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The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay

Waterfront vacation home with kitchen and balcony

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Photo gallery for The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay

Smart TV, video games, DVD player, books
Smart TV, video games, DVD player, books
Smart TV, video games, DVD player, books
Property grounds
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathrooms2400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Crystal River, FL
  • Place, Crystal River Preserve State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Plantation Inn and Golf Resort
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Three Sisters Springs
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Crystal River

Located within a mile (2 km) of Plantation Inn and Golf Resort, this vacation home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Crystal River Preserve State Park. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a refrigerator.
View more Vacation Homes in Crystal RiverOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Crystal River Preserve State Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Plantation Inn and Golf Resort - 2 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 4 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Three Sisters Springs - 4 min drive - 2.4 miles
  • Fort Island Gulf Beach - 15 min drive - 9.7 miles

Getting around

  • Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) - 91 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪RaceTrac - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Cody's Original Roadhouse - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Cajun Jimmy's Seafood Seller & Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Tipsy Tarpon - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay

Welcome to the Otter House! Our house is suitable for large families and sleeps 8 people in 6 beds! If that isn't your style the house is still great for couples and smaller groups that like the quiet atmosphere and sounds of nature! We have very few neighbors and are surrounded by undeveloped preserves on two sides. This four bedroom house comes with all house basics to keep you comfortable during your stay plus a few extras we enjoy and hope you do too. We have included a washer, dryer, cable TV, wireless internet and even a grill for your convenience. There are kayaks in the garage for your enjoyment, enough for the whole family (up to 8) to enjoy!

There is a boat house available as well that is suitable for small skiffs and pontoon boats to dock. The tide goes in and out regularly so we recommend shallow hulled boats less than 21 ft. If that doesn't work there is plenty of boat parking in the driveway and a ramp less than 5 minutes away!

We are just outside of town, but a bike path leads right to the heart of Crystal River or ten miles out to the public beach at the end of Fort Island Trail. If you are visiting to see manatees the main springs are a 20 minute kayak from the house, and sometimes they come up the canal to say hello!

During your stay make sure to keep a lookout the back lanai for wildlife! We named the house after a family of playful otters that live up the stream. Manatees, large fish and even dolphins have been up the canal, and there are always egrets, herons, ospreys and owls!
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. A Smart TV comes with cable channels and a DVD player, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washer/dryer, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.

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  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable channels
  • Stereo
  • Video games
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Dock

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washer/dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycles
  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bicycles
  • Unit size: 2,400 square feet
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

No parking on the street, keep to the footprint of the driveway please.

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 25

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Property is also known as

The Otter House Nature Retreat Off Canal To Kings Bay!

Frequently asked questions

What can I see within easy reach of this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Crystal River within a short 20-minute walk of Plantation Inn and Golf Resort. You'll also find Three Sisters Springs and Crystal River Preserve State Park within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at this vacation home?

Yes, there is a garage.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What do couples enjoy most about The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this waterfront vacation home include a kitchen and a smart TV along with a video library.

Are there hot tubs at The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay?

No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this vacation home offer breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay?

Yes, every accommodation at The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay comes with a balcony.

The Otter House - Wild views and direct access to King's Bay Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 93 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 93 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 93 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 93 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 93 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christopher G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very peaceful! Great communication! Location was excellent. Just a very nice time! Alligators and otters :) excellent bird viewing was beautiful!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

KATELYN C.

Liked: Cleanliness
House was great. A little bit of a kayak trip to the main springs but was enjoyable.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Location was fabulous, we really enjoyed watching all the wildlife from the lanai. Having kayaks on site was fantastic, but note that two of the larger ones take on water inside the hull, making for a challenging paddle as they get heavy. Three Sister springs is beautiful, but definitely more of a 30-40 minute paddle. But totally worth it! Would recommend Otter House highly, once the kayaks are repaired.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela W.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was perfect. Clean, and the space was perfect for our family. The Wii and kayaks were a hit! Space has everything you need. Definitely coming back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a lovely stay at the Otter House. The house was exceptionally well cleaned. All of the beds were very comfy! The new washer & dryer were very handy. The house is located in a great neighborhood - beautiful evening walks.Thank you for an enjoyable visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Loretta H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice, comfortable, laid-back and funThe canal is OK to get out to the bayAnd everything was as explained and everything was their kayaks bikes. We had a great time.(the stairs are a little steep and very slick)
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

NYMC75

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was great! Kayaks, grill, location and lots of room. Thank you to the hosts and managers.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kay F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Burthday trip

We had a great time kayaking and loved the alligators in water.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great trip! I would stay here again!

Worked out great for our family scalloping trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tony G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice Spacious Home

Spacious Clean Home in a Nice Location. We went Boating every day so having water access is big plus. The kayaking would be fun from there, but we had our own boat. Went to the Boil Yard Restaurant down the street, Would Highly recommend it .
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angelique R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

Family fishing trip. Great location and access to stores, restaurants and the boat ramp and charter company. Definitely need to follow the guide they give for boat size, when the water goes to low tide a large boat would be difficult to get in and out of canal. We rode the bikes and used the kayaks and had a great time enjoying the screened in lanai in the evenings and mornings.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kay T., Danville, IN

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing, comfortable place to stay

Kevin & Emily were great hosts! The house was very comfortable, and well stocked with anything you’d need at your own home. Even little things like chip clips and tape were available, which was a nice change from what we usually encounter. The setting is ideal. Loved the privacy of the canal! This was a place that helps you catch your breath and unwind. We were on a mission to find what I call “Old Florida”, you know, without high rise buildings everywhere you go, and a sense of quaintness. Not that modern isn’t there, it is, but just not visible every minute. Found it! Usually when we vacation, we do a lot of home cooking. That was easily accomplished here. We also ventured out to several of the places recommended. We were especially taken in by a restaurant called Peck’s Old Port Cove in Ozello, a short and pleasant drive. If you want a glimpse of Old Florida, too, go there! Very scenic and reminded me of the old days. Food was delish! Thank you, Emily and Kevin! You made everything easy for us to enjoy our time in the area!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great river location

The house was great. Everything we needed for kayaking, bicycle riding, and cooking/cleaning was available at the house. It was very comfortable just like home.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay at Otter House

We overall had a great stay Otter House. We made use of the kayaks, bikes, and grill. There were plenty of dishes and cookware to prepare meals and the provided staples, detergents, trash bags were much appreciated. The location was great and close to a grocery store. The view out the back door was lovely; and we saw turtles, manatees, and fish in the canal. The only negative is that there is a house being built next door which generates loud noise during working days. We were only there for the weekend; and they took Saturday and Sunday off, but you could not enjoy the outside patio on Friday until they knocked off work.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy M., Council

Liked: Cleanliness

Great house

We loved the house, and owner was great when my phone went swimming before check in. Only warning is the canal does get very shallow at low tide, so plan your comings and goings!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely vacation!

Beautiful home with use of kayaks and bicycles for the family. Location was perfect; within 15 minutes of everything that we needed. Cant wait to come back next year! May God bless the owners and everyone who walks in the door!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Exceeded expectations!

I had high expectations for the Otter House based on the photos and reviews -- and it did not meet them -- it exceeded them! The house is amazing: spacious, clean, well maintained, and with cute decor. We especially loved the screened-in patio area including a balcony off the master bedroom. The house is right on the canal, and we saw two manatees right in front of the house, as well as turtles, several species of birds, and lizards. The kayaks were a big selling point and we took full advantage, paddling down the canal and out into the bay. The owners are extremely communicative, friendly and helpful, answering questions promptly both before and during the visit. The neighborhood is peaceful and quiet. Our family had a wonderful time at the Otter House and we are already talking about coming back!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jana H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Manatee Christmas

We had a relaxing and fun-filled holiday gathering at the Otter House. Kevin and Emily were super responsive and when we had questions. The house sits on a quiet channel off of Kings Bay. It was lovely to wake with a cup of coffee sitting in the screened room and watching the local birds hunt for breakfast. The kayaks were an awesome addition! We loved kayaking to Three Sisters to paddle amongst the manatee. We even rented a pontoon boat for a day to explore Kings Bay. The kitchen is well stocked for food preparations and local restaurants were enjoyed on days we didn't feel like cooking. We are already discussing a repeat visit!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mendy J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect location

The property had fantastic amenties such as bijes and kayaks that were in good shape with plenty of paddles and life vests. Plenty of indoor and outdoor areas for your group to spread out. The location was within bike riding distance to the town of Crystal River and the springs, within a comfortable distance to all the prime kayaking locations, and across from a wildlife refuge! Also within a short driving distance to some places I recommend- Withlacochee Bay Trail for biking, Silver Springs and Rainbow river for kayaking, Homosassa or Ozello for airboat rides, and the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park for a great experience with wildlife including Lu the hippo
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carl H.

Liked: Cleanliness

A great week on the water in Crystal River

We loved our stay at the Otter House! The kayaks were perfect to get on the water and paddle out to see tons of manatees, birds and other wildlife. The house was comfy, spacious, and well appointed. The kitchen was well stocked and there were many family meals we all enjoyed. The lanai area was perfect for hanging out in the shade during the afternoon. We were able to dock a boat there as well, and it worked smoothly to run out to the gulf and fish for seatrout, mackerel and other species. The game room area worked well to separate out different family activities. We hope to be back in the future for more fun and relaxation!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend Getaway

We enjoyed our stay at the Otter House. We used the kayaks and saw manatees. The house was a perfect location for the Stone Crab festival.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth P.

Liked: Cleanliness

We Loved It!

Great house in a great location. We were very impressed with how clean everything was. The house was also well stocked with everything we needed and excellent communication from the owners. Great experience and we will definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Darrel B., Yorkville, IL

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Place to Stay!!

It's a bonus when the house/property adds to the overall enjoyment of a trip and the Otter House did just that! We loved hanging outside to see the wildlife in the channel and woods out back and the kayaks were the best for exploring out into the bay, seeing manatees and more. The house is well kept and had everything we needed. The beds were comfortable too. I'd certainly stay again and will be sure to recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Brett S., Florida

Liked: Cleanliness

Crystal River 2022

House is older but comfortable little noisy the canal is tidal dependent be careful
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sue S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Father, Son, Son-in-Law, and his Father Fishing Trip

Perfect, close to restaurants and Pete’s Pier
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022