Entire home

Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included

Waterfront vacation home with kitchen and patio

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Terrace/patio - Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard -  Kayaks Included (Homosassa)
Interior - Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard -  Kayaks Included (Homosassa)
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard -  Kayaks Included (Homosassa)
TV, stereo - Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard -  Kayaks Included (Homosassa)
Property grounds - Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard -  Kayaks Included (Homosassa)
Nestled on a canal off the Homosassa River, this waterfront house offers a unique retreat. Swim with manatees in the clear waters just 300 yards away and take advantage of kayaks included for your use. With two docks, an LP gas burning fire pit, and a screened-in back porch overlooking the canal, you can unwind by the water.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 484 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

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.

Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included

One of a kind rental, because it is on a canal off the headsprings of the Homosassa River. Swim with the manatees very near the house in the winter months. They gather in the clear waters just 300 yards away, a short kayak paddle, and kayaks included. The water is always 72 degrees so don't let the cold air scare you off, it is quite pleasant. You are also allowed a 10% discount at Bird's Underwater Dive Center who manages the house. You can take a tour with them on the Crystal River with your discount or they will loan you masks and snorkels if you would rather go it alone from the house. This clean, popular house has been a rental unit for 11 years and many people return very good reviews. The Homosassa Springs State Park is across the street and over a short footbridge. There are two docks, you can fish, or sit and enjoy a fire on the LP gas burning fire pit. This is the Only vacation rental unit in Homosassa within 300 yards of the clear freshwater springs. Two-night minimum stay. Screened-in back porch overlooking the canal. Spacious backyard with banana, grapefruit, and fig trees. Canal has direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Lots of unique waterfront restaurants that specialize in fresh seafood in this little old Florida town.

Paddle to the clear freshwaters of Homosassa River outside of the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, see their website. Manatees gather 300 yards from the house to winter in 72-degree water. You may swim with manatees. House owned by Bird's Underwater Dive Center, see the website, who will rent you necessary snorkel gear and explain rules of engagement with manatees.

Great swimming in summer. Great fishing. Walk to state park two blocks away to view manatees and other indigenous animals.

Keywords: Waterfront House

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near the marina
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 900 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Please see the attached PDF for house rules, sign and return to ----@--------.---

Pets

Pets not allowed

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Snorkel Manatees Your Back Yard Kayaks Included House
Snorkel Manatees Your Back Yard Kayaks Included
Snorkel Manatees Your Back Ya
Snorkel With the Manatees in Your Back Yard Kayaks Included

About the neighborhood

Located in Homosassa, this vacation home is on the waterfront. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park and Crystal River Archaeological State Park are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Three Sisters Springs and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Homosassa, FL

What's nearby

  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Three Sisters Springs - 21 min drive - 13.4 km
  • Weeki Wachee Springs - 45 min drive - 66.5 km

Getting around

  • Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 69 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪RaceTrac - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's / Red Burrito - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Crumps Landing - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included?

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is within 2 mi (3 km) of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum, and Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park. Citrus County Dog Park is 2 mi (3.2 km) away.

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Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 143 out of 162 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 162 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 162 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 162 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 162 reviews

9.6

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ariana B.

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

Great time with manatees!

This place rocked! It was clean, comfy, and the backyard space is great for relaxing by the water.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin B.

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

Great place!

The house was perfect for a short stay. Clean, great location, perfect size, great outdoor space.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marion W.

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

Great Stay

Great Location, enjoyed it very much. Will come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Lanae M.

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

Convenient location

Nice place and conveniently located. We enjoyed the kayaks provided. Only suggestion would be that a few window blinds needed replacement.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather J.

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

Just what we needed

We loved staying in this home on the canal. It was clean and well appointed. The access to the canal couldn’t be sweeter! We look forward to going back.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristy S.

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

4th visit

This was our 4th visit to this property and we hope to stay again next year. We love the location and the owner is kind and responsive. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary B.

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

Visiting the Manatee

My daughter and I had a fabulous stay. The property was very well located for kayaking and touring.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Tracy R.

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

Just as advertised

Nice quaint home on the channel. Kayaks were a great addition and the river was awesome ! Manatee State park literally just down the road.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John T.

