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Waterfront freshwater paradise! Swim with manatees in our backyard!

Riverside holiday home with water park and outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Waterfront freshwater paradise! Swim with manatees in our backyard!

Stay with us and swim with manatees in our back yard!
Cool off and relax in our screened in private use pool
Walk into our light and airy open floor plan home
Views of the freshwater canal from all rooms. Queen sofa bed
Sleep sound in our main bedroom overlooking the freshwater canal with king bed

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6102.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Washer

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Plantation Inn and Golf Resort
  • Place, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
  • Place, Three Sisters Springs

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Waterfront freshwater paradise! Swim with manatees in our backyard!



Manatee swimming, fishing, scalloping, relaxing....no better place to come and enjoy all Citrus County has to offer! Palm Springs is a family owned home and it is our only home we rent out. Communication with us is easy and personalized. Just check out our many reviews! Our guests have been returning again and again for over 24 years. We have been hosting guests and providing a wonderful way to explore all Crystal River has to offer since 2001.

Dock your boat on our seawall with your own personal mooring whips. Swim in the backyard canal with manatees! Almost every guest experiences a manatee, or several, swimming right behind our home. Paddle just 10 minutes to Kings Spring or 30 minutes to Three Sisters Spring with your own private kayaks and paddle board we offer at no additional charge. We are situated nearly right on Kings Bay, just 1 house in on a freshwater canal.

Experience Florida's Nature Coast in our brand new remodeled interior from floor to ceiling. Our relaxing vacation home is featured on an over-sized corner lot that is approximately 3/4 acre. The lot is full of shade trees. Our home is a spacious two bedroom with two bathrooms. It comfortably accommodates 6 people. Aside from the open tiled kitchen/living/dining area, we have a sunroom offering sweeping views of the freshwater canal, a screened in patio, and a screened lanai with your own private use pool. We offer streaming smart tvs available to accommodate all of your favorite streaming apps, wireless internet.

Our visitors enjoy the tranquility that our home offers. It is very common to see manatees slowly making their way through our canal along with an occasional dolphin or otter sighting!! There are several species of birds that come to feed in our yard that can be viewed through our sunroom and back screened patio. This home is located near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in a residential neighborhood.

We have plenty of room to park your vehicles and boat trailers in the long driveway or in the yard. There is also a covered carport for your vehicle.

We do offer 3 single seater kayaks and a paddleboard here at the home at no additional cost to you, along with paddles and life jackets.
The home comes completely stocked with kitchen utensils, cookware, bed linens, towels and washcloths, and cleaning materials. There is a full washer/dryer here for your use and we keep you stocked with laundry detergent. All you need to bring are your personal toiletries and food!!

There is a county boat ramp with rest rooms and picnic area about 4 miles down Fort Island Trail n.Fort Island Gulf Beach is 6 miles away on Ft. Island trail.

The area is perfect for swimming with the manatees and swimming in nearby springs. 3 Sisters and King Spring are within paddling distance all in a no wake or slow speed zone, so no need to worry about high speed boats on the way.

Please feel free to ask us any additional questions you may have regarding our home or the area. We do offer a 10% military, police, EMS, and firefighter discount with stays of 7 nights or more. Our home is open all year long for rental. Thank you and we hope to hear from you!

Keywords: Stand alone Home, private, pool, manatee, swim, snorkel, spring, springs, fresh water, water, fish, fishing, dolphin, otter, turtle, tarpon, scallop, boat, boating, tubing, scalloping, gulf, river, quiet, relax, relaxing, serene, private, fence, dock, boat, seawall, kayak, kayaking, paddle board, new, king, queen, remodeled, 3 sisters, 3, three, sisters, three sisters
******I do require an ID from the primary guest before check in code is given. I do also like to speak with all incoming guests before check in, to go over tips for the home as well as answer any questions you might have. We are a pet friendly home. All pets MUST be approved ********

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Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
6 people max, including children
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
No cats. $150 nonrefundable additional per pet fee
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Not allowed indoors/Florida room. Outside only.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please respect our neighbors - this is a quiet and serene neighborhood to enjoy a relaxing vacation.
Failure to comply with any rules may result in withholding of security deposit. All garbage must be within trash bag. Pool pump must not be turned off
Must report any broken utility or item, or any utility or item malfunction.

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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Crystal River

Located in Crystal River, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the waterfront. Plantation Inn and Golf Resort and A Crystal River Kayak Company are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Three Sisters Springs and Crystal River Preserve State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Crystal River, FL

What's nearby

  • Plantation Inn and Golf Resort - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 4 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge - 4 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Three Sisters Springs - 5 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Hunter Spring Park - 7 min drive - 5.1 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 91 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cody's Original Roadhouse - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪RaceTrac - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Norton's Riverside Sports Bar & Grill - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Cracker's Bar & Grill - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Arby's - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Waterfront freshwater paradise! Swim with manatees in our backyard! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Waterfront freshwater paradise! Swim with manatees in our backyard! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Waterfront freshwater paradise! Swim with manatees in our backyard!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront freshwater paradise! Swim with manatees in our backyard!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront freshwater paradise! Swim with manatees in our backyard! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Plantation Inn and Golf Resort and within 3 miles (5 km) of Crystal River Preserve State Park and A Crystal River Kayak Company. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 173 out of 187 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 187 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 187 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 187 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 187 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

kelly f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect , we enjoyed our stay
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paula V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was great! Attentive and great communication! House was amazing, great views,amenities, clean and comfortable in a great location!!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine W.

