KAYAK with the dolphins and manatees! Welcome to paradise and your own mini resort tropical oasis. Centrally located in the Tampa Bay Area, you are in the perfect location for all things Florida. Lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath canal front home is the perfect mix of fun and relaxation, decorated in a tropical coastal vibe. The home features separate living and dining areas and a family room with a fireplace. There are Roku TV's in the family room, two bedrooms and one on the lanai so you can watch the big game while floating in the HEATED pool! The fully equipped kitchen features granite counters, stainless appliances and also overlooks the pool and out to the water. Or you can cook out on the gas grill. Out by the pool on the screened lanai are several more sitting areas, perfect for a morning cup of coffee or evening libations around the fire pit. You will also have plenty of options for "game night" as there is a pool table, corn hole, dart board, foosball and numerous board games.
While enjoying the sunshine, we have 4 kayaks for your use. 3 are single riders and 1 is a tandem style. There are pool floats a plenty. There are fishing poles and a basic tackle box if you want to try and catch dinner and if you fancy a bike ride down to the public beach, there are bikes in the garage along with beach chairs and some beach toys.
Want to bring your boat? We have a 10,000 lift and room to park your trailer. Currently the boat lift cover is gone from Hurricane Helene but we are going to replace.
There are numerous shopping and dining options nearby. Plus.... Busch Gardens 18 miles away Lowry Park Zoo 24 miles Disney World 77 miles Universal Studios/Island of Adventure 88 miles Siesta Key Beach 50 miles Clearwater Beach 45 miles
Oh and we happen to be home of the BIG THREE Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers and Lightning!!
There is a washer and dryer on premises for your convenience so you don't have to go home with dirty clothes.
Welcome to your home away from home. We want you to love it so much that you can't wait to come back...
DISCLOSURES: We STRONGLY advise purchasing trip insurance. It's Florida and we do have hurricane season. Due to this property being a "Contactless Check in" we do have security cameras facing away from the house. Your privacy and security are of the utmost importance to us.
FAQ: Please note, the temperature control for the pool is on my phone. If you would like to adjust the temp please send me a message. The Keurig coffee maker is both a "pod" and a "pot" style. If you are staying longer than 7 days we are happy to arrange for a cleaning service for an additional fee. Pool service is every Friday. Garbage days Monday & Thursday
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
Please cleanup after your pet.
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
NO PARTIES
No diving in pool or from the dock
No overnight guests without host approval.
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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
Apollo Beach
Located in Apollo Beach, this vacation home is near theme parks and on the waterfront. Shoppers can check out Channelside Bay Plaza, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Tampa Bay and Vinoy Park. Traveling with kids? Make time for Florida Aquarium, or check out an event or a game at Benchmark International Arena. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing, kayaking, and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa - 27 min drive - 36.1 km
Raymond James Stadium - 36 min drive - 43.0 km
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - 40 min drive - 41.6 km
Getting around
Tampa Union Station - 29 min drive
Tampa, FL (TPF-Peter O. Knight) - 45 min drive
Restaurants
‪Planet Smoothie - ‬8 min drive
‪Circle K - ‬10 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
‪Starbucks - ‬8 min drive
‪Finn’s Dockside Bar And Grill - ‬8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does When you want to go where it's warm! have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at When you want to go where it's warm!?
As of May 7, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at When you want to go where it's warm! on Jul 12, 2026 start from $323, 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 When you want to go where it's warm! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at When you want to go where it's warm!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at When you want to go where it's warm!?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is When you want to go where it's warm! located?
This family-friendly Apollo Beach vacation home is located on the waterfront, within 2 mi (3 km) of Tampa Bay and Apollo Beach Dog Park. Manatee Viewing Center and Ruskin Family Drive-In are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
This home was perfect. The owners are awesome and responsive; they make you feel so at home there. The house is fully equipped with everything you might need. We enjoyed the pool just about every day. Cannot wait to go back.
Clean, equipped with anything imaginable. Pool was heavenly. View was incredible. Best VRBO I’ve ever stayed in. Host was amazing and went above and beyond in every way. Highly recommend to anyone looking for the perfect vacation home.
Paul F.
