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Go Local Manatee Tours

Go Local Manatee Tours creates unforgettable, up-close and personal manatee encounters in Crystal River, Florida. Our daily 6-passenger semi-private tours are designed to be small and eco-friendly, leaving only our footprints behind to help protect our locals (aka manatees). By keeping our tour group small, we can do our part in minimizing the impact of visitors, while also providing you with a comfortable and relaxing experience with manatees and your crew. We feel that we can be environmentally conscious while still delivering an exciting and educational experience.

Our manatee swim tours are all-inclusive, meaning that all the necessary snorkeling gear, and if desired, wetsuits, are accommodated at no additional charge. You will be greeted by your captain and your in-water guide right in the heart of the refuge at Pete’s Pier Marina (Pete’s Pier Marina does charge $5 for parking). Upon departure, your captain and your in-water guide will share their knowledge and expertise about local wildlife and wise tales about our small community.

FREE PHOTO PACKAGE INCLUDED!

We are proud to be one of the only tour companies offering the photo package for free. Most companies charge over $45 for them, but at Go Local Manatee Tours, we believe capturing these special moments should be part of the experience at no extra cost to you.

Depending on the time of year, the location of manatees will vary. In the colder seasons, manatees head to the Springs where the water stays a constant 72 degrees. During warmer months, our adventure could take us anywhere within the 600-acre refuge looking for manatees. After looking for manatees, we will note that only over the springs is where the clear water is, and other places in our bay can have visibility anywhere between 1 to 6 feet. Once we are in the water, we will make sure all swimmers are floating calmly and quietly before getting close to any manatees. Your in-water guide will take photographs throughout your entire manatee tour.

As a proud Crystal River native, I founded Go Local Manatee Tours with the vision of creating a tour company run by locals. Unlike most tour companies owned by investors, our entire staff is born and raised here, ensuring an authentic, sustainable, and knowledgeable experience for our guests. We are the only company in the industry owned by a Crystal River native, and we are committed to sharing the beauty and wonder of our home with you.

Reserve your spot today to experience a once in a lifetime tour and swim with the lovable locals!