Go Local Manatee Tours

03/06/2026

As water temperatures begin to rise, manatees start transitioning out of the warm spring areas and spread out toward the Gulf. This is a natural seasonal movement as they leave the constant 72° spring water they were using to stay warm. Now it’s time for them to begin traveling to feed on seagrass and explore other parts of their habitat. During this time they become more spread out and mobile, so sightings can vary day to day depending on weather, tides, and water clarity. It’s all part of the normal seasonal pattern as manatees shift from their winter refuge behavior into their spring and summer movement.
Here’s some pics to help set realistic expectations.

02/22/2026

It has definitely warmed up at Three Sisters Springs! ☀️
With these beautiful warmer temperatures, our gentle giants have headed back out into the Gulf to enjoy the buffet. When the weather warms up, the manatees don’t need the constant 72° spring water, so they spread out and go graze.
But don’t worry — this is completely normal!
We’re watching that cooler air moving in next week, and once that cold front drops those temperatures again, we expect our manatees to make their way back into the springs to stay warm.

01/20/2026

While we were out on the water today making smiles with manatees, we were also proud to be giving back to our community

Huge shoutout to everyone who made the MLK Fishing Tournament such a special day. Seeing these kids light up, make memories, and celebrate the outdoors is what it’s all about.

Events like this are why we love being local — supporting our community, creating opportunities, and helping build the next generation of anglers and outdoor lovers.

Grateful to be a small part of something so big. Already looking forward to next year

12/06/2025

Go Local Manatee Tours is so proud to be part of this amazing program through Discover Crystal River Florida! 💪💪💪
Big shoutout to the group of people who helped create this program — we appreciate you, and we’re honored to be a part of it.
As a team born and raised right here locally, it means even more to us to represent our home and share it the right way with our guests.

08/05/2025

Go Local – The Crew That Makes Lifetime Memories

When you book a tour with Go Local, you’re stepping into the water with the hardest-working crew in Crystal River—the people who make manatee encounters legendary. Meet the team:
• Pete – Owner & Founder
The captain of the vision. Pete built Go Local from the ground up with one mission: to show the world the real Crystal River—raw, wild, and unforgettable. Every trip carries his stamp of authenticity and adventure.

• Walter – Captain & Eagle Eye
The manatee spotter with a sixth sense. Walter can pick out a whisker, a shadow, or a ripple before anyone else even notices. If he’s captaining your boat, you’re finding manatees—it’s that simple.

• DRock – In-Water Guide & Original Legend
The first guide to suit up and the one who helped launch Go Local to #1 for manatee tours. Calm, experienced, and all about the guest experience—DRock makes every encounter feel like a true local adventure.

• Krystina – In-Water Guide, Photographer & Team Heartbeat
A burst of positive energy with a calming presence in the water. Krystina keeps guests comfortable and confident while capturing breathtaking shots of manatees in their world. Her ability to balance excitement and reassurance makes every swim feel effortless and unforgettable.

• Josh – In-Water Guide, Photographer & The Manatee Magnet
The face in the water turning close encounters into unforgettable stories. Josh connects guests to the manatees in a way that feels personal and alive, capturing photos that make the experience last long after the tour ends. When he’s guiding, it’s not just a swim—it’s a moment that stays with you forever.

At Go Local, we keep it real. Our mission is to be genuine and authentic with every guest, to create experiences that make memories for a lifetime, and to turn every swimmer into an advocate for the manatees and the river we call home.

06/07/2025

We love our local youth — and we love what After School Kickboxing for Kids and USA Muay Thai Kickboxing - Butin Bik Combat Sports is doing to help shape strong, confident, and respectful young leaders.

Today, we had the pleasure of bringing out the summer camp kids for a swim session, and they had an absolute blast! Huge thanks to the coaches and staff who welcomed them with open arms and high energy.

This kind of positive impact is exactly what our community needs — and we’re proud to support it !

06/05/2025