Entire home

Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included

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A covered patio with two lounge chairs, a small table, and a 'Manatee Crossing' sign.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a microwave, a stove, and a large sliding glass door leading to an outdoor area.
A stone fire pit with a sign above it.
A dining area with a wooden table and white chairs.
A living room with a sofa, coffee table, TV, and a bookshelf.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4900 sq ft

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Homosassa, FL
  • Place, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Crystal River Preserve State Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Three Sisters Springs
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Homosassa

With a stay at this vacation home in Homosassa, you'll be on the waterfront, within a 15-minute drive of Three Sisters Springs and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. .This vacation home is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Crystal River Preserve State Park and 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum.

What's nearby

  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Crystal River Preserve State Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Three Sisters Springs - 10 min drive - 8.7 miles
  • Weeki Wachee Springs - 29 min drive - 27.7 miles
  • Rainbow Springs State Park - 42 min drive - 30.5 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪RaceTrac - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Michael Anthony's Pizza - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Grumpy Gator's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Freezer - ‬6 min drive

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
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private patio. Conveniences include a phone, as well as a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

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

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

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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

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

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 164 out of 185 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 185 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 185 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 185 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 185 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Casey G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay! Manatee right off the back dock
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent location! Enjoyed sitting out in the dock every morning and evening and even saw a manatee and her calf swimming by on 2 occasions. Comfortable place and highly recommend it .
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adam R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time. The house was clean and the kayaking was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Beth T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was clean, safe and quiet, great location for finding manatee related outings, nice kayaks to be able to use right in the backyard, great outdoor areas to enjoy morning coffee by the water or glass of wine at night.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Virginia N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice location on the water. Quiet neighborhood. Clean house. Kayaks were a big plus.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Parker Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy check in! Access to springs with kayaks was incredible. Clean linens
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rich K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very comfortable and convenient. Easy acess to Homosassa River and lots to do in surrounding area.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Elisha S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great to have the kayaks to use!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mike H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything at the cottage was fine, as usual. We always enjoy our stay there.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melody C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house and property were very nice. We were right on the water, and the manatees came to visit us daily. The house was clean and well-maintained. The only thing that was missing was a full-length mirror. Women in bathing suits like to see how they look before venturing out. The host was very helpful with all of our requests. If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful break, this is your place.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bruce W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was excellent place to stay. Location, Kayaks, saw lots of Manatees. We didnt want go home. Thank you so much.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dennis H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location. Right on the water and kayaks were provided. Only a 10 minute kayak to the outskirts of the Homosassa Wildlife State Park. Saw a few manatees while jayaking along with various fish, birds and one river otter. The house was full of everything you need.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

kathy s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was very responsive and welcoming. House was warm and inviting. We loved our stay here. Thank You For everything, especially the extra touches like cookies and popcorn!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Teri N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
As always a wonderful place to stay. We used to stay here every year many years ago .Haven't been back in awhile but has bigger tv and new sofa recliners. Love it. Hopefully will be back every year again. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House waa perfect, kayaks available for our use. Host responded quickly.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

RM R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andrew P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tania D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
They have kayaks available to use and 2 docka on the property. Older kids will love it
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025