5 Crystal River rentals that you can see manatees from

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While few of us have the pleasure of living directly on one of Florida's most gorgeous waterways, that's not to say you can't spend a few days pretending--and right now during peak manatee season is the time to do it! Here are 5 cheap Crystal River rentals where you can watch the manatees swim by from the comfort of your private back porch. 

While there are many places in Florida to see manatees, Crystal River is an extra special spot due to the county's more-lax-than-normal laws. Citrus County is the only county in the state that allows you to swim with and "touch" a manatee (within their stated boundaries). It is highly illegal to get so up close and personal with wild manatees anywhere else in Florida. 

If you'd like to take advantage of this, consider a guided snorkeling tour with the 'tees for only $23.20 which you can purchase here while tickets are still available. 

But without further ado, here are the rentals you came here for!

1. The Boathouse (Pet-Friendly!)

This gorgeous 1-bed 1-bath house situated 100 yards from Kings Spring comes complete with exceptional water views, kayaks, a paddleboard, and bikes. Here's what the listing has to say, "The Boathouse offers a private one bedroom suite complete with a kitchenette, tiled bathroom with shower and features a large screened outdoor living space suspended over the water. Enjoy your evening meal watching the beautiful Florida sunset with the possibility of manatees literally at your doorstep." Best yet, the listing notes that this is a pet-friendly rental.

​Click here to see dates of availability.

2. Crystal River Escape

This 1-bedroom Crystal River Escape doesn't have any reviews yet, but it looks promising, especially for the price--and it sleeps 5! Here's what the listing says, "The fun begins outdoors with the availability of a 22 foot wet slip on the spring fed freshwater canal that leads by Three Sister’s Spring to Kings Bay and out to the Gulf of Mexico via Crystal River. A kayak is available for your excursions into the paradise that awaits you."

Click here to see dates of availability. 

3. Three Sisters Springs w/ River Access (Weekly & Monthly Rates!)

This totally-affordable unit with river access offers both weekly and monthly rates--so why don't you just stay a while? The unit sleeps 5 and is equipped with a kitchen, two bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Here's a little more info from the listing, "You have your own dock for fishing, bring your boat or use the dock for fishing, kayaking or enjoying the sun. Two Kayaks are included with the rental!! Your dock is close to the Springs - (a long swim or a short Kayak paddle) the premiere spot for manatee watching or Snorkeling!"

Click here to see dates of availability. 

4. Stunning 3-Story Family Home (Pool!)

Don't just rent a pavillion at any local park for your upcoming family reunion, put the money toward renting this monster of a home that can sleep up to 9 people! Here's the details, "This beautiful three story detached house with 3900 sq feet, overlooks a natural lagoon in Kings Bay Crystal River, Florida. Definitely family friendly with large screened in pool, huge lot with outdoor fire pit and room for games like corn hole on the lawn. Expect to have coffee in rocking chairs with a direct view of Kings Bay and spot the manatees while you do it. With ample patio decks you will spend a lot of down time just taking in the view and peace."

​Click here to see dates of availability. 

5. Waterfront Kings Bay

This is one of the top rated rentals in the area with 5/5 stars and 67 great reviews to match.  You and 5 friends can expect: "Amazing location, protected lagoon with spring vents, 100 yards to open water in Kings Spring, near Plantation Resort, floating 20' x 8' dock with seating, trailer parking, natural built in easy kayak launch with 2 high end kayaks, full wide seawall walk with large fish cleaning station, large backyard with shade and Adirondack seating around rock fire pit with low voltage night lighting."

Click here to see dates of availability.