Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included
House in Homosassa, FL
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
High-end valuePrice for this property is higher than average in the area
About this house rental
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
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
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Map of Homosassa, FL
££££
Reviews
Summary of reviews
Perfect location for kayaking with manatees and enjoying the wildlife. Clean house with great amenities. Would definitely return!
5.0
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.
5.0
House was great. Fishing will captain Parker Springstead was awesome.
5.0
Perfect
5.0
The kayaks, the manatees the area was so wonder!!
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
Definitely a beautiful location. Right on the water. Manatees in the back yard. Easy drive to many local restaurants and attractions
5.0
My daughter and I had a fabulous stay. The property was very well located for kayaking and touring.
5.0
Clean, Neat and Manatees!
5.0
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.
5.0
The house is great, has all the amenities, very clean. The owner is responsive and very nice.
5.0
Great Location, enjoyed it very much. Will come back!
5.0
Everythung at the house was fine, the manatees were friendly, and the food, service, and entertainment at MARGUERITA GRILL was GREAT !!!
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
We stay there every Thanksgiving and have not been disappointed! See you next year!
5.0
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!
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
The house was perfect for a short stay. Clean, great location, perfect size, great outdoor space.
5.0
Wonderful location for boating and kayaking
5.0
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 !!!
5.0
Loved this place. It was so cute and the water was in the back yard. We will stay here again
5.0
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.
5.0
The house was right on the water and very close to the springs. We were able to take or boat out scalloping and stop by the springs on the way back everyday. You just need to make sure your boat fits under the bridge. We have a pontoon boat and had to take down the canopy to get under.
3.0
We loved this spot on the canal it was awesome and had great access to the spring.
Down Side was the inside of the house had fruit flys and porch smelt like cat pee. Bathroom was tiny and flys seemed to accumulate their.
Coach was broke and and fridge doors don’t shut all the way which causes it to beep all day and night.
Previous guest trash was left which made dumpster smell up the whole yard. This property does bode have a dishwasher and if you leave a few dishes in the sink you will be charged $100.
We were also blamed for broken vintage blinds.
5.0
Perfect location! Quiet, clean, tons of amenities. Highly recommend it!
5.0
Second time staying, and we really enjoy the house and garden.
5.0
It’s all about location with this property. It’s right on the water and there are kayaks and fishing poles to use. It was really nice being able to paddle around without having to transport or rent a boat or coordinate a drive back. Diane was responsive, check in and check out were a breeze and the home has all the basics you’ll need. But if you’re like us you’ll be outside most of the time. We’d stay again!
5.0
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.
5.0
We couldn’t have asked for a better place for our Florida getaway. The home had everything we needed. It was comfortable and clean. We loved the backyard sitting on the dock watching all the birds and the mullet jumping in the canal. It was very peaceful. We enjoyed having the kayaks and were able to go out to the river and see the manatees. There were some great restaurants in the area.
5.0
Loved the location that was right on the water. Short kayak to the clear spring water with dozens of Manatees!
5.0
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.
5.0
This is a really great spot! Amazing kayaking right out the back dock. Saw a ton of manatees!!
I agree with another reviewer that it’s time to replace the mattresses.
We had a very minor issue that Diane resolved immediately and efficiently.
5.0
We had a great time.
5.0
We had the absolute best week here! We kayaked, and saw Manatees, we went to the state park down the street and saw tons of manatees from the overlook, and then we went on a snorkel tour and saw even more manatees up close! The state park also has the world’s oldest living hippo who is absolutely precious.
The house and yard were exactly as described and we loved it. The location was within five or 10 minutes of everywhere that we ate lunch or dinner as well.
We already can’t wait to return next year!
5.0
Location is what you are paying for, and it is worth it!
5.0
Facilities were clean, well decorated and everything worked. Location was super, and river access wax exceptional. Would stay again.
5.0
We truly enjoyed our stay at your house. Really enjoyed the fact that you had the kayaks. We did a lot of kayaking and saw a Lotta manatee. Thank you so much
5.0
We had an amazing time! The house was exactly what we wanted. We will book it again!
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Homosassa?
The average price for a rental in Homosassa is £205 per night. This rental is £22 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.
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