Why book direct instead of through Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com?

Same house, same calendar, same hosts. Direct skips the guest-side fee every platform tacks on. Airbnb charges guests ~14% in service fees. Vrbo charges 6 to 12%. Booking.com varies by listing, typically 0 to 15%. On a typical $2,500 week with us, direct saves you roughly $200 to $400. The booking engine on this site is wired straight to Hostaway, the same backend that powers our Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com listings. We're routing it through our own domain so we don't have to pay the platform tax.

Is the calendar real-time?

Yes. Availability and pricing on this site pull live from Hostaway. If a date shows available here, it's actually available everywhere.

How many people does it sleep?

Eleven, across five real bedrooms. King primary suite on the main floor. Two queen bedrooms with private baths on the third floor. A queen-twin bunk room on the third floor. A fifth bedroom on the ground floor with its own full bath. Six beds total.

What do guests have access to?

The full home, driveway parking, outdoor living areas, balconies, heated dip pool, dock, game room, bar kitchen, tiki bar, fire pit, putting green, dog turf area, and waterfront spaces. You also have full use of the washer and dryer, both kitchens, the elevator, and the entertainment level (ping pong, arcade games, darts, board games, the four-TV wall). Three small areas are locked for owner storage: one closet in the master bedroom and two downstairs storage closets. Everything else is yours.

How do check-in and check-out work?

Self check-in via a Yale smart lock. You'll get a door code 24 hours before arrival that works for your entire stay. Check-in 3 PM, check-out 10 AM. We almost always say yes to a late check-out if the calendar allows. Just ask.

Are you available during our stay?

We want guests to have a smooth, private, relaxing stay. You won't see us, but we are available by message before and during your stay. If something comes up at the house, message us right away and we'll handle it quickly.

Yes. Maximum two small dogs, 25 lbs each. $150 pet fee per stay. No cats or other animals without prior written approval. We have a dog-friendly artificial turf area with bags, an outdoor trash can, and a hose for cleanup. Please supervise pets, keep them off furniture and beds, and clean up after them. Guests are responsible for pet-related damage or extra cleaning.

When can I see manatees?

Manatee season runs roughly November 15 through March 31, peak January and February. They gather in Crystal River specifically because the springs hold 72° while the Gulf drops into the 50s. From May through October you'll occasionally see a year-round resident, but for the postcard experience, book in winter.

Are kayaks, paddleboards, or a boat included?

No. We do not keep kayaks, paddleboards, or a boat at the house. You're welcome to bring your own and use our boat lift and jet ski lift. To rent: Hunter Springs Kayak Rentals, River Ventures, and Crystal River Watersports rent kayaks and paddleboards. Plantation Marina, Crystal River Watersports, and Pete's Pier rent pontoons, center consoles, and jet skis. All five to fifteen minutes from the house.

Can I launch a kayak from your dock?

We don't recommend it. The canal bottom near the dock is rocky and oyster-edged. Use Hunter Springs Park's free public launch or any of the rental shops downtown. Better water entry, no risk to feet or boards.

Can I use the boat lift and jet ski lift?

Yes, with care. The lifts must be operated correctly to avoid misalignment or damage. We'll provide written instructions before arrival, and we ask that guests follow them exactly. Press both buttons simultaneously when raising or lowering. The canal is tidal and gets shallow around low tide, especially in winter. We recommend boats 27 feet or smaller for the canal; guests are responsible for checking tide charts, confirming their boat's draft, and planning both departure and return windows.

How does the elevator work?

Three stories, fully operational, available for guests who need help with stairs or for moving luggage and groceries between floors. Three rules: maximum two people at a time, every elevator door on every floor must be fully closed before it will move, and children may not use the elevator without adult supervision. If the elevator won't move, walk each floor and confirm every door is shut.

Yes, but the heater takes time to warm up. If you want the pool heated for arrival, message us a day or two ahead so we can run it in time.

Anything I should know before arriving?

