Entire home
Deep-Water Retreat: Dock/Kayaks/Pool & Dogs Welcomed
Family-friendly holiday home in Crystal River with an outdoor pool
Photo gallery for Deep-Water Retreat: Dock/Kayaks/Pool & Dogs Welcomed





Reviews
9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6111.5 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Crystal River, FL
- Place, Crystal River Archaeological State Park15 min walk
- Place, Crystal River Watersports Marina17 min walk
- Place, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins2 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Living Room 1
1 Double Sofa Bed
Living Room 2
1 Double Sofa Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Deep-Water Retreat: Dock/Kayaks/Pool & Dogs Welcomed
Ruba’s River Retreat has been fully renovated & is better than ever! This 2-bed, 2-bath vacation rental in Crystal River sleeps 6+ & is located at the end of a deep-water canal, with a fenced yard where the kids and adults alike can play along with the dogs, offering peaceful days and nights.
Enjoy all the local action, including swimming with manatees, snorkeling in crystal-clear water, walking local trails, or having a picnic. Book now & experience the beauty of FL’s Natural Coast!”
Nestled in the charming small town of Crystal River, Ruba's River Retreat house is closely located to the best of Central Florida: Hunter Springs Park and Three Sisters Springs are two local favorites. Bringing your boat – spend your time fishing, scalloping, or day out boating. Bringing your kayaking? Launch directly from the dock at the house. Make it a low-key visit and spend your time splashing in the private pool, tanning in the backyard, playing games such as Cornhole, or preparing a meal in the fully equipped kitchen. You can have it all at this getaway!
Here are a few words from our past guests:
It's a great location for a long weekend of fishing and scalloping. The home was perfect for our friends and us, with a well-stocked kitchen with a great coffee bar, the pool was refreshing after being in saltwater all day, and the home was very clean. The canal to the main river takes about 1/2 hour to meander, but we enjoyed the time in nature. The host was very communicative and made sure we were comfortable and satisfied. – Phillip
This is an amazing place. On the water and has a pool. Sandra is super helpful and responsive. I will stay here again. - Kris
Experience Florida's Nature Coast in comfort when you stay at this comfortable family home, providing everything you need for a hassle-free retreat to nature!
~The space ~
INDOOR LIVING: Bedroom 1: King Bed | Bedroom 2: 1 Queen Bed | Living Room: Sleeper Sofa (Queen) | Sitting Room: Sleeper Sofa (Queen)
2 full bathrooms (1 walk-in and 1 tub/shower combo)
Fully equipped kitchen, a 6-person dining table + 2-person coffee/reading nook
Office area/ space with high-speed Wi-Fi
4 TVs (3 Smart TVs, plus Rokus)
Neutral/coastal colors, ceiling fans
Private Screened-In Pool | Lanai/ Screened Patio
OUTDOOR LIVING: Screened-in pool, Lanai/ Screened-in patio area with ceiling fans, outdoor dining area & patio furniture, private dock with Kayak ramp, canal views, spacious yard; combo gas & charcoal grill
KITCHEN: Fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, Nespresso coffee maker & other coffee + tea maker options, air fryer/toaster oven, water filter, ice, Crock-Pot, spices, dishware/flatware
GENERAL: Central heating & air conditioning, washer & dryer, linens, towels, pool towels, complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, extra refrigerator in the garage for storing your fresh fish, scallops/ extra groceries, etc.
FAQ: Optional daily pool heat fee (paid pre-trip, applied to entire stay), quiet hours (10:00 PM - 8:00 AM), step-free access
PARKING: Garage (1 vehicle), driveway (2 vehicles), and space for your boat trailer
Ruba’s River Retreat is perfect for:
Small friend groups/Families
Family vacation
Weekend getaway
Enjoy all the year-around activities that include:
Hunter Springs Park and Three Sisters Springs
Boating
Fishing
Scalloping (Seasonal, Summer)
Kayaking
NEAREST BOAT RAMP: Crystal River City Boat Ramp (558 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428
Guest access
When you stay at Ruba’s River Retreat, you have the whole space to yourself, so you feel at home. You will be given a key code to access the front door access to the garage, which can hold up to a mid-sized SUV.
Other things to note
Please remember that you're staying in my home, not a hotel :) Please treat the space with respect. If any problems arise, we will do our best to take action from our team in the area as soon as possible, but no one lives on-site 24/7.
Additional rules
- No smoking, including cigars or vaping
- No pets allowed
- Must be at least 25 years old to book, and a photo ID may be required to check in
- No events, parties, or large gatherings
- Additional fees apply to any additional guests over 6 (max occupancy is 8)
- No eating in the bedrooms
- Dispose of the garbage in the trash bin and recycling bins as appropriate; recycling is collected on Wednesdays and placed outside on Tuesday night. Trash is collected on Friday mornings. Please put it out near the mailbox on Thursday night
- Additional fees and taxes may apply
Additional Notes:
- Please observe quiet hours from 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM
- There is an optional daily pool heat fee of $25/day (paid pre-trip, applied to the entire stay)
- If using the BBQ grill, please adhere to instructions on proper use and clean-up post-use
- The maximum occupancy and no smoking policies are strictly enforced
Enjoy all the local action, including swimming with manatees, snorkeling in crystal-clear water, walking local trails, or having a picnic. Book now & experience the beauty of FL’s Natural Coast!”
Nestled in the charming small town of Crystal River, Ruba's River Retreat house is closely located to the best of Central Florida: Hunter Springs Park and Three Sisters Springs are two local favorites. Bringing your boat – spend your time fishing, scalloping, or day out boating. Bringing your kayaking? Launch directly from the dock at the house. Make it a low-key visit and spend your time splashing in the private pool, tanning in the backyard, playing games such as Cornhole, or preparing a meal in the fully equipped kitchen. You can have it all at this getaway!
Here are a few words from our past guests:
It's a great location for a long weekend of fishing and scalloping. The home was perfect for our friends and us, with a well-stocked kitchen with a great coffee bar, the pool was refreshing after being in saltwater all day, and the home was very clean. The canal to the main river takes about 1/2 hour to meander, but we enjoyed the time in nature. The host was very communicative and made sure we were comfortable and satisfied. – Phillip
This is an amazing place. On the water and has a pool. Sandra is super helpful and responsive. I will stay here again. - Kris
Experience Florida's Nature Coast in comfort when you stay at this comfortable family home, providing everything you need for a hassle-free retreat to nature!
~The space ~
INDOOR LIVING: Bedroom 1: King Bed | Bedroom 2: 1 Queen Bed | Living Room: Sleeper Sofa (Queen) | Sitting Room: Sleeper Sofa (Queen)
2 full bathrooms (1 walk-in and 1 tub/shower combo)
Fully equipped kitchen, a 6-person dining table + 2-person coffee/reading nook
Office area/ space with high-speed Wi-Fi
4 TVs (3 Smart TVs, plus Rokus)
Neutral/coastal colors, ceiling fans
Private Screened-In Pool | Lanai/ Screened Patio
OUTDOOR LIVING: Screened-in pool, Lanai/ Screened-in patio area with ceiling fans, outdoor dining area & patio furniture, private dock with Kayak ramp, canal views, spacious yard; combo gas & charcoal grill
KITCHEN: Fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, Nespresso coffee maker & other coffee + tea maker options, air fryer/toaster oven, water filter, ice, Crock-Pot, spices, dishware/flatware
GENERAL: Central heating & air conditioning, washer & dryer, linens, towels, pool towels, complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, extra refrigerator in the garage for storing your fresh fish, scallops/ extra groceries, etc.
FAQ: Optional daily pool heat fee (paid pre-trip, applied to entire stay), quiet hours (10:00 PM - 8:00 AM), step-free access
PARKING: Garage (1 vehicle), driveway (2 vehicles), and space for your boat trailer
Ruba’s River Retreat is perfect for:
Small friend groups/Families
Family vacation
Weekend getaway
Enjoy all the year-around activities that include:
Hunter Springs Park and Three Sisters Springs
Boating
Fishing
Scalloping (Seasonal, Summer)
Kayaking
NEAREST BOAT RAMP: Crystal River City Boat Ramp (558 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428
Guest access
When you stay at Ruba’s River Retreat, you have the whole space to yourself, so you feel at home. You will be given a key code to access the front door access to the garage, which can hold up to a mid-sized SUV.
Other things to note
Please remember that you're staying in my home, not a hotel :) Please treat the space with respect. If any problems arise, we will do our best to take action from our team in the area as soon as possible, but no one lives on-site 24/7.
