- 09/17/2021 -
Better than described! Beautiful home and gracious owners.
"The home is very clean and updated. The owners are amazing, my family and I loved our stay. This is our new number one home to book on AMI. Everything that we needed for our stay was here. We were lucky to see Manatees almost every day of our trip. We will definitional book again. Wonderful experience!!"
- 07/31/2021 -
Manatee Watching was fun!
"We had a wonderful stay at Manatee Watch. Olaf and Marissa do a great job with their properties. As we have stayed across the street, a few years back! We will stay there again!"
- 07/24/2021 -
Manatee Watch is as good as advertised!
"Like so many of the reviews before us, we have nothing but good things to say about our experience with Manatee Watch and Olaf and Marissa. We would definitely stay again!
There was excellent communication leading up to our stay. Check in was a breeze. We had a couple questions during our stay and they were very responsive/helpful.
The property is exactly as shown in the listing. Very clean, up to date, and perfect for our family of 4. Bonus points for the grill being newer/cleaner than most rentals we’ve used :-)
The location is excellent. It’s less than 5 minutes to the beach by foot, and the beach access was not crowded at all. The canal is serene and peaceful, and we had Manatees swimming around most days. The grocery store, a marina, and several restaurants are less then 5 minutes away as well. It made our daily excursions accessible and easy.
We had a great time and recommend Manatee Watch for all it has to offer while at Holmes Beach/AMI."
- 07/17/2021 -
July 2021 Vacation
"This property was incredible and the owners were above and beyond. Olaf and Marissa were fantastic and so kind, the manatees kept us company all day - every day in the canal while we enjoyed the awesome pool. We have been vacationing to AMI for 8 years and this is one of our best house experiences. Thank you Olaf and Marissa!"
- 06/26/2021 -
Amazing
"This house was perfect and the hosts were amazing. The house was clean and came with all of the essentials and more. Many days we saw manatees and the beach was a short walk and never crowded. This was our first time in Anna Maria Island and Olaf & Marissa were so helpful answering all of our questions and gave great recommendations. We loved our stay and can't wait to stay again next year."
- 06/19/2021 -
Amazing
"House was perfect, just as described and pictured. We had zero issues during our stay. Communication with the host was great and they were super nice and welcoming. Can’t wait to stay here again next year."
- 06/12/2021 -
Absolutely Amazing
"This was my first time booking a VRBO so I was a little anxious. I had no reason to worry! The house was amazing & clean. Many days we saw manatees. The house came with all of the essentials (hand soap, face soap, dish soap, trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, & so much more). So no need to pack the essentials. The home is less than 5 minutes from publix and less than a 5 minute walk to the beach. The beach was never crowded. The home is also next to the trolley stop which is very convenient. Olaf & Marissa were always available when needed and were great hosts. I would definitely book one of their homes again."
- 05/29/2021 -
Fantastic week!
"The house was wonderful and just as described and as it looks in the photos. Perfect location. We loved the pool and hot tub. We saw manatees in the canal daily. Couldn’t have asked for a better vacation. We will be back for sure."
- 05/15/2021 -
Wonderful!
"My family of 5 had a wonderful time. The kids loved the pool and the toys, and I loved the well stocked kitchen, and clean house. There was enough laundry soap and dish tablets that we didn't have to buy them. We saw manatees almost every morning. Beach access is just down the road, we walked multiple times a day. Trolly stop is less than a minute walk. A great property. Olaf was quick to answer any questions, and super helpful on check-in. Book it. You won't be sorry!"
- 05/08/2021 -
Great place to stay!
"We loved our stay at manatee watch, beautiful house and perfect location. The pool area and deck was the perfect place to relax. We loved watching the manatees play in the channel every morning! Can’t wait to come back!"
- 04/10/2021 -
Great place!
"Very good - nice location and property and owner is very nice and responsive."
- 03/27/2021 -
Manatee’s galore!
"Manatee Watch was a perfect house for us! Olaf and Marissa couldn’t have been more accommodating and the house had everything we needed and more! We saw so many manatee’s each and every day from the dock. We will definitely stay here again!!"
