Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Highlights
Cook, dine, and unwind
Top-rated for its fully equipped kitchen, perfect for every meal.
Outdoor pool
The outdoor pool is a refreshing retreat under the open sky - a rare gem in this area.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Close to Barefoot Beach
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Private pool
Garage parking available
Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Barbecue grill
Explore the area
Bonita Beach, FL
Bonita Springs Public Beach
Place, Bonita Springs Public Beach
2 min walk
Bonita Beach Park
Place, Bonita Beach Park
8 min walk
Barefoot Beach
Place, Barefoot Beach
11 min walk
Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)
Airport, Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)
41 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Twin Beds
Bedroom 3
1 King Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Dolphin House : pool home on the Gulf of Mexico : walk to the beach
Dolphin House is located on Little Hickory Island, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and halfway between Naples and Fort Myers. Private residences only are permitted in this section of the beach, and the lack of crowding testifies to this. The beach is 150 feet west of the front door and is teeming with ocean life, especially in summer. May through August is turtle nesting season, with tracks and nests dotting the shoreline. Shelling and bird watching is excellent here also with heron, egret, eagle, osprey, pelican and gull all present. The gas heated, screen enclosed saltwater pool provides a private place to relax after enjoying the beach, where the gulf water temperature in summer is 87 degrees Fahrenheit. Dolphin House is ideally located for a morning walk on the beach or taking in the evening sunsets.
Dolphin House is shown on the right side of the street just at the end of the video presentation of Bonita Beach in the photo section.
Area attractions: Many activities are available in the local area, including parasailing and jet skiing available at the beach one half mile away. Paddle board and kayak tours are available within 2 miles of Dolphin House, and pontoon boat rental is available also. Corkscrew Swamp, an 11,000 acre preserve run by the Audubon Society is a 45 minute drive east. Alligator, birds, fish and snakes are observable in their natural environment from a 2.5 mile boardwalk through the swamp. The Jay Ding Darling Wildlife refuge is 25 minutes north up the beach on Sanibel Island and offers excellent views of migratory water bird life. Naples is 15 minutes south by car with numerous restaurants, museums, a fishing pier and shops. Ft Myers is 20 minutes north up the coast and also has a fishing pier. The Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is a 25 minute drive from Dolphin House.
House details: Dolphin House has been completely remodeled and updated in 2023. Everything is brand new, spacious and comfortable. Convenience is afforded by the fact that everything is on one level. Two bedrooms in the house have glass doors facing out to the pool area. All glass in the house is hurricane rated, so this provides for a quiet interior as well as enhanced privacy. The shower in the master bath is a walk-in, and the second bathroom has a full bathtub/shower. The A/C system is new, cool and quiet. We have two televisions, a large screen in the family room and a second set in the master bedroom. All new furnishings including furniture, bedding, appliances, linens and kitchenware. For convenience, there is an attached two car garage with automatic door opener. Beach is accessed by a two minute walk across the street. We can accommodate 4 adults and 2 children in beds.
Beach details: Bonita Beach has been included in the top 10 beaches in America, and is well-suited to swimming. Sloping gently for miles into the Gulf of Mexico, the sandy bottom is comfortable and the gulf wave action is generally mild. Pelicans, terns, osprey, frigate, heron and other sea birds can be seen at the beach along with dolphin and sea turtles. Sunsets over the water are beautiful and panoramic. Bonita Beach streches for six miles along the Gulf of Mexico and is only 150 feet from the front door of Dolphin House. This area of the beach is residential and uncrowded, allowing for the ideal beach experience. Beach access #3 is located two houses north of us and makes it possible to walk to the beach in less than two minutes. Shelling is a popular activity on Bonita Beach as many beautiful specimens can be found in the clean sand.
Waterfront restaurants within a one mile radius include Coconut Jacks, Docs Beach House and The Fish House. Enzos is a fine Italian dining local tradition on Bonita Beach Road located 3 miles away.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items
Lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2578ha
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
Note from host: This is a residential neighborhood
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
About the neighborhood
Bonita Springs
Located in Bonita Springs, this vacation home is near the beach. While the natural beauty of Bonita Springs Public Beach and Barefoot Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can check out Key West Express.
Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Hertz Arena or Alico Arena. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and ecotours.
Little Hickory Island Beach Park - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
Fifth Avenue South - 38 min drive - 31.2 km
Getting around
Southwest Florida Intl. Airport (RSW) - 28 min drive
Restaurants
Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream - 5 min drive
Doc's Beach House - 9 min walk
Coconut Jack's Waterfront Grille - 15 min walk
The Fish House - 2 min drive
Ahana's Bombay Grille - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Dolphin House : pool home on the Gulf of Mexico : walk to the beach have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Dolphin House : pool home on the Gulf of Mexico : walk to the beach?
As of Jun 22, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dolphin House : pool home on the Gulf of Mexico : walk to the beach on Jul 7, 2026 start from $415, 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.
Is Dolphin House : pool home on the Gulf of Mexico : walk to the beach pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
Where is Dolphin House : pool home on the Gulf of Mexico : walk to the beach located?
Situated by the sea, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Bonita Springs Public Beach and Barefoot Beach. Bonita Beach Park and Little Hickory Island Beach Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Excellent stay, highly recommend. You can’t be the location, is right across the street from beach entry. The beach house was clean and completely updated inside. Pool and patio is perfect for family vacations. We would definitely stay here again.
breanne G.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 12, 2026
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review of your stay. So glad to hear that everything went well and that you enjoyed your vacation.
The property was as advertised, very nice ranch style home across street from gulf with short easy access to the beach. The lanai enclosed pool was comfortably heated and had adequate privacy for relaxation. Shops, restaurants, parks, activities and beaches were within short drives from the home. Wonderful experience all around and would love to return.
Karen N.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 24, 2026
So glad to hear that you enjoyed your vacation at Bonita Beach and Dolphin House. Thanks for leaving a review!
We had a wonderful stay at dolphin house! The house and pool were great. The kitchen is well equipped. The beach was beautiful and not crowded at all. Communication with the hosts was easy and they were very responsive. We highly recommend it!
Julia T.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 19, 2025
Thanks for sharing a review of your experience at Dolphin House! So glad to hear that you enjoyed your vacation in southwest Florida!
The property was clean, well kept, with easy instructions that made our stay comfortable. Our family enjoyed the warm pool and close proximity to the beach.
Eric G.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 28, 2025
Thanks so much for leaving a review of your family's stay at Dolphin House. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the pool and the beach.
Highly recommend! We were a family of 4 adults and 2 kids and it was perfect. The house was clean and new! The pool was great and you are right across from the beach. They provide all beach amenities needed for you and the kids. Tim was very responsive and very helpful pre and during the trip. Bonita springs beach was beautiful and there was great food and shopping in the area
This house was in a perfect location and had everything our family of 4 needed for an awesome vacation. We love Bonita, and the quick walk to the beach, close proximity to stores and restaurants and private pool made this trip one of our favorites!
Sarah E.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 13, 2022
Thanks so much for the review of your stay at Dolphin House! Great to hear that you and your family enjoyed Bonita beach!
Nice house near Bonita Beach. Easy short walk to beach access point from house. Beach chairs ,umbrella, cart all provided, we also enjoyed relaxing in the nice pool, short drive to local restaurants and shops
Gregory N.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 12, 2025
Thanks very much for sharing a review of your stay at Dolphin House. Glad to hear that your family enjoyed Bonita Beach!
Nice location, easy walk to beach, short drive to nearby stores and restaurants, nice pool. Property is in great shape even with the recent surrounding damage from the hurricane.
Gregory N.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 17, 2024
Great to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Dolphin House! Thanks for leaving a review!
We celebrated my husband’s birthday with his family that lived in Naples. Pool was perfect temperature & location to beach across the street was great. We loved the house & hope to go back next year.
Patricia P.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 27, 2024
Great to hear that your stay at Dolphin House was enjoyable! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
Great kid friendly rental super close to the beach. The kitchen/house was well stocked. We like to cook and found it helpful there were already a decent variety of spices.There are kid & pool friendly cups/dinnerware that make it easy to spend time outside. When they mention how close it is to the beach BELIEVE IT! We went to the beach every single days sometimes multiple times. With 2 toddlers it is super helpful to not have to pack everything up in the car for the beach and to just walk over. The house is nicely located to other things also. The supermarket and other things is a few minutes away. We were also able to take an easy day trip to Sanibel Island. The pool is also almost completely shaded in the later afternoon so it's a great spot to wind down with kids without worrying about the sun after spending all day out in it. Host is super responsive and accommodating. Our inbound and outbound flights both got majorly delayed and he was flexible with our entry and exit times. Would definitely recommend this house
Paradise P.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 29, 2026
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a detailed review of your stay at Dolphin House!
So glad to hear that your family enjoyed Bonita Beach!
The house was perfect, great location, pool is always an added benefit with cooler gulf waters. The owners are great. Thank you for providing us with a great place to vacation, already booked to come back
Erik C.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on May 22, 2022
Thank you very much for sharing your experience at Dolphin House, and it was a pleasure having you as a guest.
Great property. Location was great. Property was very clean. Appliances were in great condition. Pool was a real treat for the kids. Owner very responsive.
Sam S.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 12, 2025
Thanks for the review, very thorough!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
tony p.
Jun 28, 2012
best rental ever
i can honestly say we had a great time on vacation,the property is very comfortable well possitioned and the the pool gave us hours of fun,we will return if we can.
tony p.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2020
Thanks for taking the time to share your review - we are glad that you enjoyed your stay.
We had a really relaxing time, and enjoyed every minute of our stay. The house was a perfect location across road from the beach, and the pool was great to come back to and swim at night. The house had everything we needed and our large suv even fit in the garage. We will definitely try to stay here again.
Ben C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 24, 2024
Thanks for sharing a review of your stay and glad to hear that your family enjoyed Bonita Beach!
We had an absolutely wonderful time. The proximity to the beach, the pool and the property was great. We definitely would stay here again, even talked about it being our destination for next year! Had a few questions for the manager of the property after we arrived and he got back to us with answers fairly quickly. We had excellent weather and enjoyed our stay!
Lori S.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 8, 2024
Thanks for the kind words on our property and great to hear that your trip went well! Hope to see you return next year.
Very nice home with a pool. Beach access is across the street. Very nice restaurant’s are close by.
Definitely on our list for next year.
Robert R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 22, 2022
Thanks for sharing a review of your stay at Dolphin House. Hope that you can return.
About the host
Hosted by Tim and Connie Rucker
We have vacationed at Bonita Beach for over 30 years, and owned property here for over 20 years.
Why they chose this property
Proximity to the beach, which is the primary attraction for southwest Florida. Private enclosed pool. Fully renovated in 2023. 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, can accommodate 4 adults and 2 children in beds. Playpen and high chair for children.
What makes this property unique
Walk to the beach for morning fishing and evening sunsets. No car to park, no planning, just go when you feel like it.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests