Entire home

Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included

Photo gallery for Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included

Fitness facility
Property grounds
Property grounds
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets
TV, stereo

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 484 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill

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 manager

Karl Oestreich

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Spices
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Blender

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

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

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite service
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

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

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

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

Things to do

  • Water sports equipment
  • Kayak on site
  • Boat on site
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Wildlife and game 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 installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 900 sq ft (84 sq m)

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

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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

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 - 2.2 km
  • Homosassa Butterfly - 7 min drive - 7.7 km
  • 7 Sisters Springs - 13 min drive - 14.4 km
  • Three Sisters Springs - 14 min drive - 13.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sugarmill Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Crumps Landing - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Freezer Tiki Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Twistee Treat Homosassa - ‬3 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.

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

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 131 out of 146 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 146 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 146 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 146 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 146 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The kayaks, the manatees the area was so wonder!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Place!
Second time staying, and we really enjoy the house and garden.
Stayed 3 nights in May 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

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

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

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

Jay B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
The house is great, has all the amenities, very clean. The owner is responsive and very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another excellent stay
We stay there every Thanksgiving and have not been disappointed! See you next year!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deanna P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property
Wonderful location for boating and kayaking
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Antoinette H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved this place
Loved this place. It was so cute and the water was in the back yard. We will stay here again
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

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

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

Meghan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for a quite get away
Loved the location that was right on the water. Short kayak to the clear spring water with dozens of Manatees!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quick getaway
Perfect location! Quiet, clean, tons of amenities. Highly recommend it!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Great 2 day get-a-way
House was as described. It was very clean and close to everything. I would definitely recommend for a get-a-way to swim with the manatees.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

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

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

Tina M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun Time in Homosassa
We enjoyed our stay in this house on the waterway. We saw lots of different birds and other wildlife. We kayaked to the river and visited some of the local attractions.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jack H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Manatees galore!
Location is what you are paying for, and it is worth it!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

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

Carolyn A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mamatees
We had a great time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

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

Haley H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property
Perfect for my small group of friends. We loved using the kayaks. No manatee sightings in early November but we did see a dolphin and swam in the head springs. The town is real cute too! We loved the freezer for shrimp and the ice cream Barr — they had really unique flavors.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

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