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Entire home

Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock

Riverfront vacation home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock

Property grounds
Smart TV, books, stereo
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Dining
Escape to the Wakulla River, where serene waters and lush surroundings set the tone for a tranquil retreat. Enjoy your own private dock, explore with 4 kayaks and 2 SUPs, or take day trips to discover Florida's Forgotten Coast.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock

Only 20 minutes south of Tallahassee, you can leave your cares behind and enjoy the beauty of the Wakulla River. The house includes 4 kayaks and 2 SUPs for you to explore this pristine river. Enjoy your own private dock; you might see the river otters first thing in the morning there as you enjoy your coffee. There are lots of day trips you can take from here to see the beach, go hiking/biking and explore Florida's Forgotten Coast.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

Similar properties

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Wakulla River Retreat - a nature lover’s paradise
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, 32 reviews
Wakulla River Retreat - a nature lover’s paradise

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the neighborhood

Map
Crawfordville, FL

What's nearby

  • Wakulla Springs State Park - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Wakulla State Forest - 9 min drive - 10.3 km
  • San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park - 16 min drive - 18.0 km
  • St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge - 18 min drive - 23.0 km
  • Shell Point Beach - 24 min drive - 27.1 km

Getting around

  • Tallahassee Station - 32 min drive
  • Tallahassee Intl. Airport (TLH) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Del Taco - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Lindy's Fried Chicken - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Hungry Howies Pizza - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Wakulla Springs State Park and within 9 mi (15 km) of Wakulla State Forest and San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park. Wildwood Golf Club and Woodville Commons are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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Reviews

Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

10

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

joshuaeiselewins

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was fantastic! Beautiful scenery and great comfortable house. Will definitely come back!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Larkin W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful spot!

Great place to stay! Very close to wonderful restaurants and fun trails to hike or bike. Will definitely be back to stay again! Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place in a great location

The house is exactly what I was looking for, space very well-maintained. The location is beautiful!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

laurie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

River House stay

Clean and comfortable river front cabin. Nice boardwalk to river with perfect dock for relaxing, fishing, or jump off point for kayaks. Excellent communication with host who provides great local info and quick responses to iinquiries. Hope to stay again when visiting family. Thanks
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicki V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

This is a beautiful property with a scenic view and all the amenities of home
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debbie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for us

We went to spend time with family and this place was great. The best stocked kitchen that I’ve stayed in so far, which important to me. Everyone had a blast here. Highly recommended!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very comfy house in a beautiful setting right on the river.

Our family had a wonderful time and plenty of room with all Johns house offers for space upstairs and downstairs in the screened porch in the evening. The bedding is super comfy and everything you need that you have forgotten is available. The river is an amazing place to visit, we had a blast!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Great place. Saw lots of Manatees and fantastic wildlife kayaking the river. Lots to do in the area. The owner was very responsive and helpful. Clean and well furnished home.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

AWESOME PLACE

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! The house was perfect for 5 of us. We spent most of our time on kayaks and the dock. Got to kayak with a manatee just upstream from the dock. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl Z., near Destin, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Summer weekend!

Perfect for us! We took 2 grandchildren and visited nearby places (Wakulla Springs Park, Gulf Specimen Lab, St. Marks Lighthouse) but they had the most fun fishing from the dock and getting to canoe with Grandpa. Everyone had a great time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Margaret D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Practically perfect in every way

All the wonderful reviews about this property are true. Once you check in, you will never want to leave (unless a hurricane is on the way, like it was for us). You just have to go and see for yourself.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joyce F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice

Nice and clean. A most pleasant environment, inside and out.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

sheri w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Grad Weekend spot

John was super easy to work with and answered all questions quickly. The house was clean and quiet. We were there for graduation at FSU so did not get to enjoy the river or the area but would love to go back. We did go to Trident Restaurant in Panacea per his suggestion and it was awesome. Definitely would go back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

kara l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace and fun on the river

This was not our first stay at this peaceful river getaway. As in previous visits, the owner was very responsive and accommodating, the house was comfortable, and the location was wonderful. The owners provide lots of homey extras to try to assure a relaxing visit. Thanks again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beverly W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Getaway with Friends!

We enjoyed a wonderful stay on the Wakulla River. The house is exactly as pictured and well-appointed. The host was easy to work with and provided lots of great information. We spent most of our time kayaking and relaxing. We only left the house for dinners! Highly recommend the Edward Ball Dining Room at the Wakulla Springs Lodge - make reservations! For BBQ - Hamaknockers in Crawfordville. We had a great time! We will return again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay for FSU orientation

This property was great, just as described and the owner gave us lots of fun ideas to enjoy during our stay. Our favorite was swimming at Cherokee sink. The water was beautiful teal green. We took tubes for floating and the teens enjoyed jumping off the rock and jumping from the tree. The house was stocked with everything that we could possibly need. Even bug spray was cleverly placed outside on the posts to use. Would stay here again when I need to come back to FSU.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

First return visit & planning many more!

This is a perfect place for a family getaway! We brought our canoe and used John's as well to paddle upriver and drift back down with the current. It was so peaceful, and we saw a number of fish and a possibly a manatee. We wanted to show our son who lives just 20 minutes away a great place to relax away from the city - he loved it! We visit another historical place as well as return to the Edward Ball Wakulla State Park each time, so we still have a lot of places to see when we return to relax. We just love the wonderfully welcoming Wakulla Riverhouse!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint River Home in a Lovely Neighborhood

Lovely stay.... on a beautiful river. Saw lots of deer, manatee, mullet jumping, and osprey. Enjoyed our walks in the neighborhood. Friendly neighbors and the dog loved the new area! We took our boat and fished every day out in the Gulf....lots of hungry fish in those parts! We did eat out which was fun, but most meals were made inside in the well-appointed kitchen. Bed and pillows were good too. The house is very clean. Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Travis B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great week on the River!

This river house is absolutely amazing! It is located on a quiet stretch of the Wakulla River, just minutes from Crawfordville. The house is spacious and well-appointed, with everything you need for a comfortable stay. The kitchen is fully stocked, the bedrooms are comfortable, and the living room is excellent for relaxing or watching a movie. The best part about the house is the location. It is right on the river, so you can swim, fish, paddleboard, or just relax on the dock. There is also a beautiful boardwalk that leads through the woods to the river. We loved spending our days exploring the river and the surrounding area. The host, John, was amiable and helpful. John provided us with some great recommendations for restaurants and activities in the area. We had an absolutely fantastic time at this river house. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Florida. I highly recommend it! Highlights: Beautiful location on the Wakulla River Spacious and well-appointed house Fully stocked kitchen Large and comfortable bedrooms Great living room for relaxing or watching a movie Dock for swimming, fishing, or paddleboarding Beautiful boardwalk through the woods Friendly and helpful host
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Outdoor Fun

My family wanted to stay somewhere close to Tallahassee but not in the city...this was perfect! We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maureen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Florida getaway

Wonderful spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Big Bend. Clean, pretty house near many wildlife areas. But just stay here to enjoy the birds, fish and manatees right from your own dock! Hosts were very responsive.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jesse B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot on the Wakulla

John’s place is great, even better than described. He’s a first-rate host who went above and beyond to ensure we had a lovely weekend. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home and location

John is an amazing host. He was very quick to respond to any questions we had. we loved the home so much we decided to stay a few extra nights. The property was available and John was very accommodating to add the nights for us. We had everything we needed. The beds were comfortable and spacious. The catwalk to the deck was gorgeous. We loved every minute of our stay here and will certainly be back with our family.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Felicia D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025