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

Great stay!

Thoroughly enjoyed our time! Will def be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Courtnie G.

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

Great location

2nd time staying in this home! And didn't disappoint. Good location for boating, the Kayaks were awesome and the pool was perfect after a long day on the boat!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

tina s.

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

crystal river vacation

loved this property. would definitely stay again
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

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

Perfect

Quite little place.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Debbie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place. We enjoyed it. We couldn’t launch their kayaks as the floating dock described in the welcome book at the home wasn’t there. All in all it’s located in a good area near boat launch park, air boat ride, and marina. At the end of the main road there is a public beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Davina H., Richmond

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

Crystal River

Great location! Close to restaurants, great location in kings bay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great home for a great area

Our family spent a few days here and it was great. Close to a lot of things. Great quiet spot with lots of shade. Had just a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angela O.

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

Picture perfect

The home and beautiful property were just what we were looking for. Couldn't have ask for a better place. Was perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn K.

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

Great location

This house had a great location and lots of outdoor space. Very clean. Quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Wonderful Time!

We had a wonderful time here. We saw so many manatees right behind the home in the canal. The owners were super communicative and the home was stocked well. Would definitely recommend for a wonder Crystal River stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Virginia K.

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

Quiet and peaceful

I was looking for a quiet and relaxing long weekend close to the water, away from the busy life and close to lots of wildlife and I found it. This house is clean, spacious, and had all the basics we needed. Hope to come back soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kerri T.

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

Relaxing on the river

Comfortable house in a peaceful and beautiful setting. We enjoyed spending time in the pool and sitting by the river - plus the easy access for kayaking in beautiful kings bay! Host was very helpful and accommodating. House was clean and had everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Garilee B.

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

Wonderful stay

We had a wonderful stay at this house for Labor Day weekend. It was perfectly located near everything (on land and water) and the pool was perfect for our children (8 and 5). The house was spacious and immaculate. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any manatees in the canal in front of the house but luckily we saw them in the bay! We will definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hollie D.

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

Great home, lovely area

Nice home on a large lot. It is well-appointed and stocked with necessities. The host was easy to communicate with. Loved looking out the back windows at kayakers and boaters in the canal. Close to lots of activities and a quick drive to the beach.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tricia B.

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

Loved it here

As soon as I walked in. A manatee floated by. The kayaks are easy to load and unload. The birds and wild life are a delight! The neighbor hood is quiet. I loved it there
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley W.

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

Great Relaxing Location

My husband and I brought our 16 year son and his two friends to enjoy Crystal River for the weekend. This house was perfect for all of us! It was great for the boys to fish in the canal and with all the windows we could see them without being with them. It’s located in a cute little quiet neighborhood. All around this was a great place with a very nice and responsive host.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle K.

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

Perfect family getaway

This was one of our favorite places to stay! We were absolutely delighted to see a mama manatee and her baby swimming in the canal even though it was early April. We kayaked and fished every day - it was a joy. The house was perfect for our family of four and grandparents. The house had a beautiful view of the channel that we soaked up each morning! The home was clean and well stocked. Very close to 3 sisters springs too! Would recommend!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a great time at this property. Host was amazing, answered all my questions. Could reach her anytime. House was perfect, had everything we wanted. Fishing in canal was excellent. Will definitely be returning in the future.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is the perfect spot for a Crystal River getaway! The interior feels like NEW! Very clean and very comfortable!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike P.

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

Old Florida

Everything very close and accessibleGreat place to get away back to the old Florida lifestyle
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

tim h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place...as described. Well equipped kitchen!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina W.

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

Beautiful place on the water

Wonderful house and pool. We enjoyed our stay very much and it was in a great location to visit parks and attractions.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alicia M.

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

Crystal River weekend trip

The house is close to everything and the canal is perfect for kayaking. We actually a dolphin come up to see us! The owner is very responsive and answer all of my questions.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

About the host

Hosted by Rebecca Morton

Host profile image
Bob and Ramona Kennedy first came to Crystal River in 1969 and knew King's Bay was the slice of heaven they were looking for to live and love and raise their 3 boys. In 2001, their offspring, the 3 Kennedy brothers decided to go in on a joint venture to share the beauty, fun, and adventure they experienced growing up on Kings Bay. There have now been 3 generations of Kennedy's raised here!

Why they chose this property

This home and property is truly a gem - from the spreading arms of our giant oak, to the gentle tides flowing in and out in the canal in the back yard, this space provides instant peace and tranquility.

What makes this property unique

Manatees are often seen in the canal behind the house. Otter, Dolphins, and many types of fish can also be viewed swimming by. Fish from the seawall as well as crab. Birdwatching can also be enjoyed here.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests