Entire home

Serene Waterfront Oasis • Kayaks + Dock + Wildlife!

Photo gallery for Serene Waterfront Oasis • Kayaks + Dock + Wildlife!

A covered outdoor deck with white Adirondack chairs, a table, and a ceiling fan.
A spacious living room with a white sofa set, a dining table, and a ceiling fan.
A two-story house with a covered porch and a landscaped garden.
A spacious kitchen with white cabinets, a central island, and a dining area with a table and chairs.
A spacious kitchen with a central island, white cabinetry, and a microwave.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space 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 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View map
Ruskin, FL
  • Place, Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Ruskin Family Drive-In
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, E.G. Simmons Regional Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 2

2 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 2

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo

Half Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Master Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Serene Waterfront Oasis • Kayaks + Dock + Wildlife!

Serene Waterfront Retreat | Private Dock, Kayaks & Wildlife

Escape to a peaceful waterfront retreat in Ruskin, Florida, where modern comfort meets the natural beauty of Tampa Bay. Located on a quiet inlet connected to the Little Manatee River and Tampa Bay, this spacious home offers a relaxing setting for nature lovers, families, business professionals, and extended stays—all just minutes from local beaches.

Waterfront Living & Florida Wildlife

One of the highlights of the property is the private dock and waterfront backyard. Start your morning with coffee by the water, spend the afternoon fishing or kayaking, and unwind in the evening while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Keep an eye out for some of Florida's incredible wildlife. Depending on the season and conditions, you may spot manatees, dolphins, stingrays, egrets, herons, and other coastal wildlife right from the backyard or dock.

The expansive covered lanai provides a comfortable outdoor living space overlooking the water. Relax around the fire pit, enjoy a BBQ, or settle into the waterfront gazebo after a day of exploring.

Comfortable, Modern Interior

Inside, the home features an open and inviting layout with contemporary décor and comfortable furnishings.

Enjoy:

A fully equipped kitchen with modern stainless-steel appliances
Comfortable bedrooms designed for restful nights
Spacious living and gathering areas
Covered outdoor living overlooking the water
A quiet residential setting well suited for relaxation or longer stays

For business professionals and traveling workers, the home provides a peaceful alternative to a hotel, with plenty of room to settle in, prepare meals, and relax by the water at the end of the day.

Private Dock, Fishing & Kayaks

Enjoy direct access to the water from the property's private dock, whether you want to fish, launch a kayak, watch wildlife, or simply enjoy the view.

Bring your own fishing rods. A Florida fishing license may be required for guests age 16 and older.

Guests may also request complimentary use of our two on-site kayaks:

Single kayak: up to 250 lbs
Double kayak: up to 475 lbs
Life jackets and paddles provided

For insurance purposes, guests who wish to use the kayaks must request them in advance and sign a liability waiver before use.

Explore Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg & Sarasota

The home's Ruskin location makes it a convenient base for exploring many of the Gulf Coast's beaches, parks, museums, attractions, and outdoor destinations.

Tampa Bay
Explore Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Zoo, botanical gardens, waterfront areas, dining, sporting events, and more.

St. Petersburg & Clearwater
Visit St. Pete Pier, Fort De Soto Park, Madeira Beach, John's Pass Village & Boardwalk, Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Honeymoon Island State Park.

Sarasota
Discover Siesta Key Beach, The Ringling, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Myakka River State Park, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and more.

Whether you're here for a family vacation, fishing trip, nature getaway, business stay, or simply a quiet waterfront escape, the home offers a relaxing place to experience Florida's Gulf Coast.

Eco Tours & Fishing Charters Nearby

Want to explore Tampa Bay from the water?

Reel Simple Fishing Adventures is conveniently located just a couple of doors away and offers fishing charters and eco tours. Arrangements may be available for the captain to pick up guests directly from our dock, making it especially convenient for a day on the water.

House Rules & Important Notes
No smoking inside the home. Outdoor smoking is permitted with doors and windows closed.
Only registered guests and their personal luggage are permitted inside the home.
Please store outdoor equipment under the covered patio using the side gates rather than bringing it indoors.
Certain closets and cabinets are reserved for owner use and are not accessible to guests.
For safety and property security, exterior cameras monitor the driveway, entrance, backyard, and dock areas. There are no cameras inside the home.

Come enjoy peaceful mornings by the water, beautiful Florida sunsets, abundant wildlife, and the comfort of your own private waterfront retreat.

We look forward to welcoming you to our special slice of Florida!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No undeclare guest staying overnight.
No loud music at anytime
No eating or drinking in bedrooms.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3306874vb
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
Long-term renters welcome
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

Ruskin

Located in Ruskin, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Tampa Bay and Vinoy Park, while MacDill Air Force Base and Salvador Dali Museum are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Sun City Center Community Tennis, or consider a night out at Showtown Bar & Grill. Jet skiing, kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking nearby.
Map
Ruskin, FL

What's nearby

  • Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Ruskin Family Drive-In - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • E.G. Simmons Regional Park - 5 min drive - 4.4 km
  • Gannon University Ruskin Campus - 8 min drive - 7.4 km
  • Apollo Beach Dog Park - 8 min drive - 8.1 km

Getting around

  • Tampa Union Station - 33 min drive
  • St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Beanie's Sports Bar - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪7-Eleven - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Taqueria Los 7 Hermanos - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Serene Waterfront Oasis • Kayaks + Dock + Wildlife! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Serene Waterfront Oasis • Kayaks + Dock + Wildlife!?

As of 22 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Serene Waterfront Oasis • Kayaks + Dock + Wildlife! on 28 Dec 2026 start from AU$1,401, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Serene Waterfront Oasis • Kayaks + Dock + Wildlife!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Serene Waterfront Oasis • Kayaks + Dock + Wildlife!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Serene Waterfront Oasis • Kayaks + Dock + Wildlife!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Serene Waterfront Oasis • Kayaks + Dock + Wildlife! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park, Ruskin Family Drive-In and E.G. Simmons Regional Park. Tampa Bay and Apollo Beach Dog Park are also within 6 miles (10 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. 26 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent property, wonderful host! Spacious, clean house with gorgeous back yard. Lots of outdoor seating to enjoy the view and hang out by the canal. We even saw a dolphin! Host is friendly and responsive. Would stay again, and highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed the house, the backyard, and the peaceful canal views. Seeing dolphins is always such a special experience, and we’re glad you were able to enjoy that during your stay! It was a pleasure hosting you, and we truly appreciate your kind words. Thank you as well for recommending our property to others. We would love to welcome you back again anytime in the future!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean space and great communication from the host.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 June 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We're happy to hear that you found the home clean and that our communication met your expectations. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We appreciate you choosing to stay with us and would be happy to host you again whenever your travels bring you back to the area. Safe travels and best wishes!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was responsive and helpful. Property was beautiful.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words Justin! I’m so glad you enjoyed the property and that I could help make your stay a great one. It was a pleasure hosting you, and you’re welcome back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean home and everything was as described. Check in and out were easy. The location was convenient to Sarasota and Tampa.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Apr 2026
Thank you for your kind review! I’m glad the home met your expectation and I’m also happy the location worked well for your plans and made it convenient to explore both Sarasota and Tampa. It was a pleasure hosting you, and you’re always welcome back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Neil was fantastic. The house was wonderful. Easy to get access when we checked in. Plenty of space and amenities. I would definitely stay again.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Feb 2026
Thanks for the great review, Nikki! I’m happy to hear everything worked smoothly for check-in and that you enjoyed the space and amenities. I’d love to host you again whenever you’re back in the area. Neil
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great 4 day stay

Great property. Very well maintained and comfortable. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jan 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and for recommending us—your kind words mean a lot! We're thrilled you found the property well-maintained and comfortable. It was a pleasure hosting your family, and we'd love to welcome you back anytime you're in the area again. Safe travels, and hope to see you soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house. Very quite, we all live in the country, so we are used to quite, never heard any neighbors or anything else, it was great. Looks exactly like the pictures. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2026
We truly appreciate your feedback and so glad to hear that our house met your expectations and matched the photos perfectly. Providing an relax and peaceful experience for our guests is our top priority, and we’re happy you felt right at home. We look forward to your next visit!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Convenient to everything

Easy access, comfortable, big rooms, open, fun to fish in the backyard
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Feb 2025
It's our great pleasure hosting your family. Thank you for staying with us and top notch review.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family Vacation

We enjoyed the house very much. It was a shorty drive to St. Pete and Clearwater for beaches and activities.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jan 2026
Thank you so much for the great review—we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the house and found the location so convenient for those quick drives to St. Pete and Clearwater's amazing beaches and activities. Those sugar-white sands and emerald waters are hard to beat, and it's wonderful knowing the spot made exploring easy for you. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we'd love to welcome you back next time you're craving some Gulf Coast sunshine! Safe travels, and feel free to reach out anytime. Neil
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our host, Neil was very welcoming and extremely available if we had concerns or questions. The house was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Feb 2026
Thank you Debra for the thoughtful review! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed your stay and felt comfortable in the home. It was a pleasure hosting you, and I’d be glad to welcome you back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great get away

The place was spotless and communication was great. We loved the layout and decor. The large screened in porch was great for coffee and watching the river. It felt like we were at home on vacation instead of a hotel. We would stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2025
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that. It’s wonderful to know the lanai was a highlight for your coffee mornings by the river—what a perfect way to start the day! We strive to create that "home away from home" feeling, so it’s incredibly rewarding to hear it felt that way for you. We’d be thrilled to welcome you back anytime—please don’t hesitate to reach out for your next stay!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Workers paradise

