Entire home

Fish Fantasea-Short Walk To Beach-Ocean Sunrise, Bay Sunset View Family Retreat

Photo gallery for Fish Fantasea-Short Walk To Beach-Ocean Sunrise, Bay Sunset View Family Retreat

Children’s area
Outdoor dining
Living area
Interior
Private kitchen

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Crystal Beach
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View map
Bolivar Peninsula, TX
  • Place, Crystal Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Gilchrist Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Port Bolivar Beaches
    ‪42 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Living Room 1

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

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

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Fish Fantasea-Short Walk To Beach-Ocean Sunrise, Bay Sunset View Family Retreat

Welcome to Fish Fantasea, a peaceful coastal retreat offering beautiful water views from every angle. This elevated 1BR home sits in a quiet, laid‑back neighborhood where guests enjoy sunrise from the front deck, sunset from the rear deck, and sweeping views of both the Intracoastal Waterway with passing barges and the ocean from both decks. It is the perfect spot for morning coffee, evening breezes, wildlife watching, and relaxing days on the peninsula.

Inside, the home is comfortable and thoughtfully arranged, with a cozy living area, fully equipped kitchen, and a restful master bedroom. Light movement can be felt when walking inside, as is normal for elevated coastal homes. WiFi is reliable for everyday use, though speeds may vary during storms or high‑traffic weekends.

Guests have full access to the entire home, both decks, the fenced yard, and the ground‑level gathering area with seating and a charcoal grill. Parking is available in the driveway or under the house. At the top of the stairs by the door, you will find two lockboxes. The top lockbox is for guests, and we send your code just before check‑in.

The neighborhood is friendly and relaxed, with easy access to the beach, local restaurants, and shops. Most guests drive around the peninsula, and golf carts are popular for exploring. The area is known for its open surroundings, wildlife, coastal birds, and peaceful atmosphere that stays calm even on busy weekends.

Galveston Island Access: Fish Fantasea is on the quiet side of the peninsula, and guests can reach Galveston Island by driving about 40 minutes to the ferry. The fastest way to Galveston Island is to bypass the vehicle line, go directly to the parking lot, park, walk onto the ferry, enjoy watching the dolphins while crossing the water, order a ride share during the crossing, and then walk off, get in, and go enjoy the fun. This makes it easy to enjoy Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn, Pleasure Pier, and all of the island’s restaurants and attractions without waiting in long lines.

Water Parks: Fish Fantasea is close to the two water parks on Bolivar Peninsula, which offer slides, pools, and fun places for families to cool off during warm weather. Guests can also enjoy easy access to the major water parks on Galveston Island. Schlitterbahn Waterpark is one of the most popular attractions on the island, offering slides, rivers, pools, and family‑friendly fun for all ages.

Beaches: The beach is a short walk away, and guests enjoy easy access to wide sandy areas perfect for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, shell hunting, and relaxing by the water. The beach is family‑friendly, and the gentle coastal breezes make it enjoyable throughout the day.

Fishing And Crabbing: Guests can fish or crab from nearby access points along the Intracoastal Waterway and bay areas. The peninsula is known for redfish, trout, flounder, and seasonal runs that attract anglers from all over. The open water views from Fish Fantasea make it easy to plan your fishing day while enjoying the scenery.

Golf: The Ranch – Wallis Smith Community Golf Course is located on Bolivar Peninsula and gives guests an easy and convenient place to enjoy a relaxed round of golf during their stay. The course offers open fairways and a laid‑back coastal setting that makes it enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.

Hunting: Guests who enjoy hunting can visit J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area and Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, which are the correct nearby hunting locations for Bolivar Peninsula. These areas offer seasonal opportunities for waterfowl and other game in natural coastal environments.

Parasailing: Parasailing is an exciting way for guests to enjoy the Gulf Coast from a whole new perspective. Riders are lifted gently into the air behind a boat, giving them wide, open views of the shoreline, the water, and the surrounding coastal scenery. Third Coast Parasail in Crystal Beach provides safe, guided trips for both beginners and experienced riders. Guests should call ahead to make sure the operator is available during their visit.

Water Skiing: Water skiing is a fast and exciting way for guests to enjoy time on the water near Bolivar Peninsula. The conditions in the area are often calm enough for smooth runs, especially during the morning hours when the wind is lighter. Guests must bring their own boat, and they can launch at Stingaree Marina, the Boyt Road ramp, or the state ramp near Rollover Pass, all of which provide easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and nearby bay areas. Experienced skiers enjoy the open space and steady surface, and guests should always use caution, stay aware of other boaters, and choose areas that match their comfort level.

Dining And Local Favorites: Crystal Beach offers a variety of restaurants, seafood spots, casual dining, and local favorites. Guests enjoy fresh seafood, coastal dishes, and family‑friendly options throughout the peninsula. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, live music, and relaxed coastal vibes.

Shopping And Essentials: Guests can find groceries, beach supplies, souvenirs, and everyday essentials at local shops throughout Crystal Beach. The area is convenient and easy to navigate, making it simple to pick up anything you need during your stay.

Family‑Friendly Activities: The peninsula offers mini‑golf, arcades, souvenir shops, ice cream stops, and beach activities that families love. The quiet neighborhood around Fish Fantasea makes it easy for families to enjoy peaceful evenings after a day of fun.

Other Details To Note: All homes on the Bolivar Peninsula are elevated, and stairs are required for entry. The peninsula is a quiet coastal community, so please be respectful of neighbors and keep noise to a reasonable level. If it is an emergency, call 911 first. For non‑emergency matters, guests can contact the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office at 409‑766‑2322. The Crystal Beach Volunteer Fire And Rescue can be reached at 409‑684‑6311. The kitchen is set up for cooking, but no food, condiments, or seasonings are provided. Weather and wind conditions can vary along the coast, and WiFi performance may be affected during storms. There is no public transportation on the peninsula, and rideshare services are not reliably available, so guests should plan to drive during their stay.

Checkout is simple: basic tidying only. Gather towels and start a load, and load and run the dishwasher if there are any dishes. No heavy cleaning required.

Fish Fantasea is ideal for couples, small families, or anyone looking for a calm, scenic getaway with beautiful views and a peaceful coastal atmosphere.

Must be 25+ to book (no booking for someone else). Pets must be approved by owners prior to stay. There is a pet fee. Please include your pets when you book. Initial pet fee is for up to two pets. Additional pets require an additional fee. Respect your neighbors. Noise ordinance after 10:30. Smoking is allowed outside only, and all cigarette butts must be put in provided butt cans. Any butts on the ground will result in an additional cleaning fee. EV charging is not permitted. See our Rental Agreement for other rules.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Events allowed with prior approval.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 4 pets total)
Adult pets are allowed with prior approval and a
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Must be 25+ to book (no booking for someone else). Pets must be okay`d by owners prior to stay. There is a pet fee. Please include your pets when you

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4756281vb
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
Note from host: Events allowed with prior approval.
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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

Port Bolivar

Located in Port Bolivar, this holiday home is in a rural area and near the beach. Crystal Beach and Gilchrist Beach reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Hooks Woods Bird Sanctuary and Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting and hiking.
Map
Bolivar Peninsula, TX

What's nearby

  • Crystal Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Gilchrist Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • High Island Beach - 8 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Stingaree Marina - 20 min drive - 16.9 km
  • Port Bolivar Beaches - 42 min drive - 40.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Fanta Sea BBQ & Grill - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Jayla’s Bar & Grill - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Gulfway Grill - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Mamma Mia’s Italian Bistro - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Fish Fantasea-Short Walk To Beach-Ocean Sunrise, Bay Sunset View Family Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 4 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Fish Fantasea-Short Walk To Beach-Ocean Sunrise, Bay Sunset View Family Retreat?

As of 26 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fish Fantasea-Short Walk To Beach-Ocean Sunrise, Bay Sunset View Family Retreat on 30 Nov 2026 start from AU$334, 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 Fish Fantasea-Short Walk To Beach-Ocean Sunrise, Bay Sunset View Family Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Fish Fantasea-Short Walk To Beach-Ocean Sunrise, Bay Sunset View Family Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fish Fantasea-Short Walk To Beach-Ocean Sunrise, Bay Sunset View Family Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Fish Fantasea-Short Walk To Beach-Ocean Sunrise, Bay Sunset View Family Retreat located?

This family-friendly Port Bolivar holiday home is located by the sea, within a 10-minute walk of Gilchrist Beach and Crystal Beach. Hooks Woods Bird Sanctuary and Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

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. 15 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 21 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

2.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good price, good location - would recommend to someone
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mr. and Ms. Walz (the property owners) promptly and thoroughly communicated with me, alleviating my pre-visit jitters and fielding my questions about the area's fishing opportunities after "settling in" a little while at Fishing Fantasy. I've resided in the Galveston Bay region for over 70 years and have spent many happy days and nights in area beach houses.Fishing Fantasy will be my favorite beach house rental on the Upper Texas Coast in the future !
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
When we arrived the house had not been cleaned BUT.. the cleaning lady arrived shortly and was VERY nice and apologetic!The air conditioner in the bedroom was not cooling but within minutes the maintenance guy was there and a new air conditioner was installed the following morning.The air conditioner in the living room did the job until then. Overall it was a very enjoyable experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cristian C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had fun
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Herbert L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place , as listed. Recomendations for local places was great. Fishing was great did not do anything beach but it looked nice and not to busy.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Alma C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice house
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house was perfect for the two of us and our dog. Easily the cleanest rental we have had and not a single bug inside, which is hard to do at the beach. Very peaceful street with almost no traffic. Views from the front deck of the beach, bay, and intercostal. The lightning bugs put on quite a show at night and we even had a blue crab pass through the yard on his way to parts unknown!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gordon H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My third stay, which sums up my opinion.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Omar S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
All items and house were clean and neat. Well taken care of space. Would recommend to others.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved this place, perfect spot. Beach and bay views, close to beach. Landlords were great to work with, place was very clean and ready. Perfect with dogs or kids with fenced in yard. Love it, would love to come back.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stacey T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very happy, best value around, will be back
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gordon H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My second stay was as good as the first. The surrounding houses are sparse and mostly distant, so the view feels spacious. The big deck gives decent view of the ocean and a great view of the sunrise on side, the ship channel and ships passing by on another side, and a small deck in back to watch the sunsets.No complaints. Will stay again.Bolivar is not the prettiest beach, Sunrises
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gordon H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place (Fish Fantasy) is a perfect writer's retreat, especially in Winter. No sound but the ocean breeze, and a peaceful view with a large deck on the sunrise side, plus a small deck with two cocktail chairs on the sunset side.The worst problems: It's not on the beach, and mosquitos come out at night, as they do throughout this region. I had trouble with the key box (it's the one WITHOUT a visible combination) but the host answered my message within two minutes and straightened me out.It's basic construction, relatively new, sized for one couple, clean and with more amenities than I expected (plates, towels, kitchen gadgets, charcoal grill, etc.) No gotchas and no complaints.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Matt H.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy
The hiuse was clean. The actual fenced yard area was clean. Was trash all in ditches and in front of property. They have absolutely nothing in the house with exception of the couple towels and wash cloth. No dish towels, not even salt and pepper. Allow one roll of paper towels. No remotes and the one for the fan didnt work. Not close to amything either.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Oct 2025
We send a list of what we provide & what you you might want to bring. We do not provide condiments for sanitary reasons. We send you information on how to use your phone for a remote. We found it impossible to keep remotes with batteries in them because of theft.
Verified

4/10 Poor

jeff f.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
The air conditioners are so loud that you couldnt hardly hear anything else, however they did keep it cool in the house . We couldnt figure the tv out , there was no remote to turn it on, the instructions left were not very clear but somehow you had to use your phone as the remote. I discovered as i was cooking , that the bowls were all dirty in the cabinet , gross. Had a nice outside area upstairs but mosquitos were horrible. No vent above stove so when cooking the smoke alarm kept going off, the oven smokes horribly like someone spilled something before our stay and didnt clean it up. We left a day early needless to say
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Stacey L

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
When I arrived at 4:30, the code I was given did not work. I called the local property manager several times and finally decided to go eat dinner while waiting for an email from the owner or a call from the PM. Got a call with another code. Went back to house after dinner and while trying the 2nd code, I was getting eaten by mosquitoes trying to get through to the PM. Finally, got a text with another code and got in. We were sitting in the car because of the mosquitoes. We bring everything inside, sit down and notice a german cockroach crawling from behind the blinds on a window. And then another, we get up to kill them, then another and another and another. I found some spray and started spraying them, all around the house, on the walls, floors and ceilings. And then I notice there are 10's of roaches coming in around the door. We didn't know what to do and kept killing them, at least 60 when we got through to VRBO. I sent photos but the videos would not load. There were hundreds of cockroaches in the house when we left and just as many outside the front door and the front window. We left stunned and in disbelief. The PM said the bugs were bad this year. The owner said they spray. I cannot tell you how awful of an experience this was. In our next two places, we kept thinking we were seeing cockroaches on the floor. Thankfully, we were not.
This is the initial pile that kept getting bigger as we killed roaches
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alayna R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
EXCELLENT place to stay! I would recommend this property to anyone needing a clean and comfortable place to stay. Perfect for a couple! The fenced in yard was the icing on the cake for bringing our dogs. Host communication was amazing and fast. The bed was quite comfortable as well. The balcony’s were perfect for watching 4th of July fireworks.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Wendy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
The house was nice for a beach area with dogs. Minimally stocked. No shower gel or soap, or shampoo only hand soap. In the kitchen there was a coffee maker but no coffee; not even for one day. No can opener. The air conditioners were horrible. There were 2 units one in the living room and one in the bedroom. Both very noisy. The living room was freezing and the bedroom would not get cold. It is about 10-15 minute drive to the main town area and not very walkable. The road where the house is has construction. The yard was nice for the dogs as well as the decks. The host communicated quickly but with too much information.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gordon H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My fifth stay here. That covers everything important.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Darrell M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was fine, clean and the neighborhood was quite. Small fenced yard with a place for a child to play. The bed was the most uncomfortable I have ever slept on! I know a person can always find something they want to complain about and that only real complaint of the property. The cleanliness of the house was great and that means a lot. It doesn't smell like anyone has ever smoked in the house.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026

About the host

Hosted by Michael, Jean, Amy, or Alex

Host profile image
We’re a small, three‑generation family of homebuilders who have lived and worked along the Texas Gulf Coast for decades. Building homes has been part of our family since 1974, and today it’s still just us — Mike and Jean, our kids Steve and Amy, and even our grandson Alex learning the ropes. We don’t run a large management company or handle dozens of rentals. We simply care for the homes we built ourselves, and we take pride in keeping them clean, comfortable, and welcoming for every guest.

Fish Fantasea is a home our family enjoys just as much as our guests do. The open surroundings, wildlife, and world‑class bird‑watching on the Bolivar Peninsula are part of what makes this place special to us. We love the sunrise from the front deck, the sunset from the rear deck, and the peaceful views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean. When something needs improving, we fix it. When we find a way to make a stay easier or more enjoyable, we add it. Every update comes from real time spent here as a family.

We’re grateful for every guest who chooses to stay with us. Our hope is simple: that you feel welcome, relaxed, and at home — and that you leave with the same appreciation for this quiet coastal community that our family has carried for generations.

Why they chose this property

We chose this neighborhood because it captures the quiet, open coastal atmosphere our family has always loved. This part of the Bolivar Peninsula has wide, natural surroundings with plenty of space between homes, making it easy to relax and enjoy the views. The area is known worldwide for bird watching, and the open land around Fish Fantasea gives guests a front‑row seat to wildlife, coastal birds, and the natural beauty of the peninsula.

The location offers something special you do not find everywhere. Guests enjoy sunrise views from the front deck, sunset views from the rear deck, and beautiful views of both the Intracoastal Waterway with passing barges and the ocean from both decks. It is peaceful, breezy, and never feels crowded, even on busy weekends.

We also appreciate the balance this spot provides. You are close to the beach, restaurants, and shops in Crystal Beach, but the neighborhood itself stays calm and laid‑back. It is the kind of place where you can slow down, watch the wildlife, enjoy the water views, and experience the coast the way it used to be.

That is why we chose this neighborhood for Fish Fantasea. It reflects the quiet, scenic, easygoing coastal lifestyle our family enjoys, and it is a place we are proud to share with guests who appreciate the same things.

What makes this property unique

Fish Fantasea stands out for its rare combination of sunrise, sunset, ocean, and Intracoastal Waterway views — all from a single home. Guests can watch the sun rise over the water from the front deck, unwind with sunset colors from the rear deck, and enjoy both ocean views and barge traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway throughout the day. Very few homes on the Bolivar Peninsula offer this full spectrum of water views, and it is the feature guests talk about the most.

The home sits in one of the most open, natural areas of the Bolivar Peninsula, giving guests a level of privacy, wildlife viewing, and wide‑open scenery that is hard to find elsewhere. Bolivar is known as one of the top bird‑watching destinations in the world, and the open land surrounding Fish Fantasea provides a front‑row seat to coastal birds, wildlife, and the peaceful coastal environment our family has always loved.

The neighborhood stays calm even during busy weekends, making it easy to relax, enjoy the breeze, and take in the views. The quiet surroundings, the open space between homes, and the constant connection to the water create a coastal experience that feels both private and close to nature. Combined with simple check‑in, easy parking, and a comfortable layout, Fish Fantasea offers a peaceful, scenic retreat that feels like a true escape.

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English
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