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Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included

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

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4900 sq ft

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Homosassa, FL
  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park
    ‪3 min drive‬

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. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park and Citrus County Dog Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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What's nearby

  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Homosassa Butterfly - 7 min drive - 4.8 miles
  • 7 Sisters Springs - 13 min drive - 9.0 miles

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

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

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  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
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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
  • 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
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 (69-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. 133 out of 148 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 148 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 148 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 148 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 148 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ashley P.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Becky R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location
Super fun stay! Having the kayaks available was key. We brought our snorkles and wetsuits and used the kayaks to paddle down to the park and happily observed the manatees. Small cottage but had evertrhing we needes.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Mike H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fishbowl
We are always impressed with our stay at FISHBOWL. The cottage is small, but large enough to accommodate our needs. It's easy to find, we like being able to put in the kayaks in the back yard and paddle to the manatees.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynn D.

Liked: Cleanliness
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
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

Tracy C., Calgary, Alberta Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable Stay with the Manatees!
We were the first booking in after the repairs to the property that fixed the damage sustained by recent hurricanes. The house was fully repaired and in great shape - much of the furniture and appliances are new. Karl and Bill were fantastic hosts - quick to respond to any inquiries and very helpful. They went above and beyond to make our stay fantastic!The manatees were gathering for the winter cold weather in the warm springs, an easy 5 minute paddle from the house. It was awesome to be able to observe the manatees whenever we wanted. We saw dozens of manatees daily, including mamas with young calves - they are so curious and cute!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey B.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Karen H.

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

10/10 Excellent

Angela

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

10/10 Excellent

Desiree F., Hilliard, florida

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Amelia R.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Edward S.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Haley H.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Brian G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location
Lovely place, great location, spent hours just sat outside watching the birds, insects and jumping fish! Had a daily visit from a heron! The kayaks were great, went out for a paddle every day and saw manatees every time, including mothers and babies! It was very quiet on the Monday but by the time we got to Friday it was very busy with boats and paddlers but this did not spoil our enjoyment. The house was clean and had everything we needed. The only negatives were that the area where you entered the water to get in the kayaks was very rocky and slippery and the road could be a bit noisy at times, but these were very minor points. Met a very friendly neighbour who told us all about the area and how it had been affected by recent bad weather (The weather was gorgeous when we were there if a bit cool on a morning by Florida standards!). All in all we had a lovely stay and wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023