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Deep-Water Retreat: Dock/Kayaks/Pool & Dogs Welcomed

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Enjoy cooking in this well-equipped kitchen with a microwave, oven, and refrigerator, plus a window offering a view of the outdoors.
Relax by the pool surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Enjoy cooking in this well-lit kitchen with a stovetop, refrigerator, and stainless steel range hood.
Relax in this stylish living space with a sofa, dining table, and ceiling fan.
Relax in a serene outdoor space with a swing set, bench, and wicker furniture, offering views of the surrounding area and a boat dock.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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

Property manager

Sandra Mathis

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Heated pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Charcoal grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Things to do

  • Heated pool

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Garden
  • Recycling
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet
  • Water-efficient toilets

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the area

Map
Crystal River, FL

What's nearby

  • Crystal River Watersports Marina - 17 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Crystal River Archaeological State Park - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Hunter Spring Park - 5 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Three Sisters Springs - 7 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - 8 min drive - 6.8 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Cody's Original Roadhouse - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Sara's Diner - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Cracker's Bar & Grill - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Deep-Water Retreat: Dock/Kayaks/Pool & Dogs Welcomed have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Deep-Water Retreat: Dock/Kayaks/Pool & Dogs Welcomed pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at Deep-Water Retreat: Dock/Kayaks/Pool & Dogs Welcomed ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Deep-Water Retreat: Dock/Kayaks/Pool & Dogs Welcomed ?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Deep-Water Retreat: Dock/Kayaks/Pool & Dogs Welcomed located?

This family-friendly Crystal River vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Crystal River Archaeological State Park, Crystal River Preserve State Park, and Crystal River Watersports Marina. Hunter Spring Park and Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Deep-Water Retreat: Dock/Kayaks/Pool & Dogs Welcomed Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 53 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Donnissa B.

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

Great Location

This house is in a great location that is close to restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities. There are 2 living room areas which is nice along with a very inviting pool. Beds were comfortable and nice large walk-in master shower. Would stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Lorie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

get away

It was a very nice place. We enjoyed the private pool.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Brad

Excellent time

We were looking for a place in Crystal River to stay while we did the Manatee tour. The house was exactly what we wanted, great location and the kids loved the pool.

10/10 Excellent

Cathy J.

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

Family Visit

Amazing property! Spotless and comfortable. Not a thing was missed from the thoughtful touches around the home to the basic essentials. We will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dustin T.

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

Manatee getaway!

Took a long weekend trip to take our kids to see manatees. We had a great experience, great space, close to many of our activities, and owner was very helpful with all requests! Very satisfied with our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gina

Great Weekend Spot

Lovely house at the end of a canal with a screened pool and a large enclosed porch. The floating dock was great for fishing and nature watching. Wonderful weekend with my kids & grandkids

10/10 Excellent

Gina B.

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

Nice Getaway on the Water

This location was ideal for exploring the area. It was also great for chilling at the house. The covered pool was awesome for the kids and we all loved fishing from the dock. The kitchen was well stocked. All in all. A good stay!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hailey K.

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

Great Getaway!

We had a great long weekend scalloping and fishing and this was the perfect house! We brought our 19 ft boat and kept it on the new dock on the canal which was awesome. Kitchen has new appliances, organized cookware, and a nesspresso maker which was definitely a nice touch! The pool was great to come back to after long hot days spent on the boat. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlene W., Astatula, FL, USA

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

Another Wonderful Year

This was our second time staying at this property and once again it was a HUGE WIN! The house is so cute and the pool and back porch make it a stellar property. We love this home and hope to stay here for years to come for our June trip.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lorie

Crystal River

We stayed here. It was a very cute place.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Malcolm

Nice Place for a Short Stay

Everything was great but could not sleep on uncomfortable bed in master bedroom. I could not stay any longer without sleep.

8/10 Good

Malcolm M., St Petersburg

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

Nice Place for a Short Trip

Enjoyed the house on Crystal River for a short stay. The one complaint is that the master bedroom bed was extremely uncomfortable. My husband and I have different preferences of the firmness of the bed, but it was not comfortable for either one of us, making it very hard for both of us to sleep. Very worn out on both sides of the bed.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

6/10 Okay

Colleen R.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Crystal River Stay

The location was great - the rest of the property is a bit run down and needs to be upgraded. One of the beds was full of sand so the sheets hadn't been changed. Needs more variety of cookware in the kitchen since the gas and charcoal grills were unusable because they were so dirty and rusted. The drain in the second bathroom was sluggish and threatened to overflow the tub. The fill valve on the second bathroom screamed as it was filling and would wake up the house in the middle of the night.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

6/10 Okay

Ken C., St Petersburg, Flaroda

Liked: Cleanliness, location

Short of Essentials

The house was advertised as a three bedroom two bathroom but was a two bedroom and two bath and had one frying pan and no pots, it also lacked things like salt and pepper and other simple items which one would think would be included. The house was clean and neat and met our needs but could be improved with some simple additions.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren C.

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

Great place to stay in Crystal River

Great place to stay in Crystal River! Nice quiet neighborhood. Good communication from the property owner. Very clean. The private pool was great to come back to after the exploring all there is to do in the area! Would definitely book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joseph M., Lakeland, Florida

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

Great place to vacation

This house is located in a quiet canal 5 minutes from boat ramp, marine fuel and manatee charter. Easy access to the Gulf for scalloping and kings bay for great restaurants and springs. House is very clean and has two living areas inside and a large screened porch pool is a very nice amenity. The house is very livable and comfortable with a well stocked kitten and plenty of linens and towels. We will definately be back for another trip.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jason D.

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

Great Scallop getaway!

Comfortable house, that was very clean. It was nice to have a pool to lounge around in, host was very friendly!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

James

Great

Loved the house on canal had boat docked there .loved the pool

10/10 Excellent

Charlene W., Astatula, FL, USA

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

Cute and Quiet

Wonderful home on a quiet canal. Canal was deep enough and dock was big enough for our 30’ boat. House was clean and cutely decorated. Loved the kitchen, pool, and back porch. Exactly what we’ve been looking for the last three summers. Only thing missing was larger pots and pans but definitely not a huge deal. We made it work. Hoping to book again next summer.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tracy M.

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

Fun river house

Home was comfy and had everything you need. Pool and deck are were nice. Will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah L.

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

Crystal river

Great time
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Tracy H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Great location on canal. We saw a couple of large manatees on the first day and a 3 foot alligator on the next to last day. The pool is small but was adequate. However there are a lot of bugs in the screened in pool area due to the large amount of foliage in there which made it unpleasant to sit out there. The amount of chlorine in the pool is intolerable. Great house with a lot of potential but a lot of things are broken and need repair. The most needing repair is the squeaky bed in the master bedroom and the toilet with the leaky seal in the master bathroom that very loudly fills up every 15 minutes. We had to shut the toilet lid and close the bathroom door to keep it from waking us up. There were a handful of roaches and that is a problem that they need to hire a professional pest control person to fix. It didn’t really bother us but that might be a dealbreaker for some people. It was a small house with a small pool but it was adequate for three people. The cleaning people don’t do a very good job. They definitely need to go through and clean out all of the junk and extra stuff and furniture and get a new set of pans. Part of why people rent a house is because they want to cook meals at home. The barbecue is also in terrible shape. We really enjoyed our stay there but definitely feel that the owners and property management could make it a really nice place that would be more in line with what they are charging for it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michel C.

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

Great location

Home is in a great location, close to the boat ramp, and has its own dock to park our boat. Not far from the main channel that leads to the Gulf or Kings Bay. Home had plenty of room for our party of 4, and the pool was a very nice feature to come home to after a long day out on the water. Contactung the owner was no problem and they are very nice. Will definitely book again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lori R.

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

Great place in a great location

All as described, nice place. Excellent pool, great location. Our only wish would be to have kayaks available to use. Communication was excellent!! Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

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

Weekend getaway for our friends and us. The house was great (maybe consider labeling the switches!)

We had a great weekend, opted not to pay $25 a day to heat the pool. Water temperature was at 80° so we suffered through. Location was ideal for us and what we wanted to do. The home is lovely, but recommend getting rid of/replacing the sun baked Adirondack chairs by the pool - they were all too broken to sit in. The house had everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022