Welcome to the Laughing Dolphin! There's plenty of room for your boat, too.
Location: St. Joe Beach, Florida Main North West, Florida North West, Florida, USA (Approximately 30 miles SSE of Panama City on US Hwy 98)
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Bunk Area, 2 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
Keywords: House
After spending time in the Laughing Dolphin you'll provide your own superlatives to describe your vacation in our beach home. This single family home on stilts was built in 2000 and has been lovingly maintained by the owners. It has provided countless days of enjoyment and relaxation to four generations of our family gatherings, and now we've opened it to your family.
Watch the sun rise from the rear deck overlooking the community pool (only 13 homes have access) and end your day relaxing on the covered front deck watching a gorgeous sunset over the Gulf.
Walk across the road and you can stroll for miles on the white sand beach or throw a line in the water and catch your dinner. Either way, be sure to watch for the dolphins who can be frequently seen playing near shore.
The owners live locally and actively manage and maintain the property. There is no agent or middleman - you work directly with the us. We live only 11 miles away.
We encourage you to read our guests' many comments and you'll see why in 2011 we had an 84% occupancy rate for the entire year, not just the peak season. We're proud of what we do and what we offer, and our guests' comments seem to reflect that we're doing the right things at a reasonable price.
SNOWBIRDS!!! We have had a cancellation and now have Dec 17, 2011 - Apr, 2012 available (3 month guests preferred).
Call or email us for specials and for additional photos and/or information.
We accept VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER Cards for your convenience!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Dryer
- Covered Parking
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Beds
- Queen Bed : Queen Beds in each bedroom
- Bunk Bed : Bunk alcove with 2 single beds that kids of all ages will enjoy
- Convertible Bed : Sofa sleeper in living room
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Shared Pool : Unheated pool is open April 1st thru October 31st
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Our kitchen is fully equiped but if you have a special request please let us know and we will try to accommodate you.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Coffee maker, blender, toaster, can opener, waffle iron, crock pot, hand mixer & cookbooks
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Beach View
- Ocean View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : Under certain circumstances we may allow a small pet for guests staying 1 month or more.
- Kid Friendly : Large video and book library to entertain children
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Minimum age to rent is 25 years.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Shelling
- Restaurants
- Other Activities
- Public boat ramps nearby, Access to Inter-Coastal Waterway & Gulf of Mexico is easy
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Dec 17 - Mar 17 .. $110/nt .. $700/wk .. $1300/mo (1/1-4/30/2012)
Mar 17 - May 26 .. $145/nt .. $950/wk
May 26 - Aug 18 .. $185/nt .. $1250/wk
Aug 18 - Sep 29 .. $145/nt .. $950/wk
Sep 29 - Mar 17, 2013 - $110/nt .. $700/wk .. $1400/mo (1/1-3/31/2013)
* INCLUDES LINENS and NO CLEANING FEE; Taxes NOT Included
* 2 night minimum Labor Day to Memorial Day except spring/fall break periods
* Minimum age for rental is 25 years old
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2001
Rick & Patricia are retired professionals. After living and working all over the world they retired from Alpharetta, Georgia to the solitude of the Forgotten Coast. They currently reside in Port St Joe, a scant 11 miles from the Laughing Dolphin. This enables them to maintain an active day-to-day interest in the property, which ensures the Dolphin will be welcome to receive guests at any time. As a licensed Florida Realtor Rick may also answer questions you may have regarding retiring to and/or investing in the Forgotten Coast.
Property Photos
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- Welcome to the Laughing Dolphin! There's plenty of room for your boat, too. - Florida Vacation
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- Kick back, relax and watch the sun set into the beautiful Gulf (actual view). - Florida Vacation
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- Large semi-private pool just steps from the back door (actual view). - Florida Vacation
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- Get comfy in the spacious great room atmosphere.
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- Master Bedroom
Traveler Reviews (46)
The PERFECT weekend for our family.
