Tiki Tropical Retreat - directly on the clear Weeki Wachee River (not a canal)
Enjoy the fresh waters directly from the Weeki Wachee Springs with accommodations for 4 to 7 guests. There's only so many houses located directly on the clear flowing waters of the Weeki Wachee River, and this is one of them. It's a wonderfully serene magical place with the ability to melt away the stresses of life. Enjoy time with your friends or let the kids experience the beauty of nature. Treat yourself to fun filled yet peaceful days on our little slice of paradise where the back yard extends to over 6 miles of clear pristine waters or out into the Gulf of America. Create some great memories, smiles and laughter with friends here on the River.
#1 Feature: DIRECTLY ON THE CLEAR WATERS OF THE WEEKI WACHEE RIVER We are directly on the crystal clear waters of the Weeki Wachee River! And we're literally one bend down river from Roger's Park and a few more paddles from to the famous "Hospital Hole" where the manatees congregate in droves. We are far enough down river that you are more likely to see manatees swim right by the house than most other properties... quite frequently actually! There's even a nice floating dock or narrow (9') boat ramp directly on the river to get you into the water for swimming or kayaking or boating - directly from the back yard. An added plus is the waterfront lanai. It's a great place to relax and take in the views of the river while enjoying a meal, to get shade or during the occasional rain showerif it's rain shower.
I am often asked if the water is clear where we are. Yes! The water is definitely crystal clear. I have another house just a few house down river and was literally swimming and cooling off while working outside, and a manatee came right up to me. I could see it's face in the water from 10 feet away and then it swam right under me rubbing my feet! Then, shortly after, a dolphin swam by as well... still amazes me to watch dolphins and manatees swim by.
#2 Feature: DEEPER WATERS We are located on a deeper part of the river for better fishing and tying your boat up - right from the back patio... and deep enough that you can literally jump in and do a cannon ball, enjoying the natural spring fed waters to keep you cool in the summer... or warm in the winter months. The water temperature is 74 degrees all year round!
#3 Feature: NATURE - LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Weeki Wachee River is an amazingly beautiful natural wonder! You have over 6 miles to boat, canoe or kayak up river, taking in the peaceful sounds of the water, birds and the wind blowing through the trees. You'll experience manatee on the river, more often than not, but that's not the extent of the amazing wildlife. We've watched a family of deer cross the river right in front of our kayaks - what a treat that was! We've sat and enjoyed river otters playing with each other like little kids. If you're lucky, you'll even spot an occasional dolphin enjoying the river... there's just something special about watching a dolphin swim right in front of the house. There are vast species of birds, like the wood storks, blue herons, egrets, bald eagles, ospreys, double-crested cormorant, but that's just the tip of the ice bird... the bird diversity is phenomenal with 273 native and 8 exotic species in the area.
#4 Feature: CLOSE TO THE GULF OF MEXICO If you travel down river, the Gulf of Mexico is just over a mile away. The short ride to the Gulf is worth it! The open views shouldn't be missed. And it goes without saying, the wonderfully diverse fishing options can keep any angler busy. So go intercoastal or deep sea fishing, scalloping (when in season), dolphin sightseeing, or just sit there and wait to watch the sunset without a single thing blocking your view.
#5 Feature: WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK The world famous Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a five mile drive away. Make sure to enjoy the mermaid show, it's great for kids and adults too. Don't miss the guided river boat tour, it's worth it. Buccaneer Bay is an add on ticket where the family can enjoy swimming - right next to the head of the spring, or relax on their white sand beach or have some fun speeding down the giant water slides.
#6 Feature: ALFRED A MCKETHAN PINE ISLAND PARK Alfred A McKethan Pine Island Park has a wonderful beach that's great for long walks, sunbathing, building sand castles, watching the sunset... you know, all of the beachy stuff. And it's less than a 10 minute drive.
If you're bringing a pet(s), please be sure to inform us of specifically what type of pet(s) they are as we do reserve the right to deny based on size or quantity. Also, be sure you have paid the pet fee as this becomes a $250 fee per pet if it's found that there are pets after check-in without the fee having been paid.
***NOTE: The $125 pet fee includes one pet. A second pet would be an additional $125 charge. Please inform us of the size and breed to see if a 2nd pet would be allowed.