Great place , very clean and updated.Stayed for a few nights while working nearby.Easy communication with host. Would definitely stay again..
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2025
Thank you Thomas for being great guest and review. You are welcome back anytime! Neil
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was very comfortable with nice amenities. Great communications with Neil as airlines delayed us an entire day. Nice high end kitchen appliances. Conveniently located for fishing excursions out of Ruskin.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! I’m glad you found the home comfortable and well-equipped, and that the kitchen and amenities helped make your stay enjoyable. I know the airline delay was frustrating, so I was happy to help make your arrival as smooth as possible. I’m also glad the location worked well for your fishing excursions out of Ruskin. It was a pleasure hosting you, and you’re always welcome back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful Property

Peaceful and quiet neighborhood. If you’re looking for a relaxing place to stay this beautiful home is perfect. Not far from sights to see and great restaurants as well. Our host responded in a timely manner to all of our questions. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Feb 2025
Thank you for staying with us and excellent review. It was our pleasure hosting your party. Hope to see you in near future
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Stay!

Very nice and clean property. Neil was great and was constantly in contact with us to ensure all was good. We are here for business frequently and will look to stay here again. Highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr 2023
Thank you Chris for your nice review. We would love to have you back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great As Alway's

Once again, a great stay. This is our go to when we are in town and that is quite often as we have a lot of business here. Neil is great to deal with and is always very attentive to every need.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2023
Glad to have repeated guests. You're welcome back anytime Chris!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Clean & Family Friendly!

This was a great home away from home for our first trip to FL! Very clean and kid friendly. So much space in the master bedroom/bath, living room and kitchen/dining area. Neil was very responsive and a great host! We would gladly stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Mar 2024
Wow, thank you Jessi for the amazing review! We are very grateful and would love to host your family again! Thanks for being great guests!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Excellent

We loved staying here! The host (Neil) was very kind and accommodating! I recommend this property highly! If you're in the area consider this property. You wont regret it!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Mar 2024
It’s our pleasure hosting you and your wife. Welcome back anytime pastor Mark.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely home

Neil's Ruskin home is lovely. The beds and seating are comfortable and the kitchen was well-equipped. We enjoyed taking the kayaks out (after signing a waiver). We would return.
Stayed 27 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2025
Thank you Renee so much for the wonderful review and for choosing to stay with us! We're thrilled you enjoyed your time and the kayaks. Hope to see you again soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
This home is beautiful. It was very clean and nicely furnished. The house had everything our family of 7 needed with plenty of room. We loved the kayaks and saw a manatee right behind the house. There weren't any blinds on the back windows of the house which is the only recommendation I would make. The host responded quickly to all communication. I would definitely bring my family here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a lovely house in a wonderful location, quiet and peaceful. We didn’t see any Manatees but the fish were jumping and there are plenty of egrets and herons! The house is clean, well-equipped and all appliances seem very new. Everything you would want is nearby from restaurants to groceries to recreation. Host Neil’s instructions were detailed and clear. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed the house and the peaceful location. It’s great that you were able to experience some of the local wildlife — the egrets, herons, and jumping fish can be quite a show, even when the manatees decide to stay hidden. The manatees can be a bit elusive—often what you’ll notice first are small swirls in the water or large shadows moving below the surface. They’re usually easier to spot on sunny days when the light helps reveal them. I’m happy to hear the home and instructions helped make your stay comfortable. It was a pleasure hosting you, and you’re welcome back anytime—hopefully next time the manatees will make an appearance!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Weekend Getaway

Perfect, checked all the boxes. Spacious, clean, with all amenities that were required. No issues whatsoever. I definately recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Feb 2025
Appreciate for your feedback and review. Wellcome back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Neil was great with communication
Stayed 11 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad I could help make your stay smooth and easy. It was a pleasure hosting you, and you’re always welcome back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
You could not find nicer host that communicates quickly and efficiently. The house itself is exactly as pictured but even nicer. The kitchen seats many and has wonderful appliances. The surroundings are so peaceful and let you enjoy the quiet of water, sun, and flowers. There is plenty of closets and cabinets to put all your personal belongings away with ample seatingThe screamed in porch is amazing with a great view of the setting sun. We hope to be back next year.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jan 2026
Thank you so much for this wonderful review—it truly made my day! 😊 I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the house, the kitchen, the peaceful surroundings, and the lanai with those beautiful sunsets. It was a pleasure hosting you, and your kind words about the communication and the space mean a lot to me. We'd love to welcome you back next year—please reach out whenever you're ready to plan your return! Wishing you a wonderful start to 2026 filled with joy, adventure, and great memories.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really nice place to stay, watching fish jump and hearing the birds so relaxing. The host was vey accommodating and we really enjoyed our stay! Thank you Neil!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review Brandy! We're so glad you enjoyed the peaceful waterfront setting. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we're happy to hear that you felt well taken care of during your stay. Thank you for choosing our home, and we hope to welcome you back for another relaxing getaway in the future!

About the host

Hosted by Neil

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English

Premier Host

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