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The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay

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View from the canal, back of the house
View of lanai and canal from the boat house
Room for 8ppl in kayaks. 3 tandem, 2 single.
5 bicycles, equipment for water sports and safety gear for both.
NEW: picnic table for outside dinners

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 82400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Crystal River, FL
  • Place, Crystal River Preserve State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Plantation Inn and Golf Resort
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Three Sisters Springs
    ‪4 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay

Welcome to the Otter House! Our house is suitable for large families and sleeps 8 people in 6 beds! If that isn't your style the house is still great for couples and smaller groups that like the quiet atmosphere and sounds of nature! We have very few neighbors and are surrounded by undeveloped preserves on two sides. This four bedroom house comes with all house basics to keep you comfortable during your stay plus a few extras we enjoy and hope you do too. We have included a washer, dryer, cable TV, wireless internet and even a grill for your convenience. There are kayaks in the garage for your enjoyment, enough for the whole family (up to 8) to enjoy!

There is a boat house available as well that is suitable for small skiffs and pontoon boats to dock. The tide goes in and out regularly so we recommend shallow hulled boats less than 21 ft. If that doesn't work there is plenty of boat parking in the driveway and a ramp less than 5 minutes away!

We are just outside of town, but a bike path leads right to the heart of Crystal River or ten miles out to the public beach at the end of Fort Island Trail. If you are visiting to see manatees the main springs are a 20 minute kayak from the house, and sometimes they come up the canal to say hello!

During your stay make sure to keep a lookout the back lanai for wildlife! We named the house after a family of playful otters that live up the stream. Manatees, large fish and even dolphins have been up the canal, and there are always egrets, herons, ospreys and owls!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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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
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No parking on the street, keep to the footprint of the driveway please.

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 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

Crystal River

Located in Crystal River, this vacation home is on the waterfront. Crystal River Archaeological State Park and Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Plantation Inn and Golf Resort and A Crystal River Kayak Company. With kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
View more Vacation Homes in Crystal RiverOpens in a new window
Map
Crystal River, FL

What's nearby

  • Crystal River Preserve State Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Plantation Inn and Golf Resort - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 4 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Three Sisters Springs - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Fort Island Gulf Beach - 14 min drive - 15.5 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) - 91 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Bayside Kraft Kitchen - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪RaceTrac - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Cody's Original Roadhouse - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Cajun Jimmy's Seafood Seller & Cafe - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay?

As of Apr 17, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay on Apr 19, 2026 start from $366, 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 The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Plantation Inn and Golf Resort and within 3 mi (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 mi (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 90 out of 96 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 96 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 96 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 96 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 96 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tonya B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved staying at The Otter House! The hosts were amazing and went above and beyond. I appreciated how helpful they were to us. They helped make our Girls Trip to the Manatee Festival such a magnificent memory!
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very peaceful! Great communication! Location was excellent. Just a very nice time! Alligators and otters :) excellent bird viewing was beautiful!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

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

Great trip! I would stay here again!

Worked out great for our family scalloping trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

NYMC75

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great! Kayaks, grill, location and lots of room. Thank you to the hosts and managers.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kay F.

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

Burthday trip

We had a great time kayaking and loved the alligators in water.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely stay at the Otter House. The house was exceptionally well cleaned. All of the beds were very comfy! The new washer & dryer were very handy. The house is located in a great neighborhood - beautiful evening walks.Thank you for an enjoyable visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susanne T.

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

Great location

Super easy check in, friendly
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pamela W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was perfect. Clean, and the space was perfect for our family. The Wii and kayaks were a hit! Space has everything you need. Definitely coming back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Location was fabulous, we really enjoyed watching all the wildlife from the lanai. Having kayaks on site was fantastic, but note that two of the larger ones take on water inside the hull, making for a challenging paddle as they get heavy. Three Sister springs is beautiful, but definitely more of a 30-40 minute paddle. But totally worth it! Would recommend Otter House highly, once the kayaks are repaired.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Loretta H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice, comfortable, laid-back and funThe canal is OK to get out to the bayAnd everything was as explained and everything was their kayaks bikes. We had a great time.(the stairs are a little steep and very slick)
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

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

Just what we needed

Perfect location and a great house with the best host. Our family had such an amazing time!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie L.