Bullet Point House Features: *Directly on the clear waters of the river and deep enough to dock a deep hull boat *Newly remodeled home with beautiful interior design - 2 bedrooms with two kings.. The family room also has a sleeper sofa for the ability to comfortably sleep 6 and a leather couch for up to 7. * Patios and waterfront lanai with plenty of seating for everyone *The use of included personal watercraft: 3 adult kayaks 1 tandom kayak 1 paddleboard 1 2-3 person Canoe 3 smaller adult/ youth kayaks 1 youth kayak Llife vests and paddles are included. All watercraft can be launched directly into the river from the house *Brand new 65" TV in the living room, porch, and two bedrooms. TV has DirecTV (with the Go Big channel package which includes the sports channels), Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max and Amazon Prime TV.... pretty much every show and channel you can think of - there's more content than you could ever watch in a lifetime *Gas grill *Onsite parking for plenty of vehicles and a boat trailer... even an RV if you'd like *Tie off available for a boat *Washer and dryer
If you're bringing a pet(s), please be sure to inform us of specifically what type of pet(s) they are as we do reserve the right to deny based on size or quantity. Also, be sure you have paid the pet fee of $125 as this becomes a $250 fee if it's found that there are pets after check-in without the fee having been paid.
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No fires of any kind, such as smoking or candles inside the house. Smoking outside is permitted.
Do not open the locked areas (cabinet in outbuilding), as this is where cleaning staff supplies are stored.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2529548vb
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
On-site 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 that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Spring Hill
Located in Weeki Wachee Gardens, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Weeki Wachee Springs and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, while Colorama Music and Show Palace Dinner Theater are cultural highlights. Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Adventure Coast Fun Park are also worth visiting. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and ecotours nearby.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park - 5 min drive - 5.0 km
Weeki Wachee Springs - 10 min drive - 11.1 km
Hudson Beach - 23 min drive - 30.9 km
Three Sisters Springs - 43 min drive - 63.3 km
Getting around
Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) - 59 min drive
Restaurants
Dunkin' - 13 min drive
7-Eleven - 13 min drive
Applebee's Grill + Bar - 13 min drive
Steak 'n Shake - 13 min drive
Weeki Pub - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Tiki Tropical Retreat - directly on the clear Weeki Wachee River (not a canal) pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Tiki Tropical Retreat - directly on the clear Weeki Wachee River (not a canal)?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Tiki Tropical Retreat - directly on the clear Weeki Wachee River (not a canal)?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Tiki Tropical Retreat - directly on the clear Weeki Wachee River (not a canal)?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Tiki Tropical Retreat - directly on the clear Weeki Wachee River (not a canal) located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Weeki Wachee River and 2.8 mi (4.6 km) from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Bayport Park Boat Ramp and Bayport Park Pier are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The location was great for river activities and closeness to golf and restaurants. The home had everything we needed and more. Would definitely stay again. Stayed 28days min March.
Had a wonderfully peaceful stay on the river at tiki tropical.Property was clean and comfortable. interior decoration was cute and fun with lovely outdoor spaces. We needed no stairs and pet friendly and this met our needs perfectly.We would definitely come back to tiki tropical.
This is our second time staying here and it was even better this time because there is now a fence so our dogs were able to roam more freely. We saw dolphins and otters and a manatee right from the backyard. This was definitely one of our favorite vacations and we will be back again for sure.
Wonderful stay! Host was super friendly and was quick to respond to all communication. Cool spot directly located on the river (which my dog couldn’t stay out of) Super clean and well stocked with everything you could need. We didn’t want to leave!! Definitely recommend and will return again.
The house was perfect. Great location on the river for Gulf access and playing in the river. Everything worked great, has everything you need and just as listed. Will definitely come back.
Came with my family for a little vacation - got that and more!
Truly an amazing stay in a beautiful place. Will never forget this getaway.
Thank you to the hosts!
Wonderful getaway for my wife and our dog. Exactly as advertised and beautiful location. The host was very helpful and attentive. We will definitely be back again soon!
We had a wonderful stay at the Tiki Retreat! It is the perfect little house for a fun getaway on the river. We spent so much time out on the kayaks provided, fishing, and swimming off the dock. The host was very responsive and easy to talk with and the rental was very clean with plenty of towels and kitchen supplies.
