Entire home

Fun for all Hu-manatee!

Photo gallery for Fun for all Hu-manatee!

dock
a lovely sunset!
A momma & a little baby manatee visiting our dock!
A third manatee visiting with the momma & baby!
Front of house

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10195.1 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Crystal River, FL
  • Crystal River Watersports Marina
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Crystal River Archaeological State Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Three Sisters Springs
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Ocala, FL (OCF-Ocala Intl.)
    ‪53 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Back Bedroom

1 King Bed

Front Bedroom

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Master

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Master Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

Fun for all Hu-manatee!

Our home has 3 bedrooms (two with King sized beds, the other with a full and set of bunk beds), 2 bathrooms, a Family Room (with sleeper sofa), a Living room, a formal dining room, a laundry room, two stall garage, TWO driveways, a lanai, a 12 x 16 pool (POOL IS NOT HEATED), and an 8x20 dock on the canal in the rear. All linens & towels are included. A full kitchen with pots, pans, plates, utensils, crock pot, etc. is available for use as well. Pool toys and towels are provided. A port-a-crib, portable highchair, and toys for the young ones can be found in our home. Games, books, and DVDs are available for use. We try to provide everything you need to get comfortable and started with your stay. Of course, you’ll probably need to hit the store for more supplies for meals and to support larger groups or longer stays.

The house is within walking or paddling distance to the Crystal River Archaeological State Park and the Crystal River Preserve State Park.

We are continually trying to make our home more convenient, comfortable and enjoyable for our guests by upgrading and improving things!
Some recent upgrades to our home:
• In May of 2024 we have installed:
o A new roof for your safety and protection in May of 2024
o New mulch and landscaping
o A tandem kayak
o New towels, linens, and kitchen cooking support items
• Master Bedroom Shower renovated in 2022
• Recent installation of a rear driveway/parking pad for boat trailers and additional vehicles
• Recently renovated flooring in living room, dining room, and all three bedrooms
• Pool refinished in 2021

One of our most frequent questions is “Is your pool heated?”. Unfortunately, our pool is NOT heated, and this might make the water a bit uncomfortable for our guests staying in October through March.

We do allow pets but ask that you communicate beforehand for approval, don’t allow them on the furniture or in the pool, and please, no more than two pets per stay.

From our dock in the back yard, it is just a short boat ride (have to pass under one bridge with a 14 ft clearance) to the Kings Bay, the Salt River, Gulf (approx. 45 mins travel time), and the scallop beds where you can go fishing, swimming with the manatees, and scallop hunting. The closest boat ramp is ~3/4 mile down the road ($15/launch fee) behind the Days Inn. The length of your trip by boat is short in mileage but extended in time because of the many ‘No wake zones’ in place to protect Florida wildlife but the trip to the main river is very scenic and reminiscent of a ‘jungle cruise’.

We offer tandem and single kayaks and a stand-up paddle board (SUP) for use. We have multiple life jackets in a variety of sizes for your safety and compliance. Please note that if you use the kayaks & SUP from the dock that it is a FULL day’s journey to the Springs/Bay area where most of the manatees are seen. If it is your desire to kayak or SUP near the Three Sister’s or King’s Bay, we would suggest loading the kayaks or SUP into your truck and going to Hunter Spring’s Park. Please note that there is a small parking fee and launch fee. Otherwise, there is plenty of beautiful scenery and enjoyment to be had just kayaking around the canals and state park lands which are an easy paddle from the house.

For your awareness and consideration, we have security cameras around the exterior of the house (one facing the dock, one looking down the canal, one facing each driveway, one facing the side road, and one in the garage) to help us to monitor our property when it is not rented.

Please note that this is Florida, and you are in a waterfront and relatively rural setting. There are times of the year and periods during each day where no-see-ums and other insects may seem intolerable. Please be assured that we have put the best screens possible in our outdoor areas but some of these insects are able to penetrate those areas with relative ease. Please protect yourself appropriately!

We are very responsive to our guests’ comments and needs and try to answer or resolve any encountered issues or questions as quickly as possible. We have a guest information book available as well as a table full of pamphlets and other materials that will help you make the most of your stay in this beautiful area.

Property manager

Jerry & Lora Sims
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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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

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Up to 2 pre-approved pets for a $50 pet fee/stay.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No pets allowed on furniture or in the pool. You must provide a crate if leaving your pet while away from the home and clean up after your pet.
Please refrain from driving or parking anything on our lawn due to the sprinkler system.
ABSOLUTELY no glass around the sea wall or pool! Do not take anything from the house (kitchen towels, silverware, etc.) for use on a boat.

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system and a deadlock

About the area

Crystal River

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

What's nearby

  • Crystal River Watersports Marina - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Hunter Spring Park - 6 min drive - 5.2 km
  • Crystal River Archaeological State Park - 6 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 9 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Three Sisters Springs - 9 min drive - 7.0 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 84 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cody's Original Roadhouse - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Sara's Diner - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Cracker's Bar & Grill - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Fun for all Hu-manatee! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Fun for all Hu-manatee! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Fun for all Hu-manatee!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fun for all Hu-manatee!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Fun for all Hu-manatee! located?

This family-friendly Crystal River holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Crystal River Preserve State Park, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins and Crystal River Watersports Marina. Crystal River Archaeological State Park is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) away.

Reviews

10

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. 96 out of 100 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 100 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 100 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 100 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 100 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Keith A.