- 03/20/2021 -
Beautiful Property
"We enjoyed our stay on AMI! The accommodations were perfect for our family. The pool and outdoor space was great. Watching the manatees in the bay was such a cool experience. We can’t wait to come back next year."
- 03/13/2021 -
Excellent house - had coffee on the dock with manatees each am
"This home was exactly as advertised. Clean, well equipped. Friendly and helpful owners. We’ve been to AMI many times and this was the first time we got to see manatees every day in the canal. Very cool experience. Thank you!!"
- 03/06/2021 -
An amazing week!
"This vacation home was perfect for our need. The home was clean and the kitchen was stocked with everything we needed. Just a short 3 minute drive to Publix made grocery shopping easy. The walk to the beach was easy and the pool was perfect. We did have some trouble heating the hot tub but a quick text to Olaf and he was right there to help us. We would highly recommend this property to anyone."
- 01/09/2021 -
Wonderful property
"This property was fantastic! Perfect location, close to the beach and town. Pool and spa worked perfectly, everything was pristine. The host were very accommodating."
- 12/26/2020 -
Our favorite place on AMI!
"Our second time renting a house from Olaf, the first time being the Coral Castle next door. We didn't need as much space this time around but LOVED the location. We would paddle board, kayak, and fish in the canal while enjoying the pool and then when the sun switched over behind the house, we would be able to walk 1 block to the beach and be there in 2 minutes to enjoy the rest of the day and the sunset! We used to prefer the north side of the island when visiting, but you truly cannot beat the location of Manatee Watch. Fishing poles, beach chairs, bait buckets, and beach cart are all on site. I was also pleased with the fact that there was plenty of TP, paper towel, trash bags, etc. Typically, we have found when renting you get a "starter" pack and then have to buy more. Not here! Olaf and Marissa were great hosts and have top notch houses. No doubt we will continue to come back each year! Thank you for another great vacation!"
- 10/24/2020 -
Heavenly Sanctuary
"Manatee Watch exceeded all our expectations. What a perfect week in this gorgeous and spotless home.
The owners are amazing, attentive, and friendly. They truly want the best for their guests. Everything was readily available; all our needs were met.
We received a text after 24 hours making sure we had everything we needed and were happy with the accommodations.
The private pool and spa was wonderful and just the right size for our family. From both the upper and lower decks you were able to watch the manatees in the inlet every day, making this home particularly special. The Gulf is only a few minutes walk across the street. The free trolley stops a short distance from the home which is convenient to travel up and down AMI.
Thank you Olaf and Marissa for your hospitality and for sharing your property with us.
It was truly restful and relaxing spending time in a home away from home!
We will be back for sure!
—A family from Minnesota and Texas"
- 10/17/2020 -
Great house!
"The house was amazing! The location is great we enjoyed the hot tub and pool with the water view. It is an easy walk to the beach and there is everything you need fir the beach (umbrella, chairs, beach cart, toys, fishing poles). The beach was not busy in the section we walked too! There is a free trolley stop close by. The owners are very accommodating and check in on you to see if you need anything. We will definitely be back!"
- 10/10/2020 -
Beach vacay
"This property was amazing, so close to beach, very clean. Pool and hot tub was nice as well, could walk to a lot of things. Will definitely stay here again. Oh yeah the manatees in the bay was great as was the jumping fish so relaxing to sit and watch them."
- 10/03/2020 -
Great owners, lovely house
"Manatee Watch is a beautiful home! We so enjoyed the pool and hot tub overlooking the wide canal! Marissa and Olaf are terrific owners that are attentive to their home and guests. The love they have for this vacation home shows throughout and they took care of any concerns extremely quick! We hope to return here and are grateful to them for sharing Manatee Watch with our family!"
- 08/29/2020 -
Great Property
"Manatee Watch lived up to its name, with manatees spotted every day in the canal. The location of this home is excellent, an easy walk to the beach. The house was smartly equipped and impeccably clean and presented exactly like described. Olaf, the host was exceptional, providing clear communication and ready to answer any questions or handle any issues that might arise. He wanted us to have a great time, and we did."
- 07/25/2020 -
Excellent
"The house was great and we all enjoyed getting to see the manatees up close. We had a great time splashing in the pool and just relaxing. Would definitely recommend."
- 07/18/2020 -
Great Florida Get-Away
"This house was perfect for our party of two adult couples (with one extra room available). The house had comfortable bedrooms and good space to "hang out" in the open living room/dining room/kitchen area, and outdoor space under cover or in the sun by the pool. The pool was clean and refreshing, with cleaning service twice during the week. Loved being on the water and regularly seeing manatees right off the back deck. The house is a short walk to the beach, and far enough from the main public beach access point to not be overly crowded. Good food options for delivery or eating outside; Publix is close too.
Olaf was great to work with, responded quickly to inquiries, and ensured the house was clean when we arrived. I would definitely stay again."
- 06/13/2020 -
Perfectly clean home in a great location!
"We had a wonderful stay at Manatee Watch! Watching the manatee eat and play from our dock was the highlight of our days. It was a safe and easy walk to the beach. The proximity to AMI Beach Cafe and Publix was convenient. The owners are kind, helpful and go above and beyond for their guests!"
- 06/06/2020 -
Wonderful Week
"The property was very clean and comfortable for a family of 5. Beautifully situated as well. The kids loved the pool and I loved the spa. You do have to give it a bit of time to heat up. Quick walk to the beach, a nice quiet spot away from the crowd. The street is quiet and peaceful but close to convenience. Communication with the manager both prior to and during the stay was perfect. A lot of love went into the place, you can tell. Also—we did get to see manatees several times! Once was a large group under water. Two different days we saw a couple come to the surface and play together. One day the neighbors saw a baby. Very enjoyable stay."
- 05/23/2020 -
Perfect family vacation
"Loved the house, it was perfect for our family. Kids loved the pool and the dock was perfect for keeping our boat tied up all week. Enjoyed every part of the vacation"
- 02/29/2020 -
Fabulous
"We had a wonderful time at Manatee Watch. The house had everything we needed. The outdoor space is fabulous - lovely pool and patio. But the highlight was the manatees. They visited every day. We spent hours on the dock watching them. Hope to visit again."
- 02/01/2020 -
5 Star in Holmes Beach
"Great accommodations , owners are great to work with!! It is a 5 star home."
- 01/25/2020 -
Beautiful home, wonderful host, hostess, met and exceeded our expectations. Will definitely return!
"Olaf and Mariska were wonderful"
- 01/11/2020 -
Manatee watch
"Awesome experience. Great location. Extremely clean house. Olaf and Marissa were incredible hosts who made things seamless from check in to check out. I would def stay at one of their properties again!"
- 12/28/2019 -
New Years Vacation
"I highly recommend staying at Manatee Watch. The property really lives up to its name as we had as many 4 manatee swimming directly off the dock every morning of our stay. There is plenty of sunshine all day long and the pool / spa was used daily. The house has everything you need from towels to cookware to barque to fishing poles to etc. Olaf checked in with us a couple of times during the week to make sure everything was going well. The location is great as you are close to everything you need including the public beach and grocery store. We definitely will stay here again."
- 12/14/2019 -
Excellent
"We had a wonderful time here. Couldn't recommend more highly.."
- 11/30/2019 -
Wonderful Home, Beautiful Pool, View, Perfect Location!
"This is the best and cleanest house we have stayed in in Florida. We enjoyed this home very much! The first day we were greeted by Manatees right off the canal deck. Even a mama with 2 young ones sitting on her tail. The pool and hot tub were amazing and easy to run and heat. We could look out at the canal while relaxing in the pool, from the upper deck, lower patio by the pool, or deck on the canal. So many choices with beautiful views. You can watch TV while in the pool. There is a TV in each bedroom as well. The beach is a quick walk - about 5 minutes. There is a beach cart to haul all your beach necessities including many choices of beach chairs and an umbrella. There are fishing poles available to use at the canal. The Rod and Reel Fishing Pier is a hot spot for catching fish. They have a quaint bar at the end of the pier with cheap beer prices. This home is Centrally located to alot of places to visit. Walgreens and Publix are a stones throw away. Anna Maria Cafe is walking distance around the corner. They have an awesome breakfast while looking out at the gulf. Anna Maria Cafe also has a tiki bar on the beach. You can walk to it from the house or from the beach. Everything around was within perfect distance from this house. The area is very quiet and peaceful. The inside of the home was so clean and comfortable. The owner, Olaf is very accomodating and available for any questions. He made things very nice and easy through the rental and property access process. We will definately be back!"
- 11/23/2019 -
Amazing!
"We had a fantastic stay at Manatee Watch! The property was exceptionally clean and exactly as pictured. There were manatees everyday in the canal and watching them play was so special. Olaf and Marissa were great hosts and checked in to make sure everything was going smoothly. We’ll definitely be back!"
- 11/12/2019 -
Perfect!
"Our family stayed at Manatee Watch Oct 12- 21. This home was perfect for our family of 5! The house was amazing and was well supplied with quality cookware, fishing poles, pool toys, beach stuff, etc... The pool was awesome and heated. The dock was our kids favorite part of the house. They would wake up every morning and watch the Manatee. They also fished and caught an array of fish! The kids loved this place!
The location was excellent! The beach is basically 2 small blocks from the house and the free trolley is steps from the front door.
Olaf and Marissa were excellent hosts and very accommodating by checking on us periodically to see if we needed anything and to make sure the pool and everything was working properly.
We are definitely planning on coming back to Manatee Watch soon! Thanks Olaf and Marissa for your beautiful home and the amazing memories our family was able to make there!"
- 10/20/2019 -
Wow!! Wow!! Wow!!
"I can’t express enough what a wonderful property this is. It’s beautiful clean, and a great location. It’s a 3 minute walk to the beach and very close to shops, restaurants and grocery stores. As of 10/26/19 we left 2 working fishing poles with extra hooks and weights for you to enjoy some fishing in the canal with the kids. There was a beach umbrella, beach chairs with plenty of toys and a cart to conveniently take everything to the beach. My daughter loved watching the Manatee right beside our deck and caught her very first fish in the canal. We loved going to the beach for a few hours and then hanging out at the pool and cooking out on the grill while watching some tv on the back patio or getting ready and going out for some fresh seafood.
Take a look at everything that is stocked in the kitchen before you go grocery shopping, people left oil, salt pepper, spices, foil, sandwich bags etc etc Olaf and Marissa are great people and quick to respond to any request, they even brought us over some box fans because we are used to sleeping with white noise. Just great people and a great place!! We really loved our stay here and will be definitely coming back!!!"
- 08/24/2019 -
We had a fantastic week and the home was clean, beautifully decorated and an easy walk to the beach.
"The owners were extremely helpful and friendly. My children loved the pool and hot tub. It was a very short walk to the beach and conveniently located to restaurants and the grocery store. We would not hesitate to stay here again."
- 08/10/2019 -
Great house in Holmes Beach
"This was one of the best houses I have stayed at on Anna Maria Island. The house was lovely and the location was perfect. We enjoyed looking at the canal and the walk to Manatee public beach was great. It rained a lot and the covered area by the pool was awesome. Olaf's communication was great and he checked in with us a couple of times to be sure we had everything we needed. The house was super clean and very well stocked. Would definitely stay again."
- 07/27/2019 -
Perfect family holiday !
"Beautiful house, very clean, everything is provided, kids loved the pool + spa, close to the beach, everyday manantees in the canal, highly recommended. We had a great week and wanted to stay longer it was the perfect holiday. Olaf & Marissa are very nice people, thank you that we could stay at your wonderful home."
- 07/13/2019 -
July vacation with 4 kids
"Property had everything we needed. Wonderful week. Impeccably clean, pool was perfect, along with daily watching the manatees. Distance from beach is also a very easy 3 minute walk. Ready to return already."
- 07/06/2019 -
Wonderful place to stay
"My family had such a wonderful time! The home is so beautiful and there were manatees swimming everyday to watch. It is a great location, close to anything you need. Even though lots of rain during our stay, one of our favorite vacations yet."
- 06/15/2019 -
Better than Advertised!!
"Our family of four spent a week at Manatee Watch and could not have had a better time. All four of us felt that it was one of the best places we have stayed. Olaf and Marissa were great, Olaf did a great job of communicating with me about the house, directions, check in procedures and check out procedures. He checked on us during the week to make sure our stay was going well. It was our first time using VRBO. The house is really laid out well and the bedrooms were nice. Nice big kitchen table in the well appointed kitchen. The pool and the hot tub were refreshing and easy to operate. We read other reviews about Manatee Watch, raving about watching the manatees in the water just off the deck..... We saw manatees every day!!! Very relaxing just to sit on the dock and watch the manatees. A short walk to a beach of white sands and emerald water. The beach is not crowded and was very relaxing. Turtle nests up and down the beach. The house comes equipped with beach chairs, beach toys and a beach cart. The pool has inflatable rafts. Everything you need to enjoy the beach and the pool. The location of the house was convenient to everything on Anna Marie Island and Bradenton. So many nice beaches on the Island. Olaf and Marissa provided a notebook filled with great information about where to eat and things to do, very helpful. I can't think of anything I would improve about the house. Thanks again for a great week!!!!!!!!"
- 05/25/2019 -
VRBO expert review- This place is amazing!
"Okay, we use VRBO as a family often and this was hands down the best experience we EVER had! I’d rate this place 10 stars if that was an option. Olaf and Marissa were amazing property managers. They greeted us upon arrival gave us a tour and showed us how everything worked. Next the house was stocked with getting started items that are so wonderful to have right away, TP, paper towels, cooking essentials (oils, foil, plastic wrap, spices), trash bags, dish soap, hand soap for all bathrooms and countless other basic cooking and bath extras that sometimes are just not provided at rental properties. Property was immaculate and very up to date with furniture and appliances. Everything was in PERFECT working order (lights, pool, spa, comfortable beds). I could tell the management company goes to great lengths to ensure a wonderful welcome making sure everything is ready to go for guests... The home also included some pool toys, rafts, beach chairs and even a beach cart. Our cart broke one day and Olaf and Marisa replaced it in less then 1 hour with a brand new one. Amazing service. The view is magical!! We saw manatees every day, parrots, coconuts grow on tree by pool I mean just paradise! Lastly every TV is equipped with a Roku box...awesome! So be sure to bring your Netflix user name and password. Pictures of property are totally accurate. Walk to beach is less then 3 minutes AND the BEST part our part of the beach was nearly empty. All the beach crowd is to the left and pretty far away from this private spot! Sand is smooth as silk, kids will not need beach shoes...but be sure to pack sun shirts for everyone we used them every day. Lastly, I managed to leave my makeup bag behind. Property manager reached out to me immediately to let me know...very awesome. Totally first class stay all the way. The secret is out...you will LOVE this place. WILL BE BACK!!!!"
- 05/04/2019 -
FANTASTIC
"This is an amazing property. House was spotless, comfortable and very well appointed with everything a family needs. Setting is beautiful...who needs Netflix when you can chill on the patio or by/in the pool and watch manatees in the canal!
Olaf and Marissa are lovely to deal with and extremely responsive. House is in a great location on AMI - it's a quick walk to manatee beach and easy drive to Bradenton beach. Anna Maria island is great and there's plenty to do with lots great restaurants."
- 04/27/2019 -
Perfect vacation
"Olaf and Marissa were excellent to work with and their attention to every detail is above and beyond! There isnt a thing we would change with this home. Clean, comfortable, picture perfect, manatees playing in the canal all day - the pool and beach toys were in great shape and clean!"
- 04/20/2019 -
Family of 5!
"This property was so clean, it’s amenities blew us away and the location is so perfect. We saw manatees everyday all day. Quiet neighborhood. We highly recommend this property."
