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Entire home

The Hidden Jim River Cottage -Kayaks & Canoe

Holiday home in Weeki Wachee Gardens with outdoor pool and Hot tub

Photo gallery for The Hidden Jim River Cottage -Kayaks & Canoe

Exterior
Property grounds
Outdoor dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Nestled between Weeki Wachee Springs Park and the Gulf of Mexico, Hidden Jim Cottage offers a serene retreat. Unwind in your own backyard with kayaks, fishing poles, and life vests at your disposal or explore nearby attractions like Hospital Hole and Cypress Canal.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7102 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Washer
  • Kitchen

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

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

The Hidden Jim River Cottage -Kayaks & Canoe

The view & location are off the chain!

You’ll know you found a “hidden Jim” once you walk in and look through the sliding glass doors at the gorgeous crystal clear Weeki Wachee Springs River in your own backyard!!
The name comes from the original home owner named Jim who left a legacy for his family & you to enjoy.

This unpretentious newly remodeled cottage with 2 en suite primary bathrooms awaits you.

Completely equipped kitchen with kayaks, paddles, 5 life vests, & fishing poles for your outdoor adventures while exploring the Weeki Wachee River, the Gulf of Mexico, Hospital Hole, Cypress Canal, Jenkins Preserve and the back yard!

This house is perfectly nestled between The Weeki Wachee Springs Park & The Gulf of Mexico. It’s located directly across from the Weeki Wachee Preserve. Talk about location!

Swim, fish, boat, float on tubes or rafts in your own backyard. Or go explore by tubing, SUP, kayak, canoe hike or boat.

Grab lunch at the Upper Deck Restaurant, float down to Rogers Park, go enjoy our breathtaking sunsets by water at Bayport Pier. Also visit Pine Island Beach spend a day on the beach and have a picnic under the covered shelter, let them then enjoy a romantic sunset together.

This is a great location for getting away alone, with your sweetheart or bring the family. There’s plenty of outdoor activities for everyone.

Did we mention there are hiking trails, an array of local independent restaurants & bars and shops in the area?

If you’d like to rent a SUP, kayak or tube just order it from WeekiWacheeOutdoorCenter. They will deliver & pick up directly to your vacation home. Also if you had a great time and want a sovenior WWODC has embroidered beach towels available. They deliver with a $50/min order for purchases and 2/day min rental on water toys.

There are also local boat rental companies we are happy to refer you to. If you would like any additional services during your stay we will do our best to help accommodate them for you.
*Massage

*Additional cleaning during your stay

*Facials

*Flower delivery

The sky’s the limit with things to do here. So what are you waiting for?

Book your next vacation with us. Unplug, relax & enjoy nature today!


No moving furniture if moved $300 per furniture/Per item
No Pet property/If evidence of a pet is found there will be a $500 pet fee/Per pet
Any additional cleaning fee and or damage fee applies.

Please no check in on these holidays - Christmas Day, Easter Day , The July 4th , Thanks giving day our cleaning company has the day off. If you wish to check-in on these days the cleaning fee is double.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 1,100 square feet

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  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 213 reviews
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 24

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Remove, Inspect, reroll, & return floating island mat inside the patio. Remove, Inspect & return & all water vessels (tubes, kayaks, etc) from water & return to original location FACE DOWN.
Air Mattress: Inspect, Deflate, Pack into bag & return air mattress to original location in closet
Do NOT REMOVE SHEETS from bedroom#1 or bedroom #2. The cleaning company will spot treat (if needed) then wash them.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

No Smoking/ Vaping of any kind inside the house, or near doors. No Parties, No Fireworks on property.
No Pets $500./per pet Fee, No Furniture Moving $300. Fee No unregistered guests $20/pp for day/night visitors.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK. No fence blocking the water

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
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
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

About the area

Map
Spring Hill, FL

What's nearby

  • Weeki Wachee River - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Weeki Wachee Springs State Park - 6 min drive - 5.8 km
  • Bayport Park Boat Ramp - 8 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Pine Island Beach Park - 10 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Weeki Wachee Springs - 10 min drive - 9.1 km

Getting around

  • Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪7-Eleven - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Steak 'n Shake - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Weeki Pub - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does The Hidden Jim River Cottage -Kayaks & Canoe have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Hidden Jim River Cottage -Kayaks & Canoe pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Hidden Jim River Cottage -Kayaks & Canoe?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Hidden Jim River Cottage -Kayaks & Canoe?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Hidden Jim River Cottage -Kayaks & Canoe?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Hidden Jim River Cottage -Kayaks & Canoe located?

Situated in Weeki Wachee Gardens, this holiday home is steps from Weeki Wachee River and within 6 mi (10 km) of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and Bayport Park Boat Ramp. Bayport Park Pier and Weeki Wachee Springs are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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The Hidden Jim River Cottage -Kayaks & Canoe Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Anissa A.

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

Best time

Family trip with the 11 and 13 year old. We had the best time, this is a fantastic spot on the river. We swam, kayaked, fished. The house had everything we needed. (Shampoo:conditioner, dish soap, sponge, garbage bags, salt pepper and having a washer:dryer is great with all the wet towels. I had groceries delivered because we got in very late. There is so much wild life here. We saw otters, bats, owls, manatee, cardinals, it was amazing. The bugs in May are terrible. Make sure you are using spray and cover your body to avoid the noseeums. I hope the owners add a fire pit and hammock in the future. We already booked another trip. One last thing, there isn’t cell service but they do have very strong wifi. I took video calls for work with no problem. I recommend water shoes if swimming off the dock. Enjoy, it’s magical
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family had a fantastic time at this cottage. It was perfectly stocked with everything you need for outdoor fun, cooking, keeping beverages cold (two fridges) and all the comforts of home! We look forward to returning.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacob W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a great place right on the main river!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Jonathan R.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Great place but be aware of all the extra fees

The house way great, but I contacted host about having some family (4 extra people) come for my wife’s birthday they charged me an event fee of 500 rather than the 20 per person per day like stated in listing. Asked if we could check in early by an hour or two and said yes but it would be an additional 100 per hour early.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Penny C.

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

Beautiful

We could not have picked a more beautiful place to stay. Quiet neighborhood and just such a nice place. It was my daughter and I who stayed. We had family in the area that just came to visit 1 day. The house was really perfect inside. Beds comfortable and everything you need. We saw manatee and dolphins everyday. I will be staying here again in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara F.

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

Family Memories!

We gathered for the weekend with our daughter, her husband and three grandchildren. The home was comfortable for all ages. We loved staying in the main river. God shined on our favor with two manatee sightings this late in the season! Sonia was very kind and responsive. We wanted for nothing as she thought of everything to make us comfortable. We will return! .
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Annemarie B.

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

Amazing stay - will return!

Sonia’s place is such a gem! It had everything we needed, even kayaks! It was very nice and clean, and in a perfect location. There’s honestly nothing negative we can say, everyone in our group enjoyed it immensely and we are planning on returning soon
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne Marie B.

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

Great house on the river

Enjoyed our stay. House is as advertised. Has everything you need. Great location on river. Kayaks were a plus. Saw lots of manatees!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Douglas W.

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

A Trip to Remember!

If you’re looking to make some memories, this is your place! The cottage was perfect and had everything we needed for our stay. The kayaks were so fun and I’m grateful that we could use them without having to rent them. This cottage is directly on the Weeki Wachee river and I can’t even put into words how beautiful the water is. Sonja, our host, was amazing and her customer service is beyond incredible! We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thais T.

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

This truly is a Hidden Gem!

We had 2 four people families so 4 adults and 4 children and even my parents stayed at a nearby hotel and would day trip to this unit. The water behind the unit isn’t as sandy as the photos BUT it is crystal clear, no dangerous currents and the kids loved diving off the deck. The unit comes with 4 kayaks and a quick 3-5 minute paddle and you are in sandy, pristine spring heads. Everyday there are manatees traveling up and down the river. The two rooms have independent bathrooms. Lots of privacy not having to share bathrooms. The kitchen is well equipped and the living area is very comfortable. The unit is freshly remodeled and a joy to stay in. We would highly recommend this unit compared to a more expensive unit further up the river.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacey G.

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

Great family fun!

We had a fantastic time at the Hidden Jim! The house was clean and organized. The 2 beds were very comfortable. The water off the dock was nice and clear. We kayaked and saw lots of wildlife. We saw 4 manatee, including a mama and baby. We also saw cardinals and a huge owl in our yard. There were bats across the river that flew over the tree tops eating the bugs at sundown. None of them got close or bothered us, but it was neat to watch them fly around. Up the river we passed by the “Hot Dog” boat, they sell hot dogs and ice cream right in the water. We had a great time and look forward to visiting again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie S., Port St Lucie

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

Paradise

We stayed with our family of 5 at this hidden Jim house. The location on the river was better than I could have ever imagined! We spent 3 amazing days kayaking and swimming and the experience was almost magical!! The house was nice and recently remodeled although we truly spent most of our time outside! There was a dock in the back yard to sit on and watch the people pass by and to get in and out of our kayaks. There was also a nice screened in back porch to protect us from the noseeums in the evenings. We enjoyed the river so much and it was hard to say good bye! One of our most favorite vacation rentals ever!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anne P.

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

Great location!

Super clean house and you can’t beat the location. Fun and relaxing trip to this amazing slice of real Florida! This property had everything and more we needed for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

6/10 Okay

Connie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025