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Waterfront Fun, direct access to Gulf! Scalloping! Kayaking

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Property grounds
Exterior
Property grounds
Property grounds
Dining

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6768 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Crystal River, FL
  • The Suncoast Keys
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Three Sisters Springs
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Living Room

1 Double Futon

Living Room

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony

About this property

Waterfront Fun, direct access to Gulf! Scalloping! Kayaking

This home on a canal boasts easy access to the St. Martins River with river views out front. There are no bridges or speedzones from the house to the Gulf. The home itself is completely updated, with new floors, kitchen cabinets, a new wrap around porch, and gravel driveway. More pictures with furniture are coming in the next few weeks.

This furnished 2 bedroom/2bath home sits on a canal that leads straight to the St. Martins River with easy access to the Gulf plus Homosassa Springs and Crystal River Springs without all the boat traffic of those areas. Great access to snorkeling, fishing, and scalloping.
Enjoy the scenery from the porch deck and grill up your catch on the propane grill located on the property.
Full Kitchen that is fully stocked with all the pots, pans and dishes you need to truly relax and enjoy the sites of Ozello Keys. There is also a Washer and Dryer located in house for you to use during your stay.

***SCALLOPING***

Scallop season in Citrus County is July 1 through September 24. Please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website to ensure you have all current information and rules for the season. Ozello is a perfect location if you want to get to the scallop grounds quickly. You can expect a 20-30 minute drive to the scallop grounds (depending on motor size), compared to an hour drive from Crystal River and Homosassa. There are several tour guides in the area if you don't have your own boat.

***BOATING****

If you are considering bringing your boat, please note that Ozello waters are not as deep as Crystal River and Homosassa. Deep V boats are questionable during the summer months and most likely out of the question during the winter low tides. If you are concerned about your boat not being a good fit please reach out. There are also local guides available that will take you out if you do not feel comfortable navigating the waters.

map of how to get to St. Martins river via boat or kayak from house

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1EuI8c4gDxhX020fkugyWLUW_M84k3qpY&usp=sharing

***FOOD/RESTURANTS***

Grocery Stores are located about 20 minutes away and you can use Publix Instant Cart to delivery to the location. There are three restaurants on the island itself so you never have to leave. Pecks Old Port Cove is the farthest away at mile marker 9 (we are at 6). The sunsets at Pecks are the best on the island, please check their facebook page for current daily closings. The Island Outpost is a local favorite they have a small store to purchase items and gas from and have an amazing Breakfast. Within walking distance of the house is Backwater Fins. They have a full bar and typically have live music on the weekends, as well as indoor and outdoor seating.

Property manager

Melissa Johnson

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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Exterior

Crystal River, Ozello Island House.

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
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10.0 out of 10, (93 reviews)
Crystal River, Ozello Island House.

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

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Crystal River

Located in Crystal River, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Crystal River Perserve State Park Eco-Walk and Plantation Inn and Golf Resort are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Three Sisters Springs and Crystal River Preserve State Park.
Map
Crystal River, FL

What's nearby

  • Plantation Inn and Golf Resort - 20 min drive - 14.1 km
  • Crystal River Preserve State Park - 21 min drive - 15.5 km
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 22 min drive - 15.1 km
  • Three Sisters Springs - 22 min drive - 18.8 km
  • Fort Island Gulf Beach - 37 min drive - 28.3 km

Getting around

  • Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Crumps Landing - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪The Freezer Tiki Bar - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Twistee Treat Homosassa - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront Fun, direct access to Gulf! Scalloping! Kayaking pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Waterfront Fun, direct access to Gulf! Scalloping! Kayaking?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront Fun, direct access to Gulf! Scalloping! Kayaking?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront Fun, direct access to Gulf! Scalloping! Kayaking located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Paradise Island and Pipe Island. Saint Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve is 2.2 mi (3.6 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Missy H.

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

Scallop Trip 2024

We had a wonderful time and Ozello with our family! This is our third year in a row renting from Melissa Johnson. She is a wonderful hostess, very accommodating, and responds with any needs right away. The house was perfect for us. Perfect location, we were able to keep our boat parked right at the dock in front of our house.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cryssy G.

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

Favorite

We had an amazing week and so did our pups! The property was everything we were looking for and MORE!!!
Stayed 10 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Seth K.

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

Amazing location!

Melissa’s rental was a great fit for my two friends and me during our 5 day stay in Ozello. The dock at the house accommodated our flats boat with easy access to all the local water. The convenience factor was huge. The house was very clean and newly remodeled. Everything was in excellent working order. Although some smaller amenities (laundry det, extra towels) were in short supply, the rental was stocked enough to make the week smooth and stress free. We enjoyed a couple meals at The Outpost. And the neighbors and locals were all very friendly and accommodating. We would def book again with Melissa and her rental. She answered all questions quickly and throughly.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lora K.

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

A little slice of heaven

We had the pleasure of staying at this wonderful house for 4 weeks and it was one of the best places we have rented. The house had everything we needed and is located in a very friendly neighborhood. The views from the front porch allowed us to watch birds, fish and a few otters. There are a couple of great restaurants that are located within walking distance. We were supplied with two kayaks and enjoyed paddling around the channels and lake. The caretakers of the property were wonderful checking in on us making sure we had everything we needed. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

On the Water

Relaxing fishing and scalloping trip. Evening kayaking was wonderful. Easy walk to local restaurant. House was clean and equipped. It was a just enough space for 4 adults, a toddler, and fur-child. Short drive to watch the sunset every night. Management is very helpful.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Jodi S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Need more

The house was very clean! But it was not stocked with much! We did not have enough essentials to get us through the week! By the time we left, the trash was overflowing, no more bags! There was nothing for our scallops! And the beds were not comfortable to sleep in! When it was raining outside, we had no games, paper and pen or anything inside to do! My kids were bored!!!! Expected more! We love the area, been here before! Probably would not stay in this house again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tommy F.

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

Great location, great stay

Really enjoyed the location for easy in and out and being close to the restaurant and marina. Highly recommend!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert V.

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

Love the place

We love the place. It was clean and we feel very at home. We definitely coming back!😊
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great weekend getaway

Great place especially for scalloping. Good location and very nice stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Nancy T.

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

Nature’s shore

We had a slight issue getting in with the code the first evening, but Melissa had that fixed quickly. It was a great, quiet place to stay between our excursions. There is so much to do in this area. The home is exactly as it states. Make sure to take bug lotion/spray. Florida does bugs good.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kylie B.

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

Nice stay!

Clean, great quaint location, fantastic scenery! We'll be back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Wayne T.

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

Great vacation getaway home

Highly recommend
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Chanda W.

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

Enjoyed the place

Great location, within walking distance to marina and restaurant and place was clean!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy Y.

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

Peaceful getaway for the winter

My husband and I (and our dog Benji) stayed here for two months over the winter. The house had everything we needed to live there comfortably. Melissa, our host, was very accommodating. She responded to my messages immediately and provided us with anything we asked for. The house itself was clean and updated. Comfortable beds, working appliances, washer & dryer. Good, reliable internet. Everything we needed! The location was so peaceful and beautiful. We walked Benji around the little neighborhood a couple of times a day. All the neighbors were very friendly, and we often stopped to chat. Everyone was willing to offer advice on the best places to kayak, good restaurants and sites to check out. There was lots of wildlife in the area too. We saw eagles almost daily flying over the house. Every evening great egrets would come and roost in the trees along the canal, it was so peaceful and beautiful. If we woke up early enough, they would still be there in the morning. One evening we saw an otter with her babies swimming right off the dock. We even spotted a few wild pigs while driving on Ozello Trail. The kayaks were great for paddling around the canals and river right from the dock. We also took them to the boat launch at the end of the island to paddle around. Captain Stephani with Ozello Keys Pontoon Tours was great for trips to view and swim with the manatees. And the local restaurants were great, two are within walking distance of the house. on Thursday evenings we could sit on the deck and hear live music from Backwater Fins.
Stayed 59 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy L.

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

we enjoyed this area. Secluded and quiet but close to city and shopping.

We had no issues. Everything was there we needed and the owner responded to questions very rapidly
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eric R.

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

Excellent

Loved the little hamlet of "Oz" and this property is just perfect for it. Great communication with the owner/manager.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cassidy B.

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

Hidden gem

My friends and I checked out ozello keys on a whim and ended up finding a quiet Alice of paradise. We chose not to go to crystal river to scallop due to the over population of the area, boat traffic etc. Melissa was very helpful from the start and point us into the direction of locals to help us get to where we wanted to be. There is a restaurant on the island which had the friendliest staff. The neighbors are all very nice and friendly and happy to see people enjoying themselves. The house was cozy and had everything we needed, if it didn’t the front marina/ store had some grocery items (definitely hit a grocery store on the way in if you plan to cook). We will be back with family and friends and see this as our new vacation spot. We can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paul L.

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

Great spot for fishing trip

Spent a long weekend using this perfectly situated house to fish Ozello. Place was very clean and comfortable. Great sitting on the dock and watching birds nest in the trees at night while the sun set. Great fresh crabs nearby at Peck's. Will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Denise C.

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

Quiet Retreat

Looking for a nice quiet place in the great outdoors?? This is it. Beautiful new renovation house in Ozello with the Gulf and springs just minute’s from your doorstep. Our host Melissa was very accommodating with our questions and requests in regards to the property. It was a perfect getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Opal W.

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

Crystal River

Property was super cute, clean, and located perfectly on the canal. Host was excellent to work with. Only issue was, the hot water wasn't labeled correctly so we had cold showers. Host was made aware of the issue and indicated to she would put signs up. I would definitely recommend this property!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adam P.

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

Relaxing Getaway

Our family enjoyed our weekend kayaking, catching crabs, and fishing off the back deck. Great Ozello location just a short work to Backwater Fins and bait shop. Melissa was attentive to us and made sure we had everything we needed. House was clean and AC was ice cold on a hot day.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

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

Good location

Very nice home with a great location to walk to restaurants and easy access to water.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barton T.

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

Great stay for scalloping

This place was a great. We were in town to go scalloping and we were able to walk to the dock for our trip from the house! Place was clean and we loved sitting on the back deck. Lots of little things that were great bonuses (kayaks we could use, Disney+, to watch a movie during the afternoon thunderstorm, etc.). Also the host were great at communicating and made it super easy for us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jake J.

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

Great location

House was perfect for our scalloping trip. Easy access to the river and we were scalloping within 20 minutes from the dock. The kids loved the short walk to the ice cream stand at the end of the street.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Naomi P., St. Petersburg, FL

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

Perfect Little Getaway

My family and I (4 of us) stayed here for a vacation that consisted of a scalloping trip, floating down the rainbow river and also kayaking through Kings Bay Springs and Three Sisiters Springs. The house was perfect. It had everything that we needed. We were able to cook our meals in the fully stocked kitchen. The wrap around deck and fishing dock were great to sit outside and relax after a day of exploring the area. The kayaks provided were a great addition and they were put to good use. We explored the waterways around the house and also the springs. We will definitely recommend this house to all of our friends. Naomi
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Melissa Johnson

Host profile image

Languages:

English
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