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
9.89.8 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
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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
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. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and ecotours nearby. Visit our Homosassa travel guide
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.
We had a fantastic time at their home. We especially loved sitting on our dock watching the fish and the sunrise and sunset. The absolute best part was being able to kayak right out of our backyard down the canal to see all the manatees! Snorkeling with birds underwater is something everyone must experience! We had a great time and would love to return sometime!
We enjoyed our stay even through we did not get to swim (31 degrees). However we went to the local state park which was outstanding. Just a nice getaway.
We loved having the kayaks and being right on the canal by the Sate Park! Both days we paddled, there were 40-50 manatee for our lovely viewing pleasure! Also, two frisky dolphin swam right up in our area, playing with and batting fish around like play toys! The wildlife and the house were both wonderful!
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.
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.
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.
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 !!!
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.
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.
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!!!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!