Guest: Erin D
(Mayo, FL)
Date of Stay: 10/22/11
Review Submitted: 10/27/11
We loved our stay at the Laughing Dolphin! The home is beautifully furnished and decorated. The kitchen has absolutely anything that you could need if you stayed there a month. Our children loved the kid themed dishes, glasses and silverwear. It made them feel right at home. Our son has decided that he doesn't want his room at home anymore, he wants us to turn it in to a "Bunk-Area" like the one at Rick and Patricia's. He thought that was the most fun! Upon our arrival we were blessed to find delicious home-baked cookies. And in the evening, we got to watch the dolphins playing right in front of the house. It was amazing! The home also has books...lots and lots of books. Which was perfect for our family. The children also loved the movie library, with several of their favorites included. The beds were very comfortable. And the sunset from the porch every night was definately one of God's own masterpieces. The hot water heater was large enough that our entire family got showers and we didn't run out of hot water...a definate plus. We loved this home so much that I told my husband we needed to purchase it. But so far, I've been unable to convince him. :o( if your plans bring you to this area, I highly recommend the Laughing Dolphin! Thank you Rick & Patricia!
Owner response:Patricia and I are so pleased that your family had such a great time and enjoyed not only the Laughing Dolphin as a home but the amenities we provide to make it just a bit homier. We anxiously await your next visit. We must add that your children are so well behaved that we hardly knew there were four kids in the house. It was only the childrens' books being read that gave it away. Rick & Patricia
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
First trip to St Joe Beach will not be our last!
Guest: April
(Charlotte NC)
Date of Stay: 09/25/11
Review Submitted: 10/05/11
My boyfriend & I recently made our first trip to the FL gulf & stayed at the Laughing Dolphin. We loved it & it will not be our last! Rick & Patricia have a very clean, cozy & welcoming home. We were welcomed with wine, cheese & homemade cookies that were to die for! The home is located in a great area; close to a gas station & Dollar General. The pool is also a bonus; I do believe we could have had it to ourselves for the week. Overall the Laughing Dolphin is perfect for a couple or family. I would recommend this to all my friends & family & look forward to staying again in the future. Thanks Rick & Patricia for helping to make our stay so wonderful & memorable!
Owner response:April, Thanks for the glowing comments. We are happy that your vacation at the Laughing Dolphin was memorable and hope to have you as a guest in the future. Even though it is a "community" pool most of our guests feel that is almost private. We're glad you enjoyed our welcome gifts. Rick & Patricia
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children.
Great Getaway for my new family
Guest: Mark, and Elle
(Wewahitchka, FL)
Date of Stay: 09/06/11
Review Submitted: 09/29/11
We Live close so we can speak for the entire area when we say Port St Joe Beach, and Mexico Beach is one of the best places to visit, and live. My husband and I rented this vacation home for his family to come be with us for our wedding in a local small town. I was very impressed by how clean and beautiful everything was. Rick and Patricia were amazing in everything. and from the very start made everyone feel very welcome. Thank you for giving me piece of mind during a joyous, but stressful time. You make our wedding something to remember!
Owner response:Mark & Gizelle, We were pleased that we could play a small part in making your big day successful. Our goal is to provide our guests with a most relaxing and unforgettable vacation, so much so that they want to return. We hope to see you in the future. Rick & Patricia
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Relaxing & Refreshing
Guest: Whimsey
(Gainesville FL)
Date of Stay: 09/23/11
Review Submitted: 09/26/11
We stayed only 2 nights, boo-hoo, wish we could have stayed many more! This house is well laid-out and so very comfy! The kitchen is better outfitted than my own so people who love to cook will be all set here. View=gorgeous! Super-clean and neat all over. 1 minute walk to the uncrowded, white sandy beach. Love!
Owner response:Lynn, Thank you for the kind review. We hope you will find time to return to visit longer. Glad you enjoyed the "time zone" history lesson. Rick & Patricia
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Laughing Dolphin in May
Guest: Peggy & Larry (Clarksville FL)
(Clarksville)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11
Review Submitted: 08/27/11
Rick & Patricia, I apologize for taking so long to write this. After 14 months of beingaway from home because of work, the vacation just a short drive from home was just what I needed. This was our 4th (5th?) stay at the Laughing Dolphin and it was as relaxing as it always is. We love that we can walk a few steps and be on the beach or step outside the back door and enjoy the pool. Thanks again for a great week. We have both now retired and hope to have more time at what could easily become a home away from home. Also, thanks for your patience with us with the reservation.
Owner response:Lydia, We are pleased that you and all your family consider the Laughing Dolphin your home away from home. Your family is one of several who have become our guests at least once a year - something like our own extended family. We look forward to your next visit. Rick & Patricia
Recommended for:Sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Great Vacation!!
