Located within a mile (2 km) of Apollo Beach Dog Park, this vacation home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Tampa Bay. The vacation home includes a private pool, a kitchen, and a lanai.
MacDill Air Force Base - 39 min drive - 28.9 miles
Getting around
Tampa Union Station - 27 min drive
Tampa, FL (TPF-Peter O. Knight) - 43 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 8 min drive
Finn's Dockside Bar & Grill - 5 min drive
Starbucks - 5 min drive
Long Island Pizza Company - 8 min drive
San REMO Pizza Restaurant - 5 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 Gray Dolphin at Casa de Kingston — Waterfront Oasis in Apollo Beach
Unforgettable memories await at The Gray Dolphin, a tropical haven nestled on the scenic Grand Kayman Canal in the heart of Apollo Beach. Whether you're seeking family fun, romantic relaxation, or an adventure with friends, this stunning waterfront home offers the perfect mix of serenity and excitement near Tampa Bay’s top attractions.
1. Your Private Coastal Escape This beautifully appointed home is your personal slice of paradise. From sunrise coffee to sunset cocktails, soak in the tranquil canal views from the comfort of your private lanai. Whether you're lounging poolside or kayaking at dawn, The Gray Dolphin brings the Florida lifestyle to life.
- Heated Saltwater Pool – Relax year-round in the private lanai with a crystal-clear, heated saltwater swimming pool. Pool has a tanning shelf perfect for perfecting your tan or for kids that want to enjoy the water but cannot go in the shallow or deep end. - Boat Dock & Canal Access – Bring your own boat or rent one nearby! Dock it right at our private boat slip with direct canal access. - Outdoor Dining & Grill – Enjoy outdoor meals under the covered patio with a premium gas grill. You will not hear or see any neighbors when relaxing with your party. - Free Bikes & Kayaks – Explore the scenic area on two included kayaks or beach cruisers.
2. Adventure Awaits Beyond the Backyard Perfectly located near the best that Florida’s Gulf Coast has to offer:
- Apollo Beach Nature Preserve – Just 5 minutes away for calm waters, sunsets & dolphin sightings - Bahia Beach (Ruskin) – 15 minutes to this peaceful stretch of sand and gentle surf - Anna Maria Island – Reach powdery white sands and turquoise waters in 55 minutes - St. Pete Beach – Voted one of the best beaches in the U.S., only 50 minutes away - Clearwater Beach – Famous for its lively pier and pristine shores, just over 1 hour - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – 45 minutes for thrilling rides and wildlife - Islands of Adventure – 1 hour to Orlando’s iconic theme parks - Amalie Arena & Tampa Riverwalk – 40 minutes for sports, concerts, and scenic strolls - World-class fishing, boating, and nature preserves – All just minutes away
Home Features 3 spacious bedrooms + 2.5 bathrooms (sleeps up to 8)
Fully equipped modern kitchen Smart TVs, Wi-Fi, and workspace-friendly layout Washer/dryer for extended stays Driveway parking
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a lanai, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a private pool, a washing machine, and a sofa bed.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
2 accessible parking spaces
No elevator (single-level property)
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near an outlet shopping mall
Near the bay
Near the marina
On the waterfront
Things to do
Water park
Basketball nearby
Bicycle rentals nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Parasailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Water tubing 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
Garden
Unit size: 1,881 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
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: 3:00 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 professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to do within easy reach of this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Apollo Beach, close to Manatee Viewing Center, Ruskin Family Drive-In, and Beer Can Island. Tampa Bay is also within a driving distance of 2 mi.
Is parking available on site at this vacation home?
Yes, there is accessible parking available.
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; however, the accommodation features a private pool.
Is A Boater's Paradise in Apollo Beach with Heated Salt Water Pool & Canal Access a good place to stay for couples?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this waterfront vacation home include a private pool, a kitchen, and a smart TV.
Does A Boater's Paradise in Apollo Beach with Heated Salt Water Pool & Canal Access have a hot tub?
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.
Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this vacation home.
What is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Tampa, FL (TPF-Peter O. Knight), which is 28 mi away (43 minutes by car). Another top airport is St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted), which is around 13.4 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies at A Boater's Paradise in Apollo Beach with Heated Salt Water Pool & Canal Access?
Yes, every accommodation at A Boater's Paradise in Apollo Beach with Heated Salt Water Pool & Canal Access comes with a deck with some featuring water views.
The Gray Dolphin at Casa de Kingston — Waterfront Oasis in Apollo Beach Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 22 reviews
10 - Excellent
21
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 22 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Susan M.
Apr 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Wedding!
Nathan was very prompt with responding to any questions and it was easy to ck in/out. We were there for our daughters wedding who lives about 2 miles away and got married in Tampa! Great location and convenient! I k
Susan M.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jeffrey S.
Mar 26, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Jeffrey S.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Steffanie G.
Mar 10, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise
Everything was perfect! I would stay here again, for sure. Nathan, the host, was wonderful!
Steffanie G.
Stayed 13 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
David H.
Oct 24, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Annual birthday getaway
Had to find a new location because of the hurricane. This place was amazing and the host was great! Would recommend to anyone
David H.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
zulma d.
Jul 28, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay in Apollo Beach
This was one of the houses our family rented in Apollo Beach for our first family reunion. We gathered from different parts of Florida, Boston, N.Y. - one travelling from Alaska.This house was just as lovely as the pictures making our time here even more special. We loved spending time here and "hanging back at the house" when there were no other group events. We would definitely rent this one again! Thank you for a great stay!
zulma d.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Carl S.
Jul 12, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Property!
We had a great stay. Property was absolutely as described.
Carl S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kerry H.
Jun 23, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fun stay with friends and family
We stayed 8 nights and brought our 29’ center console. The location was great for boating, about a 10-15 min ride to Tampa Bay, and close proximity to 2 nice restaurants to go to dinner by boat. It was a nice quiet canal, with friendly neighbors. The pool was a perfect way to relax after a long day of boating, and the covered patio with screened in pool area made it nice to be able to stay outside at night and not have to worry about any bugs. The house was clean and nicely decorated inside with enough room for the house full of family and friends that were there during our stay. The 4th bedroom with the bunk beds, little couch and TV was a hit with our pre teen girls. There are 2 Publix’s close by which made those quick shopping trips and ice runs easy. The check in process was very easy and the host was very responsive for any questions that came up during our stay. Definitely a great experience and everyone that stayed had a great time and loved the house!
Kerry H.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Martin G.
May 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great
Thank you so much. We had a lot of fun. Will come back later this year.
Martin G.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jessica B.
Jan 18, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Escape from the cold
This is a lovely house with great common space for watching TV or playing board games. The pool area provides lots of area for lounging while watching the kids in the pool. The pool was comfortably heated which allowed for enjoying swimming even when it wasn’t particularly warm outside. The house was also nicely supplied with essential paper goods for our time there, which was very convenient.
Jessica B.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jason M.
Jan 15, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Christmas Vacation
Had a wonderful stay with family of 12 (grandparents, kids, grandkids). Pool area is perfect and pool is heated well enough to swim in even in the cooler than normal weather. Kitchen has everything we needed and beds were very comfortable. Finshing was suprisingly great from the dock, caught everything from catfish to crab, even a stingray. Manatee viewing center is a must-see nearby attraction. Great communication from the hosts. Highly recommended.
Jason M.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Nov 27, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Thanksgiving Family Trip
We had a wonderful stay! The house was exactly as advertised. We had everything we needed for the week. The best part was the outdoor space! The kids loved the pool and fishing off the dock. There was a lot of seating on the lanai. We spent a lot of our time outside relaxing and enjoying the beautiful Florida sunshine. Owner was super responsive anytime we had a question.
Verified traveler
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Amy T.
Oct 20, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely canal home
Property looks exactly like the photos. Clean and well stocked. The pool area is fantastic and we had a blast with the kayaks. Manatees came right up to us. Owners were very nice and prompt with all responses. The only thing I would say is it is a bit tight for 8 adults as the one bedroom is pretty small. Overall a great place and I would definitely recommend.
Amy T.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Charlene B., Chicago
Sep 18, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Outdoor space seals the deal!
Good property as far as number of beds and kitchen well stocked and wash/dryer a big plus! However, the pool, tiki bar, covered eating area, ceiling fan in outdoor TV area, dock, kayaks, grill and pool floats/toys…fabulous!
Charlene B.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Casey W.
Aug 11, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Rental with Great Pool and Kitchen
I had a fantastic stay at this VRBO rental. The pool area was a highlight – clean, well-maintained, and perfect for relaxation. The modern kitchen was well-equipped and made cooking enjoyable. The overall cleanliness of the property was impressive. Highly recommended for a relaxing getaway.
Well-maintained pool area.
Modern and well-equipped kitchen.
Impressive cleanliness.
Casey W.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
8/10 Good
Robert H.
Aug 2, 2023
Apollo Beach Canal Access
Overall the property was great and in a good location. I had great communication with the owner and they checked in with me almost everyday. Overall the accommodations were great but we did have a few issues. First issue was that the post of 3 bedroom/ 3 bath was false. The property was 3 bed/ 2 bath and when we confronted the owner about the lack of another bathroom they refunded us $100 for the inconvenience. Next, we had issues with the cleanliness of the property. Ceiling fans were packed with dust, the pool was dirty, grill was dirty, and under sofa was riddled with left over dirt and food particles.
We attempted to use the grill and upon opening the grill there was a strong gas smell. We inspected the tank only to find that it was left on and the gas was empty. I had to replace the gas tank and was told by the owner I would be refunded but it has been almost a month since our stay and have not seen a refund yet. Last issue we had was with the master bedroom ceiling fan it was rocking uncontrollably. I inspected the ceiling and when I touched one of the blades it was loose making the fan unbalanced. With the little bit of tools I found in the garage I was able to tighten the screws and get the fan working properly.
Although we had these issues with the property we overall enjoyed ourselves. House is beautiful and in a great location. Pretty good fishing off the back deck, I caught plenty of catfish.
Robert H.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kelly S., Blackwood
Jul 15, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy house
Great time at Apollo Beach Home. Quiet and Peaceful, nice pool. Owner was very kind and quick to respond to any questions. Home very cozy. Awesome Tub!
Kelly S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jeni M.
Jun 19, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great home!!
Our stay at the gray dolphin was phenomenal! The home really does have everything that you need and the beds are absolute heaven! We enjoyed the heated pool and kayaking on the canal. The owners were very responsive when I had questions. Would highly recommend this property!
Jeni M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Brenda V.
May 26, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Apollo Beach 2023
This house was perfect for our group. The kids loved the pool. The house was supplied with anything you would need. Great communication with the owner. Highly recommend this rental.
Brenda V.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Amy G.
May 18, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Vacation
I rented this house so my Aunt and Uncle could fly down and surprise my dad for his birthday and allow for a nice spot for the whole family to meet up. The home was inviting, the mattresses were comfortable, the location was quiet, and the vibe was chill. Really enjoyed being able to sit by the water, lounge in the pool, and hang by the tiki bar. The owners reached out to check in and ensure we were enjoying our stay and we’re easy to contact both during and prior to stay with any questions I had. Great trip. The only disappointment is that I did not see any dolphins. Maybe next time:)
Amy G.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Barb F.
Mar 2, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Cece's review (8 yr old granddaughter)
Thank you for letting us use your pool, sleep in your beds and let us stay in your home. Your pool is amazing and fun; your beds are comfy! Is there any house as amazing as yours? We went to Busch Gardens, the manatee center. Sunset bar & grill, the beach, Finns. It's amazing in Florida. I do not want to go back to Pennsylvania today. Thanks again for letting us use your house -
Barb F.
Stayed 15 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Ben H.
Feb 15, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Exceeded expectations
Very relaxing place. Quite neighborhood.
Ben H.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Maureen B., Morrison, CO
Oct 23, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Grandparents and kids in Apollo Beach
In spite of a major hurricane two weeks prior to our stay, this property was clean and ready for our group of six. The only reminder of the storm was the lack of a pool screen but that didn't stop us from enjoying the great back patio, tiki bar, and dock area.
The neighborhood had fun Halloween decorations so we enjoyed walking and riding the provided bikes. Apollo Beach does not allow swimming so we traveled to Anna Maria and Clearwater to find the best beaches. We did not have a boat but used the two kayaks provided to explore the many inlets of the area.
Nearby seafood restaurants, convenient shopping, the Tampa Aquarium and miniature golf kept us fed and entertained.
The house has a great kitchen/living area with a super cool master bedroom/bathroom and three additional nicely decorated bedrooms. There are two nice indoor bathrooms and an outside shower.
A pool heater was being installed the week we were there and will make the experience even nicer.