Weeki Watchee never disappoints and this little bungalow is the perfect place to enjoy it! Great up to date amenities inside and perks outside! Between the screened lanai, covered porch, gazebo, boat ramp and kayak launch there was no shortage of places to enjoy the river!
We have stayed in many houses but always on one of the canals. This house is directly on river and far enough away from Rogers park that it is quiet We saw manatees swim by every day. Our stay was wonderful and relaxing
Such a perfect location to the springs. Had an awesome time a this cute little house. Even saw 5Manatee swimming by dock in backyard. Perfect house for two 8 year olds. Thank you so much for everything. Had a great time.
This property is such a gem. Super clean and comfortable. We cooked in two of our days and had everything we needed. High end washer and dryer a big plus. Plenty of seating outside to watch the boats and kayaks float by. We used the sand chairs in the water at the boat ramp and just relaxed. Our dog loved getting in and out of the water at the boat ramp as well. This was an amazing stay that we highly recommend. Will definitely return!
It was exactly what we wanted and where we wanted it.
My elderly mother and I came to Florida for a funeral and wanted a place to unwind and relax for a couple of days. The home turned out to be just what we needed. A beautiful calm quiet place for healing. We plan to come down again under better circumstances, with a couple family members.
The host was awesome, very responsive, and I could tell by just our communication prior to my stay their home would be perfect, and it was. The place was very clean, and everything we needed from A-Z. The kids swam right off the dock, we saw manatees, and even a dolphin on a short kayak trip. The location was great, right around the corner from Roger’s park. I hope to stay again next year.
A little bit further down the river but it was amazing I didn’t want to leave. My bulldog really loved the grass there, easy to get kayaks in water and wonderful kitchen. Thank you!
One of the best spots on the Weeki Wachee River, This rental is very relaxing and peaceful. The views are amazing from every angle. We took our kayaks out and had a blast, and hope to see manatees on the next visit! The location on the river cannot be beat and it’s even so beautiful for swimming. Our other favorite part of the cottage is the screened in porch where you can watch everyone go by… Thank you
Crystal clear river for swimming right in front of the property and it leads straight to the turquoise springs. There are plenty of paddle boards, kayaks, and a canoe to get the springs. Super cute, very clean and very comfortable beds and new couches.. A TV in every room but we were never inside long enough to watch TV. Very comfortable back patio with plenty of seating and tables. I will definitely be back!
We had a wonderful stay. The host was responsive to any questions and allowed us to bring our large dogs with a small pet fee for each.
The house is cozy and on the clear part of the river below Roger's Park.
We loved having the space for the dogs and spent several evenings fishing off the dock. We didn’t do much swimming since the current was stronger than our kid could comfortably swim.
We definitely loved our time there!
Clean, well stocked house on the weeki wachee river. Convenient location. Nice sized patio with big yard and floating dock. Plenty of kayaks, paddle boards, and a canoe. Yard is completely fenced. No trouble with dogs escaping. We also rented a pontoon that was delivered directly to the dock. You can see manatees and dolphins from the house. Overall it was a great stay.
We rented this property for memorial weekend and it was our best trip to Weeki Wachi yet! Our family has been coming to the area for the past 9 years and we have stayed in many different rentals. This was by far our favorite. The home was clean and perfectly stocked. The location is amazing! We saw manatees and even dolphins right out back! Can’t wait to come back! Jeff was so helpful and made our trip so smooth. See you next year!
April M.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
About the host
Hosted by Jeff Jennings
With many short term rentals, we pride ourselves on creating a place for you to getaway and relax, adventure or gather with friends or family. Communication will always be prompt and polite.
Why they chose this property
There's only so many houses located directly on the clear flowing waters of the Weeki Wachee River, and this is one of them. It's a wonderfully serene magical place with the ability to melt away the stresses of life. Enjoy time with your friends or let the kids experience the beauty of nature. Treat yourself to fun filled yet peaceful days on our little slice of paradise where the back yard extends to over 6 miles of clear pristine waters or out into the Gulf of Mexico. Create some great memories, smiles and laughter with friends here on the River.
What makes this property unique
On the MAIN RIVER. Most likely manatee and dolphins will pass house going to and from the Gulf. FLOATING DOCK, FENCED YARD.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests