Halls River Retreat in Homosassa Springs, Florida is a scenic waterfront home that offers the ultimate relaxing getaway. Enjoy kayaking right from the backyard, fishing, and swimming with manatees in the pristine spring-fed Halls River.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6149 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Come stay in this beautifully decorated, freshly remodeled home featuring a spacious and relaxing open floor plan with all new furniture throughout the house.
Kayaks included! You can enjoy nature, fish and kayak right from the backyard.
Scenic and Relaxing, Halls River Retreat is located in the coveted north end of Homosassa Springs, only minutes from the centers of Crystal River, Homosassa Springs and Old Homosassa.
The Retreat is located on the Halls River, part of the Homosassa River, a pristine spring fed river where manatee come to give birth and relax away from the hustle and bustle of boat traffic on the main part of the river. It is a kayaker’s paradise.
The Halls and Homosassa Rivers offer year round world class fishing opportunities - and are home to an abundance of wildlife in the water, on shore and in the air!
AMENITIES and SPECIAL FEATURES
Kayaks for Guest Use. Single and tandem
Explore the unspoiled shores of the Halls River and the Homosassa River
Incredible Fishing and a Nature Lover’s Paradise
SWIM WITH THE MANATEE - Watch, get up-close, and swim with the Gentle Giants of Homosassa. Did you know that the waters of Citrus County (Homosassa and Crystal River) are the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with the manatee in the wild?
Kayak alongside Emu Island Florida and enjoy the antics of a mob of rare blue-eyed white and blonde emus
Screened room and a large outdoor deck overlook a spring fed canal where you can relax, fish and enjoy nature
BBQ grill in screened porch
Outdoor fire pit (we do not supply firewood)
Wi-Fi to keep you connected during your stay
Large fenced-in back yard
This waterfront home is only minutes from shopping, the world famous Three Sisters Springs, Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park and Crystal River. It is only an hour’s drive to some of Florida’s best theme parks, zoo, museums and attractions!
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS. All of the nature photos on this page were taken either in the backyard or within a very short paddle from the Retreat.
Amazing, breathtaking, and captivating moments and memories await you at Halls River Retreat in Homosassa Springs Florida.
Prior to and throughout your stay, we are just a text or phone call away.
Your host,
Joanne
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Games
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
In-room accessibility
Smoke-free property
Note from host: Smoking outdoors only. Must pick up butts.
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping on request
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near the marina
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Kayak
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Spelunking nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
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
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Of course we love kids!
Events
No events allowed
Wedding & Family events! Contact us for details.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outdoors only. Must pick up butts.
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
Note from host: Wedding & Family events! Contact us for details.
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 first aid kit and a deadlock
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
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
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. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and horse riding. Visit our Homosassa travel guide
Is WATERFRONT • Beautiful Inside and Out! Kayaker’s Paradise • Fishing • Manatees pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at WATERFRONT • Beautiful Inside and Out! Kayaker’s Paradise • Fishing • Manatees?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at WATERFRONT • Beautiful Inside and Out! Kayaker’s Paradise • Fishing • Manatees?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at WATERFRONT • Beautiful Inside and Out! Kayaker’s Paradise • Fishing • Manatees?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is WATERFRONT • Beautiful Inside and Out! Kayaker’s Paradise • Fishing • Manatees located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 2 mi (3.2 km) from Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Citrus County Dog Park and Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park and A Crystal River Kayak Company are also within 6 miles (10 km).
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All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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.
This is the best VRBO stay we have ever had. The host was exceptional. The house is amazing and so incredibly clean. We had excellent communication, they provided great recommendations, and were so thoughtful throughout our stay. We were able to get out and use the kayaks and enjoy the natural surroundings. It was so nice to have so many to choose from. We did see a few manatees swim right by in the morning. We are truly going to miss this home when we leave. And hope to visit again the future. Every inch of the space is comfortable and being right on the water was such a treat. It also appears to have the nicest view in this area. Top notch and a bit more high end with amenities and furnishings than most. You cannot go wrong with this place.
I loved kayaking the river and touring nearby springs. There is so much to do here. The neighborhood was beautiful and everything was perfect. My mom stayed with me and said that it was her favorite rental. The kitchen layout was awesome and we also loved the large yard. We would love to stay again.
Our family was looking for an all in one place by the river to stay, and Joanne’s house hit the mark. The house was large enough for a family of five to sleep comfortably, and with the water out back we spent hours fishing and kayaking. We also loved making s’mores each night at the fire pit. The property was calm, quiet, and beautiful, and from start to finish I couldn’t have been happier with communication and support from our host.
Wonderful property. Most comfortable bed I have ever slept in away from home. Nice sheets and towels too. A lot of effort has been put towards guests comfort, inculding outside towels, bug repellent, lots of kayaks and paddles and life jackets.
I would definitely stay here again!
And we did get to see 2 manatees right at the back of the house, amazing!!
Our stay at the house on the water was quiet and enjoyable. We got to see manatees right off the property seawall. Also got to see otters from the property. Kayaks available enabled us to see Emu Island and more manatees. Joanne was a great host and also interesting to ask questions to about the history of the area. We would definitely like to return for another stay to the house on the water!
We had a lovely time during our stay. The location was great and the neighborhood was quiet. The home was spacious yet cozy and everything we could have needed was provided. We kayaked in the mornings and explored the area in the afternoons. I was excited to get a manatee visit in our canal two times! The hosts provided great sightseeing and restaurant recommendations and honestly I didn't want to leave. I hope that we get a chance to return in the future.
Enjoyed the house...clean...comfortable mattress which is rare in rentals anywhere these days [mostly cheap hard foam]...Kitchen well stocked/supplied... Covered parking was a nice touch...My only complaint was we couldn't cook our steaks/chicken properly on the worn out burners on the outside grill..Other then that small detail, I would definitely recommend this place.
We had a fabulous time in this tranquil cottage! Joanne really goes out of her way to be sure the guest has a great experience. Upon arrival it was very clean and all the essentials present. We were traveling with our pets and they were so happy to play in the fenced backyard. We also took a trip on the river with the kayaks. It was a really hot day and we meet some local folks who parked their boats for a swim or float in the shallows. We would love to stay again!
This house was a little slice of heaven for us. The property was great for fishing, kayaking, relaxing, and the location gave us perfect access to all things Homasassa and Crystal River. The host was super accommodating, easy to communicate with, and had fantastic reccomendations for local restaurants and things to do. Our kiddos loved visiting the emus via kayak and getting to see a few manatees. Our pups were comfortable and had plenty of room to run. The beds were amazingly comfortable. We look forward to staying here again in the future!
Our family of four had a wonderful, relaxing time @ this river house! Ms. Joanne is an exceptional hostess & is very responsive in all communications. I don’t know how else to explain it but the vibe in this house is so chill. There are kayaks on site for use which is awesome! The house is clean, comfy & is equipped w all the essentials for a home away from home. The neighborhood is quiet & close to anything you want to do in the area. Thanks, we’d definitely stay again!
This place was great, close to everything and still a 5 minute kayak from a beautiful river. The place looks better inside than outside, and was well furnished and clean. The coolest thing was the Blackstone grill. I do wish the creek in the back had a nice clean bottom, instead of the mucky murky one, but the water was clean at least. We never did see any manatees, because apparently the usually come up river in the winter time.
Enjoyed our morning coffee on the screened in porch. Took the kayaks out 2 mornings. The emus at the end of the canal are a hoot!! Joanne is a 5 out of 5 host!!! Answered my questions about the area, things to do and recommendations of places to eat before we arrived and responded timely when we were there. Lastly, though it may seem trivial, the bath towels were simply the best we have ever had at a VRBO! So good my husband wants to buy some for home!!!
We came to celebrate our girl turning 7 by seeing manatees. It has been a bucketlist item for us and when our daughter asked, we agreed!!
This is the most amazing property with the best host, sweet Joeann. She made sure everything was perfect for our arrival and even added balloons and party goodies to celebrate our daughter.
We saw manatees directory off the house dock and many more out in the water.
Perfect central spot to discover every adventure!!
We will absolutely be back!!
My wife and I along with our 2 small dogs had a very relaxing, peaceful week at Hall’s River Retreat. This is our 2nd time staying and we will be back. Joanne is an exceptional hostess and she had everything clean and stocked when we arrived. Beds are very comfortable and the fenced in yard was perfect for our two shorkies. Kayaking right from the back yard was amazing, and she has multiple single and dual kayak and paddles available from the kayak launch (right in the backyard !). We enjoyed Crumps Landing, the Cracker, and Wallace’s Green House (amazing pork chop) for dinner, and the Tangerine Tree for lunch. So much to do within a short drive…3 sister springs, airboats, and pontoon rentals from Homosassa to Crystal River. Great hidden gem !
The property is perfect! The house and yards were immaculate. Very clear river. We enjoyed swimming and catch and release fishing. Spent a wonderful day kayaking to and from Homossassa Springs. The emu farm just a short paddle down was a great experience for my 7 year old granddaughter. The host has everything noted as to where everything is located in the house so you don’t even have to think about where anything you need is located. I can’t express how helpful and kind Mrs. Joanne was to our family. The property is nothing short of beautiful perfection!
So my husband, young daughter and I decided to take a last minute trip and ended up in Homasassa Springs. Wanting to do something a little outside of the normal beach trip. This was an amazing experience. The house is exactly as advertised and probably the cleanest of any vacation property we have ever stayed in. The kayaks were a total game changer. They gave us something fun to do (even had some awesome neighbors who joined us on a jaunt up the river). Joanne was exceptionally communicative, and was kind enough to give us recommendations for places to visit and eat. The experience from beginnig to end was 5 stars.
Ashley C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Luann
3 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
What a wonderful find! The river cottage is in a gorgeous, peaceful setting on Halls River. When we arrived, a feeling of calm came over both my friend and I while sitting by the river, just watching the turtles and fish slowly swim by, and that is exactly what we both needed. Although I didn't see a lot of wildlife on my excursion, kayaking down the river to explore the scenery was easy and equally soothing.
The cottage is clean and extremely well-stocked with kitchen and bath supplies. Both beds were soft and comfortable, which is always a plus for us, and there was plenty of storage room in the closets and dressers. Having various streaming channels available on the TV made for restful evenings watching favorite shows.
Since the cottage is located right off the highway, it's easy
to get to local attractions, restaurants and stores. We enjoyed the nearby manatee tour and the snorkel float down Rainbow River, both of which were only 10 minutes from the cabin.
I would recommend this property to anyone looking for a quiet, family friendly retreat.
From the moment you open the front door and are met by the sunlight steaming through the large windows facing an expansive backyard sloping down to a shimmering canal with an array of colorful kayaks propped on its bank, you know this place is special.
Loved our stay. Close to everything. Nice and clean. Had everything I needed even stuff I forgot like a lunch bag to pack sandwiches. Loved kayaking and fishing from the backyard. They had plenty of kayaks and we brought own fishing gear. Really clean and loved the decor. Beds were comfy too
The host made our stay incredibly easy, enjoyable, and so much fun! She communicated with us any time we had a question and gave us some amazing suggestions regarding things to do. The home is so cute and was a perfect safe location for us to have fun and fish! This adventure was one that we will not forget! If you are considering a beautiful location for your stay, pick this one!