House in Crystal River, FL
9 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
High-end valueWell priced for this area
About this house rental
Welcome to the Mermaid house-a laid back waterfront getaway perfect for relaxing, entertaining and exploring Crystal River. With a private heated pool, outdoor tiki bar, kayaks, two floating docks for boats & space for the whole crew, you'll be just minutes by boat or car from iconic springs, wildlife and a beach at the end of Ft. Island Trail in the Gulf.
> Three Sisters Springs (7 mins)
> Hunter Springs Park (6 mins)
> Ft. Island Gulf Beach (5 min)
> Plantation Resort and Golf (5 mins)
Any problems please call the owner Chris Welch and you will receive my contact information after booking.
The Mermaid House is located off Ft. Island Trail in a quiet, upscale neighborhood, where you're surrounded by nature, water access, and just minutes from the springs, beach and heart of downtown Crystal River.
At the Mermaid House you'll be just minutes by boat to car from iconic springs, wildlife and a beach at the end of Ft. Island Trail in the Gulf.
> Three Sisters Springs (7 mins)
> Hunter Springs Park (6 mins)
> Ft. Island Gulf Beach (5 min)
> Plantation Resort and Golf (5 mins)
CLOSE TO BOAT RAMP
Ft. Island Trail is a great road with boat ramp a mile further down Ft. Island Trail at 11978 W. Blue Bayou Ct., Crystal River, FL: 34429. A little further down is Twin River's Marina, 2880 N. Seabreeze Point, Crustal River, FL. 34429. A great spot to put your boat in if you need gas or supplies.
A little further down the road is Ft. Island Beach, 14024 W. Ft. Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. This is a large sandy beach area where you can spend the day enjoying the beach.
Back the other way and toward town on Ft. Island Trial and just three miles from the house is the Plantation Hotel and golf resort. It has a great restaurant, a fun tiki bar, a large pool, a scuba and snorkeling center and they have charter fishing and manatee trips.
GUEST ACCESS
Guests have full access to the entire 3 bedroom/ 2bath home, garage, pool area, cocks, tiki bar & all amenities including kayaks, paddleboards & beach cruisers.
Self-check-in for easy arrival.
> Newly renovated home set up for entertaining
> 3 big bedrooms (1 King, 3 Queens + Bonus Twin)
> 2 full baths
> Heated screened pool w/ lounge & dining area
> Large open stocked kitchen w/ island and ample seating
> Tiki bar w/ 10 seats, lights, fans & grill Station
> 2 floating docks & fish cleaning station
> 6 kayaks & 2 paddleboards (kids & adult sizes)
> Game garage: large ice machine (250 lbs), extra fridge & arcade games
> Smart TVs in every bedroom & outdoor pool area
> Quiet upscale canal neighborhood off of Ft. Island Trail
BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS
The primary suite offers a king bed, pool & dock views, and private access to the screened lania/pool area. Private bath with shower and a Smart tv.
The second bedroom has a queen bed and a bonus twin in a hideaway closet nook. It is very close to the guest bath. Plenty of space for your luggage/clothes along with a Smart tv.
The third (largest) bedroom features 2 queen beds, sliding door to the pool, and games for kids with a Smart tv.
KITCHEN & DINING
The heart of the home is the bright, open-concept kitchen-fully stocked & perfect for cooking or hanging out. With plenty of prep space, seating, and a dining table, everyone can gather here. A second fridge in the garage helps keeps drinks & groceries ready.
LOUNGE SPACES
The living area offers comfy seating, a large Smart tv, and french doors which open right onto the screened pool deck. The living & kitchen area flows seamlessly so everyone stays connected.
OUTSIDE SPACE
Step into your private screened lania w/heated pool, dining space, lounge chairs, fan & smart tv. Just beyond the pool, enjoy the tiki bar w/ seating for 10, string lights, & canal views. Launch kayaks or paddleboards from the floating docks, or relax by the fire pit & enjoy the wildlife.
This is where we hang out a good bit and another great place to relax and enjoy the wildlife. The canal is nice and quiet and you will see all different kinds of animals. There are no houses across the canal so when you are out back it is nice and private. Also, there are not many houses past the mermaid house so very little boat traffic. Great to let the kids use the kayaks or paddleboard and explore the canal.
We have a gas grill under the tiki, a gas fire pit with chairs, a fish cleaning station and fresh water for cleaning the catch or the boat out on the end of the fixed dock. There is power and a large lights useful for when you get back late on the boat.
The two floating docks are perfect to tie your boat (can accommodate two boats) and launch the kayaks/paddleboards.
Again we have six kayaks for your use....two smaller ones, for kids or teens, three large single and a tandem kayak. Also there are two paddleboards, one for kids and the other rated for 240 pounds.
Most guests bring their own vehicle but if needed Uber and taxis are available in Crystal River.
> Three Sisters Springs (7 mins)
> Hunter Springs Park (6 mins)
> Ft. Island Gulf Beach (5 min)
> Plantation Resort and Golf (5 mins)
Any problems please call the owner Chris Welch and you will receive my contact information after booking.
The Mermaid House is located off Ft. Island Trail in a quiet, upscale neighborhood, where you're surrounded by nature, water access, and just minutes from the springs, beach and heart of downtown Crystal River.
At the Mermaid House you'll be just minutes by boat to car from iconic springs, wildlife and a beach at the end of Ft. Island Trail in the Gulf.
> Three Sisters Springs (7 mins)
> Hunter Springs Park (6 mins)
> Ft. Island Gulf Beach (5 min)
> Plantation Resort and Golf (5 mins)
CLOSE TO BOAT RAMP
Ft. Island Trail is a great road with boat ramp a mile further down Ft. Island Trail at 11978 W. Blue Bayou Ct., Crystal River, FL: 34429. A little further down is Twin River's Marina, 2880 N. Seabreeze Point, Crustal River, FL. 34429. A great spot to put your boat in if you need gas or supplies.
A little further down the road is Ft. Island Beach, 14024 W. Ft. Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. This is a large sandy beach area where you can spend the day enjoying the beach.
Back the other way and toward town on Ft. Island Trial and just three miles from the house is the Plantation Hotel and golf resort. It has a great restaurant, a fun tiki bar, a large pool, a scuba and snorkeling center and they have charter fishing and manatee trips.
GUEST ACCESS
Guests have full access to the entire 3 bedroom/ 2bath home, garage, pool area, cocks, tiki bar & all amenities including kayaks, paddleboards & beach cruisers.
Self-check-in for easy arrival.
> Newly renovated home set up for entertaining
> 3 big bedrooms (1 King, 3 Queens + Bonus Twin)
> 2 full baths
> Heated screened pool w/ lounge & dining area
> Large open stocked kitchen w/ island and ample seating
> Tiki bar w/ 10 seats, lights, fans & grill Station
> 2 floating docks & fish cleaning station
> 6 kayaks & 2 paddleboards (kids & adult sizes)
> Game garage: large ice machine (250 lbs), extra fridge & arcade games
> Smart TVs in every bedroom & outdoor pool area
> Quiet upscale canal neighborhood off of Ft. Island Trail
BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS
The primary suite offers a king bed, pool & dock views, and private access to the screened lania/pool area. Private bath with shower and a Smart tv.
The second bedroom has a queen bed and a bonus twin in a hideaway closet nook. It is very close to the guest bath. Plenty of space for your luggage/clothes along with a Smart tv.
The third (largest) bedroom features 2 queen beds, sliding door to the pool, and games for kids with a Smart tv.
KITCHEN & DINING
The heart of the home is the bright, open-concept kitchen-fully stocked & perfect for cooking or hanging out. With plenty of prep space, seating, and a dining table, everyone can gather here. A second fridge in the garage helps keeps drinks & groceries ready.
LOUNGE SPACES
The living area offers comfy seating, a large Smart tv, and french doors which open right onto the screened pool deck. The living & kitchen area flows seamlessly so everyone stays connected.
OUTSIDE SPACE
Step into your private screened lania w/heated pool, dining space, lounge chairs, fan & smart tv. Just beyond the pool, enjoy the tiki bar w/ seating for 10, string lights, & canal views. Launch kayaks or paddleboards from the floating docks, or relax by the fire pit & enjoy the wildlife.
This is where we hang out a good bit and another great place to relax and enjoy the wildlife. The canal is nice and quiet and you will see all different kinds of animals. There are no houses across the canal so when you are out back it is nice and private. Also, there are not many houses past the mermaid house so very little boat traffic. Great to let the kids use the kayaks or paddleboard and explore the canal.
We have a gas grill under the tiki, a gas fire pit with chairs, a fish cleaning station and fresh water for cleaning the catch or the boat out on the end of the fixed dock. There is power and a large lights useful for when you get back late on the boat.
The two floating docks are perfect to tie your boat (can accommodate two boats) and launch the kayaks/paddleboards.
Again we have six kayaks for your use....two smaller ones, for kids or teens, three large single and a tandem kayak. Also there are two paddleboards, one for kids and the other rated for 240 pounds.
Most guests bring their own vehicle but if needed Uber and taxis are available in Crystal River.
Amenities at Waterfront Oasis w/ Heated Pool & Tiki Bar-kayaks-close to springs-we have some open weekends in June 2026!!!
Non-smoking
Pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of Crystal River, FL
Ratings and reviews
Summary of reviewsThe Mermaid House exceeded all expectations with its clean and well-equipped amenities, making it a perfect location for a family vacation.
10 / 10Outstanding·Jan 2026
I almost don't want to put in this review because I want to keep this rental all for myself!From the modern, clean and welcome appearance to the added perks like bicycles, kayaks, paddle boards, docks, games, and a fantastic swimming pool-this rental is worth every penny.Chris is incredible responsive and truly wants you to enjoy yourself at his home.We were able to see the blue egret several times during our stay and made sure to put some signed dollar bills on the tiki bar.Things to know: -Make sure to pay attention to the tides, canal water levels go up and down.-Publix is nearby, but it is easy to get food deliveries from restaurants. -Make sure to eat at some of the local eateries. Everyone is so nice, we especially loved The Biscuit Barn for breakfast.-You are minutes away from everything in this home without being crowded.-Watersedge Kayak Tours was so good we booked them twice. -Plantation Adventure Tours is right down the road and great as well.-Make sure to visit the shops in the quaint old fashioned main street for souvenirs which is just minutes away.-Once you are done with all of your activities for the day, go back home to relax and soak in the pool.-A quiet neighborhood with a view of the water across the street, it's a nice area to take a short evening bike ride.Seeing and swimming with manatees was a bucket list item for me. I could not have had a better place to stay to fulfill that wish.We love Mermaid House!
10 / 10Outstanding·Dec 2025
This house was absolute paradise! It was immaculate and had every amenity you could want. the location was ideal and the neighborhood is peaceful and quite. the house is spacious and is furnished well. There were six of us staying and there was plenty of room for everyone. I have stayed in many homes and this by far is the best! The host was kind and responsive and made sure we felt at home. If I could give this 100 start rating I would.
10 / 10Outstanding·Dec 2025
Another amazing stay at the Mermaid House! It was our fourth visit, and we’ll be back again. Chris is an exceptional host. The property is always clean and well-equipped, exceeding expectations. Highly recommend! Sets a high standard that’s very difficult for other properties to achieve. Thanks, Chris!
10 / 10Outstanding·Dec 2025
We enjoyed sitting by the pool and played music on the outside tv while our granddaughter played in the pool.We had wild life visitors while out at the tiki hut. A blue heron came really close, so we gave it a little bread. Now the squirrels would get really close, so we started leaving peanuts out for them.The house was great!!! The huge island in the kitchen is ideal. The kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed to cook and grill.The granddaughter really loved the games in the garage.Especially Ms Pacman!Chris, the host was great to work with.We originally booked this house for Thanksgiving 24. But the house was still being repaired from hurricane damage. So instead of refunding the money, we moved the booking to Thanksgiving 2025.It was well worth the wait!!!We will be booking the house again!Thanks for the use of your home!
$$$$
Top rated by guests
10Outstanding
(299 Ratings)
The Mermaid House exceeded all expectations with its clean and well-equipped amenities, making it a perfect location for a family vacation.
From real guest reviews summarized by AIDon't miss out! Price and availability may change