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

Family Vacation

We loved our stay at your home. It was clean and spacious. The decorations were super cute and added character to the home.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

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

Great river location

The house was great. Everything we needed for kayaking, bicycle riding, and cooking/cleaning was available at the house. It was very comfortable just like home.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura D.

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

Lovely vacation!

Beautiful home with use of kayaks and bicycles for the family. Location was perfect; within 15 minutes of everything that we needed. Cant wait to come back next year! May God bless the owners and everyone who walks in the door!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle F.

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

Great Thanksgiving space for our family of 6

We had more than enough space for our family of 6. Clean, lovely home right on waterway leading to Kings Bay. Convenience of kayaks and bikes made our trip so much more enjoyable. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

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

Great house. Great location.

The house is great. Layout is great. Everything was very clean. The location of the house is perfect for all Crystal River exploring. We loved the use of the kayaks and bikes.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony G.

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

Nice Spacious Home

Spacious Clean Home in a Nice Location. We went Boating every day so having water access is big plus. The kayaking would be fun from there, but we had our own boat. Went to the Boil Yard Restaurant down the street, Would Highly recommend it .
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy M.

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

Great house

We loved the house, and owner was great when my phone went swimming before check in. Only warning is the canal does get very shallow at low tide, so plan your comings and goings!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kelly j.

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

Will book again!

I would highly recommend. House had everything we needed..plenty of space for the six of us. Location great..Hosts were very nice. Thank you. The Jones Family
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angelique R.

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

Great location

Family fishing trip. Great location and access to stores, restaurants and the boat ramp and charter company. Definitely need to follow the guide they give for boat size, when the water goes to low tide a large boat would be difficult to get in and out of canal. We rode the bikes and used the kayaks and had a great time enjoying the screened in lanai in the evenings and mornings.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Brett S.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Crystal River 2022

House is older but comfortable little noisy the canal is tidal dependent be careful
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mendy J.

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

Perfect location

The property had fantastic amenties such as bijes and kayaks that were in good shape with plenty of paddles and life vests. Plenty of indoor and outdoor areas for your group to spread out. The location was within bike riding distance to the town of Crystal River and the springs, within a comfortable distance to all the prime kayaking locations, and across from a wildlife refuge! Also within a short driving distance to some places I recommend- Withlacochee Bay Trail for biking, Silver Springs and Rainbow river for kayaking, Homosassa or Ozello for airboat rides, and the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park for a great experience with wildlife including Lu the hippo
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carl H.

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

A great week on the water in Crystal River

We loved our stay at the Otter House! The kayaks were perfect to get on the water and paddle out to see tons of manatees, birds and other wildlife. The house was comfy, spacious, and well appointed. The kitchen was well stocked and there were many family meals we all enjoyed. The lanai area was perfect for hanging out in the shade during the afternoon. We were able to dock a boat there as well, and it worked smoothly to run out to the gulf and fish for seatrout, mackerel and other species. The game room area worked well to separate out different family activities. We hope to be back in the future for more fun and relaxation!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Great stay at Otter House

We overall had a great stay Otter House. We made use of the kayaks, bikes, and grill. There were plenty of dishes and cookware to prepare meals and the provided staples, detergents, trash bags were much appreciated. The location was great and close to a grocery store. The view out the back door was lovely; and we saw turtles, manatees, and fish in the canal. The only negative is that there is a house being built next door which generates loud noise during working days. We were only there for the weekend; and they took Saturday and Sunday off, but you could not enjoy the outside patio on Friday until they knocked off work.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jana H.

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

Manatee Christmas

We had a relaxing and fun-filled holiday gathering at the Otter House. Kevin and Emily were super responsive and when we had questions. The house sits on a quiet channel off of Kings Bay. It was lovely to wake with a cup of coffee sitting in the screened room and watching the local birds hunt for breakfast. The kayaks were an awesome addition! We loved kayaking to Three Sisters to paddle amongst the manatee. We even rented a pontoon boat for a day to explore Kings Bay. The kitchen is well stocked for food preparations and local restaurants were enjoyed on days we didn't feel like cooking. We are already discussing a repeat visit!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

About the host

Hosted by Kevin and Emily

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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