Stayed 21 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 19, 2025
Thank you so much for you kind words and glowing recommendation! We would love to have you back!
My husband and I greatly enjoyed our stay at this lovely property. It has everything you could possibly want for a weeklong stay. We spent four days enjoying the kayaks provided, and the other days going into Tampa since the property was so close to the city. Overall, this property was perfect and made our vacation the stress free adventure we wanted it to be.
Jessica R.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 1, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We would love to have you back anytime.
We had a fabulous two-week stay at this wonderful house! It had all the entertainment we could ask for, from kayaking to fishing.This place was a relaxing retreat for us and a perfect way to connect with nature. Barbara was an exceptional host—very responsive and attentive to our needs. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality, Barbara!
We enjoyed our stay at this house very much! Had everything we needed plus more. Barb was very friendly, accommodating and responded very quickly. My husband fished everyday and caught redfish, trout and snook and he would recommend E. G. Simmons Park which has a very good boat ramp. We loved visiting Apollo Beach and hope to again in the future. Thanks Barb!
Could not have found a more perfect home. It was exactly as advertised—clean; open; beautiful pool and lanai; beautiful backyard and extremely responsive hosts. It felt like our own home away from home. People in the area were so friendly. Cannot wait to go back
Valerie A.
Stayed 52 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 26, 2025
Thank you so much! We can't wait to have you back! You guys are the perfect guests!
Properly was excellent Barbara and Dan were very responsive. Perfect for our family vacation. Saw manatee from the dock, followed us in kayaks. Great location. Would definitely stay again.
SUSAN S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 6, 2023
And we would love for you to come back! Thank you!
Exceptional!!! Barb and Dan are such wonderful hosts and the house was perfection. Quiet neighborhood, nice neighbors and amenities galore. Hope to visit again soon!
Steffanie G.
Stayed 29 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 13, 2024
Steffanie we would love to have you anytime! Thank you for helping us navigate two hurricanes during your stay! Hopefully you still got to relax some...
This is a beautiful property! It is fully stocked with everything needed for a great vacation. The owner was very wuick to respond and very helpful. We had a very relaxing stay at this property.
Cheryl P.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 6, 2023
Thank you so much for your kind words! You were amazing guests and we would welcome you back anytime!
Barb went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed to make our stay a success. The house was clean and had all the amenities. Plenty of outdoor toys and games. We really enjoyed our stay.
Kelly L.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 6, 2023
Thank you so much! We certainly enjoyed having you stay and would welcome you back anytime!
Beautiful home in a lovely area. Everything was just as described in the listing with many activities available. The pool was wonderful and we enjoyed our stay tremendously. Hope to come back again in the future!
Rebecca C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 6, 2023
Thank you so much for your kind words, we enjoyed having you and would love for you to come back!!
Home is beautiful, peaceful and relaxing by the pool and on the channel. Kayaks are definitely an added bonus! Home has all you will need for a wonderful time in Florida.
Kari jo W.
Stayed 23 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 6, 2023
Thank you so much !! I am so glad you and your family had a nice time! We look forward to having you back
This home was just as listed. The kitchen was this best stocked of any home we have stayed in. It had everything you would need. This was just the restful week we needed.
We had a wonderful stay at this property. The owners have provided for nearly every accommodation you could ask for. I from outdoor games and dock and poolside activities, to the well-stocked bathrooms, and chefs kitchen and coffee bar. We hope to come back again, but this time with our boat.
Jeffrey L.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 6, 2023
Please do!! We loved having you!!
About the host
Hosted by Barbara Henzler
Dan and Barbara share two beautiful daughters, Meagan and Samantha, and four dogs. In their free time, they enjoy spending time with family, travel, and a typical Florida lifestyle of beaches, boating, and theme parks.
Why they chose this property
Living near the water is just not enough. We wanted a place on the water, with easy access to all the things we love. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to allow others to experience our world, even if it's only for a short while.
What makes this property unique
The home situated on a deep saltwater canal is a short 10 mins from the bay, and Busch Gardens is an easy day trip! Disney is about an hour and a half away, as are the amazing beaches of Clearwater, St. Pete Beach, and Anna Maria! We offer all sorts of activities to entertain the whole family.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests