Exploration568160
Mar 22, 2025
Amazing Tour! - The Go Local Team was outstanding! They were so kind and knowledgeable about the manatees and the surrounding area! We would highly recommend booking a trip with them!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $80
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).