Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Highlights
Family fun awaits
Top-rated for families.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Sleeps 4•2 bedrooms•3 beds
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Barbecue grill
Deck or patio
Explore the area
Homosassa, FL
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Place, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
1 min walk
Crystal River Preserve State Park
Place, Crystal River Preserve State Park
3 min walk
Three Sisters Springs
Place, Three Sisters Springs
10 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed and 1 Twin 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
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Please see the attached PDF for house rules, sign and return to ----@--------.---
Important information
You need to know
Property # 12054
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
Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Homosassa
Located in Homosassa, this vacation 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. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and cycling nearby.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
Crystal River Preserve State Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Three Sisters Springs - 10 min drive - 14.0 km
Weeki Wachee Springs - 29 min drive - 44.6 km
Rainbow Springs State Park - 42 min drive - 49.0 km
Getting around
Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 69 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 7 min drive
RaceTrac - 3 min drive
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Circle K - 7 min drive
McDonald's - 10 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 Aug 19, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included on Aug 20, 2026 start from $266, 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?
Onsite 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?
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included located?
Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is within a 5-minute walk of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Crystal River Preserve State Park. Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum and Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).
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