Fun areas near Collier Soccer Fields/Land O Lakes??

Question

Hi!

My son is going to be playing in a soccer tournament taking place on Collier Fields in Land O Lakes. We're going to have several hours to kill in between games...is there a fun area close by for food/entertainment? We've never been to Tampa and have no idea what areas would be fun to see! We'd love to get a little taste of the area.

I'm hoping to come back soon with more time to actually explore all that Tampa has to offer!

Thanks so much for your help!

Answer

Crystal River is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with wild manatees, and while the different tour companies may seem similar, there are meaningful differences in locations, group sizes, and overall experience. Since you’re coming from Dunedin, choosing the right operator can make your day more enjoyable and give you better manatee encounters.

The two main areas where tours operate are King’s Bay and Three Sisters Springs. Both are excellent, but each tour company approaches them differently depending on water conditions, crowd levels, and where manatees are gathering that day.

Here are the key differences between the main types of manatee tour operators:

Small-group tours (6–10 people) – These usually offer the best experience because you get more time in the water, more individual attention, and guides who actively work to find quiet areas with fewer swimmers. These tours tend to be calmer, more respectful of the manatees, and often provide the best sightings.
Large-group, big-boat tours (12–20+) – Often slightly cheaper, but you’ll be in the water with lots of people and sometimes multiple boats at once. This can lead to more crowded conditions, and shy manatees may move away more quickly.
Photography-focused or premium tours – Cost a bit more but typically include upgraded wetsuits, longer water time, warm drinks, and guides who specialize in getting you close (within legal limits) for excellent photo opportunities. Great if you want a deeper experience, not just a quick swim.

While most tours are comparable in price, the quality of guides and group size makes the biggest difference. Companies that put emphasis on education, conservation, and respectful interactions tend to offer a better and calmer experience.

Other factors to consider beyond the operator:

Time of day – Early morning tours (around sunrise) are by far the best. Manatees are resting, the water is clearer, and fewer boats are out.
Season – Peak viewing is Nov–March when manatees seek warmer springs. Off-season tours have fewer manatees, but you’ll still often see some, especially around King’s Bay.
Location flexibility – Better companies adjust their location each day based on manatee movement, not a fixed route.

If you’d like the smoothest experience coming from Dunedin, many visitors find that the smaller, eco-focused tour companies offer a noticeably better adventure. With a 75–90 minute drive, it’s worth choosing quality over proximity because the manatees will be in the same areas regardless of which operator you launch with.

In short, all Crystal River manatee tours follow the same rules and operate in the same general environment, but the smaller the group and the more conservation-minded the guide, the better your experience tends to be. Pick an early morning small-group tour and you’ll have the best chance for a quieter, more magical encounter.

Fun areas near Collier Soccer Fields/Land O Lakes??

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