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

Great Place

Clean, Neat and Manatees!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Caleb B.

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

Great location

Perfect location! Close to the spring, minutes from local stores and restaurants, and right on the water. The place is well kept and has everything you need. We will definitely stay here again when we need a little stay-cation.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike H.

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

Another great trip

Everythung at the house was fine, the manatees were friendly, and the food, service, and entertainment at MARGUERITA GRILL was GREAT !!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edward S.

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

Cozy house

Definitely a beautiful location. Right on the water. Manatees in the back yard. Easy drive to many local restaurants and attractions
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele B.

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

Perfect location

This cute place is right on the water and just a few paddles to the springs. It is perfectly cozy and we will definitely be returning! Communication with the host was very simple. Location Location !!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashley P.

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

Great Stay!

We really enjoyed our stay! The location was great for visiting places in Weeki Wachee, Crystal River, and Homosassa. Very close to a Publix and almost next to the state park. A highlight was definitely using the kayaks and seeing the manatees! We did have an issue with the AC not working. However, the owner was extremely responsive and got us set up with a portable AC unit asap and credited us for the trouble.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen H.

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

Great place

Nice view off the back. Kayaks worked out perfectly to go to friends house down the canal. My only word of advice, if you’re a light sleeper bring ear plus as people were flying down the road and it was loud.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dennis M.

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

Fishing

House was great. Fishing will captain Parker Springstead was awesome.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynn D.

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

Great location!

Fishbowl House is in a great location right on the canal! Kayaks, paddles and life jackets provided. We were there at the right season to see Manatees. Towed the kayak to the springs two mornings and were surrounded by manatees the first day and a few graced our space this morning. Well appointed house very comfortable and the outdoor space added to the overall ambiance. Could have stayed longer! Enjoy this place if you can!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah M.

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

Manatee dreams come trye

The house was very comfortable for the two of us. Host very communicative regarding nearby attractions, restaurants, anything. We did the manatee snorkel adventure with Birds as recommended by owner and we were not disappointed.New comfortable mattress. It was a bit chilly so did not spend as much time outside, but house was right on a canal and saw herons and pelicans and other birds.Would stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renee A.

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

Manatee

The opportunity to be so close to the reserve was idyllic. We were able to take the kayaks for a paddle and within 1000 yds we were watching the Manatee stay warm at the entrance to the State park’s water side!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amelia R.

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

Manatees galore!

We had the best time here kayaking down the springs, going to the state park and watching the manatees, and seeing all the animals they have to offer! The house is literally at the wildlife state park. The waterway we took out of from the house is the same one you see from the overlooks at the park. It was the best quick getaway we’ve had in a long time and we’ll definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Desiree F.

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

Manatees were out our back door!

This vacation home is perfect. We had a great time using the kayaks. Manatees were literally right off the dock! We paddled out to the springs and to monkey island. I definitely recommend both. The house itself its very clean and has everything you can think of. We would rent this unit again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike H.

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

Another great weekend !

We got there later than normal, because, due to the inclement weather, we decided we wouldn't try to swim with the manatees. I love the keybox entry. The house was clean and orderly, it had everything we needed. We always enjoy our stay here, whether we swim with the manatees or not!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deb L.

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

Feels like home

This is an older home but very clean...everything works great....Cook a meal or grill out...Wash your clothes....but most of all.......enjoy the manatees right in front of your eyes....We did not canoe but they are there for you to use..a great rental.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey B.

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

Manatees

Unfortunately the house was not available during our stay due to hurricane damage. However the property owners were great. They promptly refunded our money and put us up in another location. We did get to tour this property and it looks like it will be a perfect place to stay in the future. The owners also let us use their kayaks. We were able to reach the springs in a couple of minutes and had a great experience kayaking the a ton of manatees. Can’t wait to stay at this property in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Very Nice house

The house was right on the water and very close to the springs. We were able to take or boat out scalloping and stop by the springs on the way back everyday. You just need to make sure your boat fits under the bridge. We have a pontoon boat and had to take down the canopy to get under.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023