Guest: Bridget
(Alabama)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11
Review Submitted: 08/11/11
Rick and Patricia, Thank you for allowing us to rent your house. This was my first trip to the Mexico Beach area - I loved it. I would love to rent the house for a future visit. The house was very clean and very well maintained. The house was large enought for 6 of us (My sister and her 4 grandsons ages 14, 10, 7, 6) - the boys loved the bunk beds. They had a great time in the ocean playing in the waves and the sand. The beach was not crowded at all. They loved having the pool directly behind the house and spent the late afternoons & evenings relaxing in the pool. We went to a couple of the lighthouses at Cape San Blas and St. George Island one morning it was a great day trip. It was only a short drive into Panama City to do some of the activites there. You were great host!!
Owner response:Bridget, We're very pleased that you and your family had a great vacation at the Laughing Dolphin and took advantage of seeing the sights in the area. We sincerely hope you will consider us when making future vacation plans. Rick & Patricia
Recommended for:Girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Great 35th Anniversary/ Vacation John & Jerrie Toccoa, Ga
Guest: John & Jerrie
(Georgia)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11
Review Submitted: 07/26/11
Hello Rick & Patricia Sorry it has taken us so long to respond, but we really wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had. Your home was the nicest, cleanest, well equipped kitchen..we couldn't ask for anything better. Sorry I didn't get to meet you Rick but if you're anything like your wife, you both are awesome people. Such great host!! We got to visit some of the Lighthouses in the area and most of the beaches. We brought our boat so one day we went fishing in the ocean for the 1st time.. that was awesome.. caught some fish.. had a picnic.Thanks for the "treats" you made us and the tasty wine. What a great quiet place to celebrate our 35th Anniversary!! I I hope that we will be able to return to this wonderful place someday soon!!
Owner response:John & Jerrie, Glad you had a great getaway and thanks for the review. Please visit us again - it doesn't have to be a special time, although were pleased it was memorable. Rick & Patricia
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.
Most relaxing vacation ever!!
Guest: KY vacationer
(Kentucky)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11
Review Submitted: 07/25/11
Just spent a week at the Laughing Dolphin...this was the best vacation we've had in years. The house is exactly as described; neat, clean, every amenity you can think of. Rick and Patricia went out of their way to make our vacation the best. We love the location of the house (half way between Panama City Beach and Apalachicola), as we like to spend one day shopping at Pier Park and one day at Apalachicola. The rest of the week we spent on the beautiful beach right across from the house or in the pool right behind the house. We had the pool to ourselves all week! We were able to leave all our chairs and beach "toys" on the beach all week and they were never disturbed. We took advantage of the grill and crock pot at the house and cooked in almost every night. If there is one thing I could change about the house (and I can really only think of one), it would be that the back deck could use a roof or cover of some sort. We probably would have spent time out back if there had been some sort of cover to help keep it a little cooler there. Otherwise, the house is perfect. I will definitely be back to St Joe Beach in the future and I intend to recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Florida! Thank you so much, Rick and Patricia, for the best vacation in a long time!!!
Owner response:Belynda, Thanks so very much for your review. We are glad you and your family were pleased with your vacation experience and we are looking into how we could anchor a sunshade over the back deck. The primary issue is the anchor point at the corner with only a railing. Rick & Patricia Rick & Patricia
Recommended for:Sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Don and Gail Bagwell from alabama
Guest: Don
(alabama)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11
Review Submitted: 07/01/11
We had a very nice week june 11 - 18 great place to stay great people to deal with . thanks again hope we get to come back soon . thanks rick and patrica.
Owner response:Don & Gail, Thnks for the favorable response. We're pleased you and your family had a great time and look forward to your return visit. Rick & Patricia
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
AWSOME WEEK WITH MY CHILDREN AND GRANDS
Guest: Bentley and Doris
(Leesburg,Ga.)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11
Review Submitted: 06/28/11
We had such a good time, and everything that was listed was there, it was clean ,neat and just a nice place for a summer vacation for us. We did a lot of bonding, eating, swimming etc.. Thank you for providing such a great place, and we would come back.We don't have a chance to have this experience as much as we use to, all the grandchildren are growing up and are spread out.. The owners were so helpful telling us details about their place and Pt.St.Joe.Thanks again..
Owner response:Bentley and Doris, We are so please that you had a wonderful time with your children and grand children. We hope to have you as our guest again. Sincerely, Rick & Patricia
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
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