Entire home

Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included

Photo gallery for Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included

Fish Bowl House with carport
Front view
Dining
Dining area of Fish Bowl House
Living area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 483.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Homosassa, FL
  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • 7 Sisters Springs
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Three Sisters Springs
    ‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed, 1 Double Futon and 1 Single Bunk Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included

One of a kind rental, because it is on a canal off the headsprings of the Homosassa River. Swim with the manatees very near the house in the winter months. They gather in the clear waters just 300 yards away, a short kayak paddle, and kayaks included. The water is always 72 degrees so don't let the cold air scare you off, it is quite pleasant. You are also allowed a 10% discount at Bird's Underwater Dive Center who manages the house. You can take a tour with them on the Crystal River with your discount or they will loan you masks and snorkels if you would rather go it alone from the house. This clean, popular house has been a rental unit for 11 years and many people return very good reviews. The Homosassa Springs State Park is across the street and over a short footbridge. There are two docks, you can fish, or sit and enjoy a fire on the LP gas burning fire pit. This is the Only vacation rental unit in Homosassa within 300 yards of the clear freshwater springs. Two-night minimum stay. Screened-in back porch overlooking the canal. Spacious backyard with banana, grapefruit, and fig trees. Canal has direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Lots of unique waterfront restaurants that specialize in fresh seafood in this little old Florida town.

Paddle to the clear freshwaters of Homosassa River outside of the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, see their website. Manatees gather 300 yards from the house to winter in 72-degree water. You may swim with manatees. House owned by Bird's Underwater Dive Center, see the website, who will rent you necessary snorkel gear and explain rules of engagement with manatees.

Great swimming in summer. Great fishing. Walk to state park two blocks away to view manatees and other indigenous animals.

Keywords: Waterfront House

Property manager

Karl Oestreich

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Water view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 12:00 PM
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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
Please see the attached PDF for house rules, sign and return to ----@--------.---

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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Homosassa

Located in Homosassa, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park and Crystal River Archaeological State Park are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Three Sisters Springs and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Homosassa, FL

What's nearby

  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Homosassa Butterfly - 7 min drive - 7.7 km
  • 7 Sisters Springs - 13 min drive - 14.4 km
  • Three Sisters Springs - 14 min drive - 13.2 km

