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Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock

Photo gallery for Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock

A wooden deck with a chair overlooking a calm pond surrounded by dense trees.
A living room with a ceiling fan, two sofas, a coffee table, and a dining table.
A dining area with a white table and chairs, a ceiling fan, and a window with blinds.
A bedroom with a bed, dresser, windows, ceiling fan, and a plant.
A two-story house with a covered porch, a staircase leading to the entrance, and a small outdoor seating area.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Firepit available
    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Crawfordville, FL
  • Place, Wakulla Springs State Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Wakulla State Forest
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tallahassee, FL (TLH-Tallahassee Intl.)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen

About this property

Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock

Only 20 minutes south of Tallahassee, you can leave your cares behind and enjoy the beauty of the Wakulla River. The house includes 4 kayaks and 2 SUPs for you to explore this pristine river. Enjoy your own private dock; you might see the river otters first thing in the morning there as you enjoy your coffee. There are lots of day trips you can take from here to see the beach, go hiking/biking and explore Florida's Forgotten Coast.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
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 and cats (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2519253vb
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Crawfordville

Located in Crawfordville, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Wildwood Golf Club and SouthWood Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Medart Park and Railroad Square Art Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium or FAMU Baseball Stadium. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and ecotours nearby.
View more Holiday homes in CrawfordvilleOpens in a new window
Map
Crawfordville, FL

What's nearby

  • Wakulla Springs State Park - 6 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Wakulla State Forest - 10 min drive - 10.3 km
  • San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park - 17 min drive - 17.7 km
  • St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge - 20 min drive - 24.4 km
  • Shell Point Beach - 25 min drive - 28.5 km

Getting around

  • Tallahassee Station - 32 min drive
  • Tallahassee, FL (TLH-Tallahassee Intl.) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Hungry Howies Pizza - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Zaxby's Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Watch the Manatees Swim by from This Peaceful Retreat with a Private Dock located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Wakulla Springs State Park and within 12 miles (20 km) of San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park and Wildwood Golf Club. Apalachicola National Forest and Medart Park are also within 12 miles (20 km).

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. 35 out of 35 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Phillip H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful area for nature lovers.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melissa R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our time here. There were plenty of kayaks for our family to go out and explore the river. We even saw a mama manatee and her baby! Wakulla State Park was beautiful. Be sure to do the boat ride!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was exceptionally good about providing information about local activities and shopping. We especially enjoyed the catwalk and dock for nature watching. Being able to kayak was an added benefit. The house was well supplied with kitchen necessities and we found items left from previous renters helpful. The dishes, silverware and cookware were plentiful.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

joshuaeiselewins

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was fantastic! Beautiful scenery and great comfortable house. Will definitely come back!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Larkin W.

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

Wonderful spot!

Great place to stay! Very close to wonderful restaurants and fun trails to hike or bike. Will definitely be back to stay again! Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Denise H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was easy to find and as described. Check in and check out were both a breeze. If you are on the fence about staying in this area, you will not be disappointed!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kirk L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
John is a wonderful host. He provided an abundance of useful information that helped us plan our stay. He was very responsive to any questions we had about our visit. The home is very nice with a well stocked kitchen. The location is fantastic with a great dock that leads to the Wakulla River. The end of the dock is a great place to relax , have a drink and enjoy watching the abundance of wildlife on the river.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Darin O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed over Thanksgiving and it was a wonderful experience. The house is very comfortable, beautifully furnished, with lots of amenities. John is a generous host; it’s evident he cares about his guests. The setting is serene, nestled in the lush bank of the Wakulla River, with a nicely maintained and lit walkway to the river dock. We all loved this place and will definitely be back when it’s a little warmer. Thank you John for sharing this amazing place.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Matthew P.

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

Great place in a great location

The house is exactly what I was looking for, space very well-maintained. The location is beautiful!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Vicki V.

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

Great Location

This is a beautiful property with a scenic view and all the amenities of home
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Randy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an absolutely wonderful time staying at your house. Early mornings down on the dock. Saw a manatee one morning. Very peaceful surroundings. Went kayaking and saw a few alligators. Definitely will come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Debbie A.

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

Perfect for us

We went to spend time with family and this place was great. The best stocked kitchen that I’ve stayed in so far, which important to me. Everyone had a blast here. Highly recommended!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2024
Thank you Debbie! Can you tell we like to eat well? Come back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

laurie W.

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

River House stay

Clean and comfortable river front cabin. Nice boardwalk to river with perfect dock for relaxing, fishing, or jump off point for kayaks. Excellent communication with host who provides great local info and quick responses to iinquiries. Hope to stay again when visiting family. Thanks
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

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

Very comfy house in a beautiful setting right on the river.

Our family had a wonderful time and plenty of room with all Johns house offers for space upstairs and downstairs in the screened porch in the evening. The bedding is super comfy and everything you need that you have forgotten is available. The river is an amazing place to visit, we had a blast!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 June 2022
Thank you Susan for your generous review! We enjoyed hosting you and would love to have you back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

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

Wonderful

Great place. Saw lots of Manatees and fantastic wildlife kayaking the river. Lots to do in the area. The owner was very responsive and helpful. Clean and well furnished home.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Apr 2023
It was a pleasure hosting you Steve!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jamie M.

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

AWESOME PLACE

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! The house was perfect for 5 of us. We spent most of our time on kayaks and the dock. Got to kayak with a manatee just upstream from the dock. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl Z.

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

Wonderful Summer weekend!

Perfect for us! We took 2 grandchildren and visited nearby places (Wakulla Springs Park, Gulf Specimen Lab, St. Marks Lighthouse) but they had the most fun fishing from the dock and getting to canoe with Grandpa. Everyone had a great time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2022
Cheryl & Pat, we loved hosting your family and we welcome you back anytime. We are very glad you had a great time.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Margaret D.

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

Practically perfect in every way

All the wonderful reviews about this property are true. Once you check in, you will never want to leave (unless a hurricane is on the way, like it was for us). You just have to go and see for yourself.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joyce F.

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

Nice

Nice and clean. A most pleasant environment, inside and out.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

sheri w.

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

Great Grad Weekend spot

John was super easy to work with and answered all questions quickly. The house was clean and quiet. We were there for graduation at FSU so did not get to enjoy the river or the area but would love to go back. We did go to Trident Restaurant in Panacea per his suggestion and it was awesome. Definitely would go back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

kara l.

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

Peace and fun on the river

This was not our first stay at this peaceful river getaway. As in previous visits, the owner was very responsive and accommodating, the house was comfortable, and the location was wonderful. The owners provide lots of homey extras to try to assure a relaxing visit. Thanks again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Beverly W.

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

Great Getaway with Friends!

We enjoyed a wonderful stay on the Wakulla River. The house is exactly as pictured and well-appointed. The host was easy to work with and provided lots of great information. We spent most of our time kayaking and relaxing. We only left the house for dinners! Highly recommend the Edward Ball Dining Room at the Wakulla Springs Lodge - make reservations! For BBQ - Hamaknockers in Crawfordville. We had a great time! We will return again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl Z.

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

First return visit & planning many more!

This is a perfect place for a family getaway! We brought our canoe and used John's as well to paddle upriver and drift back down with the current. It was so peaceful, and we saw a number of fish and a possibly a manatee. We wanted to show our son who lives just 20 minutes away a great place to relax away from the city - he loved it! We visit another historical place as well as return to the Edward Ball Wakulla State Park each time, so we still have a lot of places to see when we return to relax. We just love the wonderfully welcoming Wakulla Riverhouse!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Erin B.

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

Great stay for FSU orientation

This property was great, just as described and the owner gave us lots of fun ideas to enjoy during our stay. Our favorite was swimming at Cherokee sink. The water was beautiful teal green. We took tubes for floating and the teens enjoyed jumping off the rock and jumping from the tree. The house was stocked with everything that we could possibly need. Even bug spray was cleverly placed outside on the posts to use. Would stay here again when I need to come back to FSU.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

About the host

Hosted by John McBride

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Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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