A few practical notes. (1) On the ground floor, only the middle sliding doors open; the side sliders are decorative. (2) The ground-floor mini-split remote must be pointed directly at the unit to change settings, it looks like a thermostat but it's a remote. (3) As with any Florida waterfront home, mosquitoes and no-see-ums are around at dawn, dusk, and after rain. We provide bug spray; bring your preferred repellent if you have one. (4) Please do not flush wipes, feminine products, paper towels, or anything other than toilet paper.

Are there security cameras?

Exterior cameras only, located outside the property for guest safety and property protection. There are no cameras inside the home or in any private guest areas.

What's the cancellation policy?

Flexible. Full refund up to 14 days before check-in, partial refund within 14 days. Specifics confirmed at booking.

Minimum stay varies by date and season. The booking calendar pulls the live Hostaway minimum-stay rule for the arrival date you choose, including PriceLabs seasonality and orphan-night settings, before it shows a quote.

Driveway parking is included. The converted ground-floor game room is open for guest use but is not available for vehicle parking. If you have extra vehicles, ask us before arrival and we'll point you to overflow.

The area

The Crystal River guide we send our friends.

Crystal River is the only place in the U.S. where you can legally swim with wild manatees. It's also home to the clearest spring water in Florida, the best scalloping on the Gulf Coast, and a downtown you can walk in 15 minutes. Here's what we'd actually do with three days.

Nov to Mar

Swim with manatees at Three Sisters Springs

Crystal River is the only place in the U.S. where you can legally swim with West Indian manatees. November through March, hundreds gather in the 72° springs at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, five minutes from the house.

Host tip · Book a 6:30 AM tour with River Ventures or Bird's Underwater (in business 30+ years, public tours from ~$60). Earlier means calmer water, fewer boats, and the best light. Both shops also rent kayaks and paddleboards if you want to go on your own.

Full guide to swim with manatees at three sisters springs →

Year-round

Kayak or paddleboard the springs

We do not keep kayaks at the house and we do not recommend launching from our dock, the canal is rocky and oyster-edged. Better plan: rent from a real launch point a few minutes away.

Host tip · Hunter Springs Kayaks (3-, 5-, and 8-hour rentals at 36 NE 4th St, next to Hunter Springs Park), Crystal River Watersports (large fleet, downtown launch), and River Ventures (full-service, includes manatee tours). Clear-bottom kayaks are available and worth it. Reserve online during manatee season.

Full guide to kayak or paddleboard the springs →

Year-round

Rent a boat for the day

Bring your own 27 ft-and-smaller boat and use our boat lift, or rent one for the day. Crystal River has flats, channels, and the open Gulf within thirty minutes. Excellent for fishing, scalloping, sandbar days, and sunset cruises.

Host tip · Plantation Marina (Crystal River's main marina, pontoons + center consoles + jet skis), Crystal River Watersports (downtown), and Pete's Pier (closer to the springs) all run daily rentals. Book a week ahead in summer.

Full guide to rent a boat for the day →

Jul to Sep

Scalloping in the Gulf

Mid-July through September the shallow grass flats off Crystal River fill with bay scallops you can hand-pick while snorkeling. Bring home dinner.

Host tip · Most local captains run half-day scalloping charters for $400 to $600 with gear included. Aripeka Charters and Salty Aces both come recommended. Hunter Springs Kayaks also runs seasonal scallop tours starting in July. The flats off Crystal River are productive every year.

Full guide to scalloping in the gulf →

Year-round

Dinner downtown

For waterfront seafood, start with Crump's Landing, Waterfront Social, Riverfront Social, Crackers, Bayside Seafood, and The Crab Plant. For bars and bar food, St. John's Tavern is the nightlife move with connecting bars in the plaza, and Tipsy Tarpon is a tiki bar on the water. For sports bars, Lollygaggers and Norton's are the easy picks.

Host tip · Friday nights downtown turn into a small block party. Live music, food trucks, locals. Worth driving in even if you were planning to stay home.

Full guide to dinner downtown →

Year-round

Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park

Old-school Florida wildlife park 20 minutes south. Manatees year-round, gators, bobcats, and a 1960s underwater observatory you walk down into.

Host tip · The underwater fish bowl at the headspring is the best $5 photo opportunity in Florida.

Full guide to homosassa springs wildlife park →

Distances

What is close to the house

Drive times for the most-asked Crystal River spots.

Springs, manatees, and the water

Why most guests come here. All of it is on the same west side of Crystal River as the house.

Hunter Springs Park (swim beach + manatee launch)
5 min · 1.8 mi
Free public park, sandy beach, kayak rentals next door.
Three Sisters Springs boardwalk + visitor center
7 min · 2.6 mi
Shuttle from the visitor center; manatee-season hours fill fast.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge HQ
8 min · 3.0 mi
Plantation Marina (boat + pontoon rentals)
5 min · 1.9 mi
Half-day and full-day rentals, gas, scallop charters in season.
Pete's Pier (manatee tour launches)
6 min · 2.2 mi
Fort Island Gulf Beach (sunset, only beach in Citrus County)
20 min · 10.6 mi
Straight west on Fort Island Trail. Calm, kid-friendly, dog-allowed off-leash zones.

Downtown, food, and groceries

Walkable in pieces but mostly a quick drive. Everything is on the same US-19 / Citrus Ave corridor.

Downtown Crystal River (Citrus Ave shops + restaurants)
6 min · 2.3 mi
Cafe on the Avenue (breakfast + brunch downtown)
6 min · 2.4 mi
Crackers Bar & Grill (waterfront seafood)
7 min · 2.8 mi
Vintage on 5th (dinner, walkable from downtown)
6 min · 2.3 mi
Publix Super Market (480 N Suncoast Blvd)
6 min · 2.7 mi
Largest grocery in town. Open until 10 PM.
Winn-Dixie (closest grocery alternative)
7 min · 3.1 mi
Walmart Supercenter (US-19 N)
9 min · 4.0 mi
Open 24 hr, full grocery + everything-else aisle.
Crystal River Mall + Target
8 min · 3.8 mi
Crystal River Brewing Co.
6 min · 2.5 mi

State parks and day trips

Within an hour of the house, all worth a half-day.

Crystal River Preserve State Park (trails, paddling)
10 min · 4.2 mi
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (manatees, gators, panthers)
20 min · 12.0 mi
Underwater manatee viewing tank. Great rainy-day backup.
Rainbow Springs State Park (Dunnellon, glass-clear swim)
30 min · 22 mi
Withlacoochee State Trail (46-mile rail-trail spur)
10 min · 4.5 mi
Inverness historic downtown + Fort Cooper SP
22 min · 13 mi
Weeki Wachee Springs (mermaid show, river paddle)
45 min · 33 mi

Practical (medical, fuel, services)

Things you only look up when you need them.

HCA Florida Citrus Hospital (ER, 24/7)
9 min · 3.7 mi
Walgreens 24-hour pharmacy
6 min · 2.6 mi
Closest gas station (Wawa, US-19)
5 min · 2.0 mi
UPS Store (ship-from for guests)
8 min · 3.5 mi
Crystal River Veterinary Hospital
8 min · 3.4 mi
Dog-friendly stay, the closest vet if you need one.

Airports and gateway cities

Drive times outside Crystal River. A rental car is the right plan.

Tampa International (TPA)
1h 30m · 85 mi
Best flight selection. All major rentals on-site.
Orlando International (MCO)
2h 00m · 110 mi
Gainesville Regional (GNV)
1h 15m · 55 mi
Small airport, limited flights, closest.
Tampa (downtown)
1h 30m · 80 mi
Orlando (downtown, theme parks)
2h 15m · 115 mi
St. Petersburg / Clearwater beaches
1h 45m · 95 mi
Jacksonville
2h 50m · 165 mi
Miami
4h 30m · 290 mi
Atlanta, GA
7h 00m · 430 mi

Ready to plan the trip?

Real-time availability and ~15% off Airbnb pricing.

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