Getting around

  • Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) - 69 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sugarmill Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Crumps Landing - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Freezer Tiki Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Twistee Treat Homosassa - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Snorkel with the Manatees in Your Back Yard - Kayaks Included located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum and Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park. Citrus County Dog Park is 2 mi (3.2 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. 136 out of 153 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 153 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 153 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 153 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 153 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Tracy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just as advertised
Nice quaint home on the channel. Kayaks were a great addition and the river was awesome ! Manatee State park literally just down the road.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Lanae M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Convenient location
Nice place and conveniently located. We enjoyed the kayaks provided. Only suggestion would be that a few window blinds needed replacement.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rich K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great, relaxing week
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just what we needed
We loved staying in this home on the canal. It was clean and well appointed. The access to the canal couldn’t be sweeter! We look forward to going back.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ariana B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great time with manatees!
This place rocked! It was clean, comfy, and the backyard space is great for relaxing by the water.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay!
We really enjoyed our stay! The location was great for visiting places in Weeki Wachee, Crystal River, and Homosassa. Very close to a Publix and almost next to the state park. A highlight was definitely using the kayaks and seeing the manatees! We did have an issue with the AC not working. However, the owner was extremely responsive and got us set up with a portable AC unit asap and credited us for the trouble.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Becky R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location
Super fun stay! Having the kayaks available was key. We brought our snorkles and wetsuits and used the kayaks to paddle down to the park and happily observed the manatees. Small cottage but had evertrhing we needes.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
4th visit
This was our 4th visit to this property and we hope to stay again next year. We love the location and the owner is kind and responsive. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fishbowl
We are always impressed with our stay at FISHBOWL. The cottage is small, but large enough to accommodate our needs. It's easy to find, we like being able to put in the kayaks in the back yard and paddle to the manatees.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynn D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location!
Fishbowl House is in a great location right on the canal! Kayaks, paddles and life jackets provided. We were there at the right season to see Manatees. Towed the kayak to the springs two mornings and were surrounded by manatees the first day and a few graced our space this morning. Well appointed house very comfortable and the outdoor space added to the overall ambiance. Could have stayed longer! Enjoy this place if you can!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Manatee dreams come trye
The house was very comfortable for the two of us. Host very communicative regarding nearby attractions, restaurants, anything. We did the manatee snorkel adventure with Birds as recommended by owner and we were not disappointed.New comfortable mattress. It was a bit chilly so did not spend as much time outside, but house was right on a canal and saw herons and pelicans and other birds.Would stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable Stay with the Manatees!
We were the first booking in after the repairs to the property that fixed the damage sustained by recent hurricanes. The house was fully repaired and in great shape - much of the furniture and appliances are new. Karl and Bill were fantastic hosts - quick to respond to any inquiries and very helpful. They went above and beyond to make our stay fantastic!The manatees were gathering for the winter cold weather in the warm springs, an easy 5 minute paddle from the house. It was awesome to be able to observe the manatees whenever we wanted. We saw dozens of manatees daily, including mamas with young calves - they are so curious and cute!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Manatees
Unfortunately the house was not available during our stay due to hurricane damage. However the property owners were great. They promptly refunded our money and put us up in another location. We did get to tour this property and it looks like it will be a perfect place to stay in the future. The owners also let us use their kayaks. We were able to reach the springs in a couple of minutes and had a great experience kayaking the a ton of manatees. Can’t wait to stay at this property in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
Nice view off the back. Kayaks worked out perfectly to go to friends house down the canal. My only word of advice, if you’re a light sleeper bring ear plus as people were flying down the road and it was loud.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dennis M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fishing
House was great. Fishing will captain Parker Springstead was awesome.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Oréo C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great
Perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The kayaks, the manatees the area was so wonder!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Desiree F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Manatees were out our back door!
This vacation home is perfect. We had a great time using the kayaks. Manatees were literally right off the dock! We paddled out to the springs and to monkey island. I definitely recommend both. The house itself its very clean and has everything you can think of. We would rent this unit again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amelia R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Manatees galore!
We had the best time here kayaking down the springs, going to the state park and watching the manatees, and seeing all the animals they have to offer! The house is literally at the wildlife state park. The waterway we took out of from the house is the same one you see from the overlooks at the park. It was the best quick getaway we’ve had in a long time and we’ll definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edward S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy house
Definitely a beautiful location. Right on the water. Manatees in the back yard. Easy drive to many local restaurants and attractions
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Visiting the Manatee
My daughter and I had a fabulous stay. The property was very well located for kayaking and touring.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deb L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Feels like home
This is an older home but very clean...everything works great....Cook a meal or grill out...Wash your clothes....but most of all.......enjoy the manatees right in front of your eyes....We did not canoe but they are there for you to use..a great rental.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

John T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place
Clean, Neat and Manatees!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jay B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
The house is great, has all the amenities, very clean. The owner is responsive and very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marion W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay
Great Location, enjoyed it very much. Will come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Karl Oestreich

Host profile image
Bill and Diane Oestreich own Bird's Underwater Dive Center in Crystal River. Originally from Elkhart and LaPorte Indiana, met in high school. After 11 years on the road as musicians, we settled into the Crystal River, had one son, adopted 4 more boys over the years, who are now moving on. Still active in scuba diving, Bill "Bird" teaches cave, re-breather, and other technical diving. We also have two other rental houses listed on VRBO as 12055 and 1019739

Why they chose this property

When you rent one of our houses you also get 10% off a Manatee Tour with Bird's Underwater and 10% off a Scalloping Tour (July - Sept) as well as use of the kayaks at Bird's Underwater which is located on King's Bay.
For groups larger than 5 persons see our VRBO listing #12055 located on the Hall's River in Homosassa, FL.
Our newest addition is a small blockhouse on 5 acres of land in Branford Florida, not far from Gainesville, Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, and Ichnetucknee Springs parks. Great places to dive, snorkel, fish, kayak and other water-related sports. Listing number 1019739

What makes this property unique

Short walk to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park.
Kayaks included.
Waterfront has access to the Gulf of Mexico, very popular during scallop season July 1 - Sept. 24th. Disadvantage: If you have a fly bridge or hardtop on your boat you cannot get under the Fishbowl Drive bridge.
See manatees near the house in the wild in the cold winter months.
Fishing
bike rentals in Crystal River
Great waterfront restaurants in Homosassa, easy to Google.

Languages:

English