Additional rules
- No smoking, including cigars or vaping
- No pets allowed
- Must be at least 25 years old to book, and a photo ID may be required to check in
- No events, parties, or large gatherings
- Additional fees apply to any additional guests over 6 (max occupancy is 8)
- No eating in the bedrooms
- Dispose of the garbage in the trash bin and recycling bins as appropriate; recycling is collected on Wednesdays and placed outside on Tuesday night. Trash is collected on Friday mornings. Please put it out near the mailbox on Thursday night
- Additional fees and taxes may apply
Additional Notes:
- Please observe quiet hours from 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM
- There is an optional daily pool heat fee of $25/day (paid pre-trip, applied to the entire stay)
- If using the BBQ grill, please adhere to instructions on proper use and clean-up post-use
- The maximum occupancy and no smoking policies are strictly enforced
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Have a question?
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties

New VRBO...2025 open dates-New 4/3 with heated pool, dock, kayaks, outdoor space
New VRBO...2025 open dates-New 4/3 with heated pool, dock, kayaks, outdoor space
- Pool
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
10.0 out of 10, (14 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
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
Crystal River
Crystal River is home to this holiday home. Crystal River Watersports Marina and A Crystal River Kayak Company are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Three Sisters Springs and Crystal River Archaeological State Park.
Crystal River, FL
What's nearby
- Crystal River Archaeological State Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
- Crystal River Watersports Marina - 17 min walk - 1.4 km
- Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins - 2 min drive - 1.4 km
- Three Sisters Springs - 7 min drive - 5.5 km
- Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 8 min drive - 6.2 km
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 5 min drive
- Bayside Kraft Kitchen - 4 min drive
- Subway - 5 min drive
- Denny's - 19 min walk
- Dunkin' - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
9.0/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Check-in
9.4/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
9.6/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
6 July 2023
10/10 Excellent
Donnissa B.
25 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location
Donnissa B.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
8/10 Good
Lorie K.
23 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
get away
Lorie K.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Brad
19 Jan 2023
Excellent time
Brad
10/10 Excellent
Cathy J.
9 Feb 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Visit
Cathy J.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dustin T.
22 Jan 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Manatee getaway!
Dustin T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Charlene W., Astatula, FL, USA
31 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another Wonderful Year
Charlene W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Gina
6 July 2023
Great Weekend Spot
Gina
10/10 Excellent
Gina B.
16 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice Getaway on the Water
Gina B.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Hailey K.
14 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Getaway!
Hailey K.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
8/10 Good
Marie M.
22 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfec
Marie M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
8/10 Good
Malcolm
22 Dec 2022
Nice Place for a Short Stay
Malcolm
8/10 Good
Malcolm M., St Petersburg
12 Dec 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice Place for a Short Trip
Malcolm M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
6/10 Okay
Colleen R.
4 Dec 2022
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Crystal River Stay
Colleen R.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022
6/10 Okay
Ken C., St Petersburg, Flaroda
20 Oct 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, location
Short of Essentials
Ken C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Lauren C.
19 Sept 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay in Crystal River
Lauren C.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
10/10 Excellent
Joseph M., Lakeland, Florida
13 Sept 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to vacation
Joseph M.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022
10/10 Excellent
Jason D.
21 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Scallop getaway!
Jason D.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
James
20 Aug 2022
Great
James
10/10 Excellent
Charlene W., Astatula, FL, USA
4 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute and Quiet
Charlene W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Tracy M.
30 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun river house
Tracy M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Sarah L.
24 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Crystal river
Sarah L.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
8/10 Good
Tracy H.
14 July 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Tracy H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Michel C.
30 May 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Michel C.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
10/10 Excellent
Lori R.
25 May 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place in a great location
Lori R.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
About the host
Hosted by Sandra Mathis
Customer Experience professional by day, adventurer by night per se. I love to travel - with at least one international trip per year. Originally from the Midwest, I became a true adult in Charlotte before relocating to Metro NYC for a few years before settling in Atlanta about 16 years ago.
I love seeing new cities and places and taking adventures while on visits, as much as I love good food, wine, and company - and, oh, bring on the ice cream!
I love seeing new cities and places and taking adventures while on visits, as much as I love good food, wine, and company - and, oh, bring on the ice cream!
Why they chose this property
I initially visited Crystal River to snorkel with the manatees and scuba dive in the area.
When I decided to purchase another home, I knew this was an ideal place for me.
When I decided to purchase another home, I knew this was an ideal place for me.
What makes this property unique
Imagine waking up to the serene view of a deep water canal, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio, read a book in the sun, or take a dip in the pool. This house offers you the perfect getaway to relax and unwind, with a fully equipped kitchen where you can whip up a delicious meal to end the day. Come and experience the tranquility and comfort of this hidden gem.
Languages:
English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback




