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

Wonderful place

Very very clean! Great location!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy K.

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

Amazing

We had the best time here! The house had everything needed. We brought our boat so the dock was a plus! The owners answered me right away with any question I had. I highly recommend staying here. Would absolutely come back! By far my favorite Crystal River trip yet!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard T.

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

Nice Place

This place had absolutely everything we were looking for. Quiet corner lot. Great communication. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cindy W.

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

Mini spring break

I came to Crystal River with my 2 daughters and my grandchildren for the tail end of their spring breaks. Being right on the water was perfect, even with chilly weather. The kayaks and paddle board were much appreciated and well used, and we were able walk to the nearby state park. We also discovered a new crowd pleaser game (LOTS of games available)- Apples to Apples! Great memories made!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jesse F.

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

Great place

We usually stay over by Fort Island Trail but this was a nice spot and a great property. We will be booking again at this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather S.

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

What a great stay

This property was wonderful perfect for our family Easter fun.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cherie G.

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

Very large and comfortable. Canal area was a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

Best stocked property we’ve ever stayed in.
Stayed 20 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

laurin n.

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

Family time

This was a perfect place for our big family, there was plenty of room for everyone. We brought 2 boats and the dock accommodated them great and we also had our 2 dogs, having the state park right there was a nice area to walk them.😊
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chad G.

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

Great Family Stay

We had a wonderful family trip. The owners were very responsive and helpful. Plenty of parking for the boat and trailer with a nice floating dock. Loved having the pool to come back to cool off after being out on the water. I would highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle Roberts B.

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

Short stop to see manatees

Relaxing and enjoyed our stay. Thought of everything that would make someone’s stay comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracey M.

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

Loved our stay

This was a great vacation house in a superb location - right on the water. We were in close proximity to everything and had a lot of amenities in the house. The property owners created a warm and inviting location.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Harold T.

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

Spring Break 2024

The house was great and everything we were hoping for. It was clean and the house was well stocked for a VRBO. We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bryant S.

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

Another great trip

We had another great trip at this house. It’s a great location and has plenty of parking for trailers. If there are a lot of boats in the canal, it is usually easier to just back the boat into the dock. The pool is great and stays cool, which is much needed after a long day of scalloping and fishing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen K.

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

Clean and quiet

Everything we needed
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brenda H., Roswell, GA

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

Great location, comfort, and layout!

Had an excellent time in Crystal River, and this home was part of the enjoyment! Split bedroom plan works well for family or friends traveling together. Home is very clean and comfortable with fully stocked kitchen. We look forward to returning in the near future!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronald W.

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

great time

Loved my stay, beautiful home and perfect location. If I return to Crystal River I'll try to get the same place again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cora M.

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

Perfect little getaway!

The pictures don't do this property justice! Great house, comfy beds, pool toys and plenty of life jackets for all sizes for using the kayaks and paddle board. Loved the proximity to the archeological state park and preserve state park. Great for an evening stroll with the pups or a good run on the 7 mile loop!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

James G., Midway Georgia USA

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

Perfect week

This is our second time at this property and will definitely use it again
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amie C.

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

Second stay

We stayed here during scalloping season and decided to spend thanksgiving here. House is very well kept and equipped with everything you need to enjoy a family get away. We will be back again and highly recommend this home.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

James G.

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

Love this home

This is the 3rd time we have rented this home and it won’t be the last. Great home in a very nice and quiet neighborhood, easy trip out to the main river and then to the scalloping grounds or the fishing areas. The owners are great when it comes to communication and helping in any way that they can. Highly recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tommy C., Gulfport Florida

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

Great house!

The house was perfect for our stay. Pool was great, house was clean & had everything you need on hand plus more! Definatly would recommend this house to stay. Big rooms & pleanty of space.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Neil B., Bartow

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

Guys trip

Fantastic as usual
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christy B.

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

Perfect Place

This is our 4th year staying here and we love it! It’s in a perfect location and the dock can accommodate our 21’ boat and our sons 17’ boat. Plenty of room for the trailers. The house is always clean and they added a cute manatee mural in the dining room. With 6 of us there is plenty of room where you’re not bumping into each other. The pool is an added bonus! I love that I can bring my fur baby. We had a little emergency with her, so if you ever awesome!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly W.

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

Wonderful!

Wonderful home has everything you need for a great vacation. House is well stocked with necessities. Plenty of parking. We enjoyed the pool after a long day of scalloping!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bryant S.

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

Amazing time again

This house is perfect for kids and has plenty of room for trailer parking and friends vehicles, which can be hard to come by in this neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Jerry & Lora Sims

Host profile image
We are busy living out of state, finishing our careers, and working towards retirement. Several years ago we vacationed in this area and discovered the beauty of the Crystal River area and stumbled into our dream retirement home ideally located in the middle of these State Parks and natural Florida scenery! Since our jobs won't let us live there currently, we decided to share this beauty in the interim with people who appreciate this type of lifestyle as well.

Why they chose this property

Convenient to town, convenient to the state parks, convenient to nature and the water.....what is not to enjoy? Well, maybe the no-see-ums but that's about it!

What makes this property unique

We don't strive to be unique but our house does have some features like an additional driveway, pool, and spaciousness that we find appealing. We get along well with our neighbors, to include the others in the area who rent their homes on here and we're not really in competition! We want everyone to do well and think everyone's house there has it's own appeal.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests