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
(1120 Ratings)
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Aklitti
Mar 20, 2025
The Choice is Easy: Go Local - Listen. The word’s out about swimming with manatees at the only place in the world you can do so when they winter over in the warm springs of Crystal River. So, if you want to have the best experience with the most experienced, then GO LOCAL. Literally. We toured with three incredible guides, Peter, Josh, and Stephanie, all natives of the area. They care deeply about their town and even more deeply about the manatees and their well-being. This gave my friend and I such confidence in their ability to take care of us, give us a wonderful experience, but to also keep the manatees safe, happy and undisturbed. Did we see manatees? Yes, we saw lots of them (at least 10 fairly close). We were within a foot or two of a few, including a baby playing right in front of us. We saw cuddling manatees, sleeping manatees, feeding manatees, and manatees just hanging out in the warm springs. When it was time to go, Stephane “towed” (pulled us using her fins) my friend and I back to the boat, so we could have one last look at a manatee feeding on algae. We enjoyed the crew’s easy banter, Peter’s expert navigation to the best spots before other tours arrived. Josh and Stephanie were kind, encouraging and full of information (as was Peter). Josh and Stephanie took A LOT of pictures and videos. At the end of the tour, you get a link to all the pictures from your tour-at no extra cost! It’s easy to pick any company when there are so many to choose from. But it’s always a good idea to Go Local.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Clint_c
Mar 3, 2025
Doin' the manatee thing - A nice, well organized trip. Saw plenty of manatees upclose and personal. Both our captain and guide, Walter and Derick were personable, friendly, and knowledgeable. Thanks for the great trip!
Review provided by Viator
John_w
Mar 3, 2025
Great time! - Had a great time out with the crew and the manatees. Very professional and knew all the right spots to hit.
Review provided by Viator
Benny_h
Mar 3, 2025
Recommend bringing... - Recommend bringing swimsuit to change in. Lindsey and Walter were great, I would highly recommend this experience to my friends if they were heading toward the area for a day.
Review provided by Viator
Rose_k
Mar 2, 2025
Can’t wait for next time! - Had an excellent time with Marcus and Derick! They are locals and very knowledgeable of the area and its wildlife. You can tell it’s something they enjoy doing! Derick was very patient and worked hard to get the best viewing of the manatees. Thanks for a great experience!!
Review provided by Viator
Nancy_m
Mar 2, 2025
Swim with manatees - Really fun adventure. The boats may only hold 6 guests but there are DOZENS of boats so it gets crazy crowded around the manatees. Still it was very cool to be in the water just inches from them.
Review provided by Viator
Todd_w
Mar 1, 2025
Great day out! - Extremely knowledgeable guides. Very passionate about making sure you have a good day on the water.!
Review provided by Viator
Shannon_j
Mar 1, 2025
Walter and Derek were... - Walter and Derek were great! Definitely go with these guys. Much more personal and private compared to other tour boats!
Review provided by Viator
Andrea_s
Mar 1, 2025
The Best Birthday Manatee Swim! - It was Awesome! This trip was a gift to my daughter for her birthday. Saw lots of manatees and saw a baby at the end of the swim! Highly recommend this local company and our guide Derek and boat Captain were great!
Review provided by Viator
Sue_h
Feb 28, 2025
Great local experience - This was a great experience. Walter the captain and Lindsay the guide were helpful, encouraging, knowledgeable. They found us manatees, guided us along as they moved, took photos and were just really kind. Much prefer local operators to big corporate groups.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 6 guests
1 Adult
April 2025
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