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Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included

Photo gallery for Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included

Fish Bowl House with carport
Front view
Living area
Wood fire pit
Summer view of back yard fig trees

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 483.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

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

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

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Water view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please see the attached PDF for house rules, sign and return to ----@--------.---

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
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this 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 Three Sisters Springs and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Homosassa, FL

What's 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
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's / Red Burrito - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬3 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 28 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included on 7 April 2026 start from NZ$305, 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 150 out of 169 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 169 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 169 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 169 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 169 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Drew B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!
Manatee! ❤️
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another excellent stay

We stay there every Thanksgiving and have not been disappointed! See you next year!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Antoinette H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved this place

Loved this place. It was so cute and the water was in the back yard. We will stay here again
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place

Clean, Neat and Manatees!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jay B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Caleb B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Karl Oestreich

Host profile image
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

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