Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
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
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Please see the attached PDF for house rules, sign and return to ----@--------.---
Important information
You need to know
Property # 12054vb
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
On-site 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 that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Homosassa
Located in Homosassa, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park and Crystal River Archaeological State Park are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Crystal River Perserve State Park Eco-Walk. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and ecotours nearby.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
Three Sisters Springs - 10 min drive - 13.7 km
Weeki Wachee Springs - 31 min drive - 44.0 km
Getting around
Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) - 69 min drive
Restaurants
RaceTrac - 3 min drive
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters - 3 min drive
El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant - 3 min drive
Crumps Landing - 7 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.
How much does it cost to stay at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included on 12 June 2026 start from NZ$529, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included?
On-site parking is available at the 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?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 2 miles (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.
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
RM R.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 January 2026
Thanks so much for your kind words! Very glad to hear you had a good time and we hope to be able to host you again!
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.
We loved having the kayaks and being right on the canal by the Sate Park! Both days we paddled, there were 40-50 manatee for our lovely viewing pleasure! Also, two frisky dolphin swam right up in our area, playing with and batting fish around like play toys! The wildlife and the house were both wonderful!
Drew B.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 December 2025
So glad to hear you enjoyed your stay! Merry Christmas and hope you had safe travels home, visit anytime!
We had a great time. Was in a good location and the home and surrounding area was very nice. Had a nice elderly neighbor guy to talk to. Kayaking was fun and wven saw a manatee. Will hopefully be back!
Loved this place. It was so cute and the water was in the back yard. We will stay here again
Antoinette H.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
About the host
Hosted by Karl Oestreich
Bill and Diane Oestreich own Bird's Underwater Dive Center in Crystal River. Originally from Elkhart and LaPorte Indiana, met in high school. After 11 years on the road as musicians, we settled into the Crystal River, had one son, adopted 4 more boys over the years, who are now moving on. Still active in scuba diving, Bill "Bird" teaches cave, re-breather, and other technical diving. We also have two other rental houses listed on VRBO as 12055 and 1019739
Why they chose this property
When you rent one of our houses you also get 10% off a Manatee Tour with Bird's Underwater and 10% off a Scalloping Tour (July - Sept) as well as use of the kayaks at Bird's Underwater which is located on King's Bay. For groups larger than 5 persons see our VRBO listing #12055 located on the Hall's River in Homosassa, FL. Our newest addition is a small blockhouse on 5 acres of land in Branford Florida, not far from Gainesville, Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, and Ichnetucknee Springs parks. Great places to dive, snorkel, fish, kayak and other water-related sports. Listing number 1019739
What makes this property unique
Short walk to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park. Kayaks included. Waterfront has access to the Gulf of Mexico, very popular during scallop season July 1 - Sept. 24th. Disadvantage: If you have a fly bridge or hardtop on your boat you cannot get under the Fishbowl Drive bridge. See manatees near the house in the wild in the cold winter months. Fishing bike rentals in Crystal River Great waterfront restaurants in Homosassa, easy to Google.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests