You can go swimming with wild Florida manatees for less than $35 with this limited-time deal

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Have you ever wanted to swim with a manatee in Florida? Well now you can, and surprisingly doing so won't break your bank.

There's a limited-time deal on Groupon offering a manatee tour and dive for one adult at Crystal River, priced at only $32.30. That's 41% off of the original price of $55.

"[This] snorkeling experience provides an unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a manatee," the highlight section of the Groupon explains.

Extra emphasis on unique, because Crystal River is one of the very few places in Florida where tourists can responsibly get up close and personal with a manatee -- without being arrested.

To the surprise of many, manatees are so protected under Florida law that anyone caught even simply touching the animals could wind up in jail.

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"The manatee is also protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978, which states: '"It is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee,"' The FWC's website states.

"Anyone convicted of violating this state law faces a possible maximum fine of $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 60 days. Conviction on the federal level is punishable by fine of up to $50,000 and/or one year in prison."

Thankfully, as long as you follow the rules, you don't have to worry about being arrested at Crystal River. 

"The Crystal River and Kings Bay area is the only area in Florida where swimmers are monitored around manatees. Viewing guidelines and sanctuary rules must be followed."

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According to the Groupon posting, this coupon has been purchased over 5,000 times and there are over 4,000 ratings.

The tour is rated just under 5 stars at 4.7. One review from December 16, 2020, says "Friendly staff, great captain, and Mac was great. Plenty of manatees on the tour. The Three Sisters Springs was clearly beautiful. Thanks."

Manatee Tour and Dive is located at 36 Northeast 4th Street, Crystal River, Florida. 

The deal is slated to end in less than 24 hours. Reservation is required and must be redeemed within 120 days of purchase. You can grab your discount and read more of the fine print here.