Entire home

Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included

Choose dates to view prices

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

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Outdoor SpaceOutdoor SpaceOutdoor Space
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Homosassa, FL
  • Popular LocationHomosassa Springs Wildlife State Park1 min walk
  • Popular LocationHomosassa Butterfly7 min drive
  • Popular Location7 Sisters Springs13 min drive
  • AirportTampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)66 min drive

Space details

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, sleeps 4
900 sq ft
Bedroom 1
    Bedroom 2
      1 double bed
      1 sleep sofa/futon

    Room options

    About the neighborhood

    Homosassa

    On waterfront.You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and 2 miles (3 km) of Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum with a stay here. Also, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park is within 2 miles (3 km) and Riverhaven Marina is within 6 miles (10 km).

    What's nearby

    • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 1 min walk
    • Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park - 3 min drive
    • Homosassa Butterfly - 7 min drive
    • 7 Sisters Springs - 13 min drive
    • Three Sisters Springs - 14 min drive

    Getting around

    • Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 66 min drive

    Restaurants

    • Moschello's Pizza - 3 min drive
    • McDonald's - 3 min drive
    • Sugarmill Restaurant - 5 min drive
    • Two Guys From Italy - 5 min drive
    • Twistee Treat Homosassa - 3 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

    Property manager

    Diana Oestreich

    Languages

    English

    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

    • Laundromat nearby
    • Washing machine

    Comfort

    • Air conditioning
    • Heating

    Pets

    • No pets allowed

    Suitability/Accessibility

    • Smoke-free property

    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 on site
    • Kayak on site
    • Water sports equipment on site
    • 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

    • 1 unit
    • Garden
    • Unit size: 900 square feet

    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

    • No pets 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
    Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
    A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
    Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
      This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation.

    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

    Frequently asked questions

    How close is Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included to the airport?

    This vacation home is 68.1 mi (66-min drive) away from the Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

    Does Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included have an airport shuttle?

    Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

    How close is Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included to the beach?

    This vacation home is 15.6 mi (27-min drive) from Fort Island Gulf Beach.

    Does Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included offer free breakfast?

    This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

    Is there a casino at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included?

    No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

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

    Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

    Is there free parking at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included?

    Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

    Does Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included have a pool?

    This vacation home does not have a pool.

    Does Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included have a spa?

    There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

    How close is Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included to downtown Homosassa?

    This vacation home is 1.8 mi away from Homosassa.

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

    Reviews

    9.8

    Exceptional

    Rating 10 - Excellent. 118 out of 133 reviews" "
    Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 133 reviews" "
    Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 133 reviews" "
    Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 133 reviews" "
    Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 133 reviews" "

    9.6/10

    Cleanliness

    8.0/10

    Amenities

    Reviews

    10/10 Excellent

    Mary B.

    Liked: Cleanliness
    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

    Deb L.

    Liked: Cleanliness
    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

    John T.

    Liked: Cleanliness
    Great Place
    Clean, Neat and Manatees!
    Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

    10/10 Excellent

    Jay B.

    Liked: Cleanliness
    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

    David R.

    Liked: Cleanliness
    Lovely Place!
    Second time staying, and we really enjoy the house and garden.
    Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

    10/10 Excellent

    Mike H.

    Liked: Cleanliness
    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

    Renee A.

    Liked: Cleanliness
    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

    Mike H.

    Liked: Cleanliness
    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

    Michael B.

    Liked: Cleanliness
    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

    Angela M.

    Liked: Cleanliness
    Truly OUTSTANDING location!
    The location of this house is suburb, especially if you like to kayak and particularly if you like to kayak to hang out with manatees. Diana made the whole process easy and clear and was prompt in answering any questions we had. We visited for a couple of nights in late November and felt so lucky to have just a 4 or 5 minute paddle to the Homosassa Head Spring where manatees congregate in the colder months. And the Ellie Schiller Wildlife State Park is just a 5 minute walk from the house as well. The backyard with 2 docks, kayak ramp, chairs and a gas fire-pit is a lovely place to relax. Other nearby adventures (all within 30 miles away )we recommend are: swimming with manatees in Kings Bay with Bird's Underwater Dive Center, stand up paddle boarding on the Rainbow River (turtles and otters)and kayaking the Weeki Wachee River(manatees and raccoons). One recommendation would be to plan on cooking or grilling out at the house if you're visiting on a Monday night since most local restaurants seem to be closed on Mondays!
    Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023