The Homosassa Island Lodge is located on the Homosassa River on the west coast of Florida. The 7.7 mile long river begins at Homosassa Springs (add link to Springs) and flows west into the Gulf of Mexico.

Homosassa Island Lodge is situated on an island, half way between the marina’s, shopping, parking and restaurants, and the Gulf of Mexico and is only accessible by boat.

The town of Homosassa is 75 miles north of Tampa and 90 miles northwest of Orlando.

Travel times to Homosassa Island Lodge is approximately 15-20 minutes depending on time of year. Once on the island, travel time to the Gulf of Mexico is around 10 minutes.

Aerial with Circle

The Homosassa Island Lodge is located on the Homosassa River on the west coast of Florida. The 7.7 mile long river begins at Homosassa Springs (add link to Springs) and flows west into the Gulf of Mexico.

Homosassa Island Lodge is situated on an island, half way between the marina’s, shopping, parking and restaurants, and the Gulf of Mexico and is only accessible by boat.

The town of Homosassa is 75 miles north of Tampa and 90 miles northwest of Orlando.

Travel times to Homosassa Island Lodge is approximately 15-20 minutes depending on time of year. Once on the island, travel time to the Gulf of Mexico is around 10 minutes.

Homosassa Island Lodge is located on an island, approximately 3 miles down river, roughly half way between the mainland and the Gulf of Mexico. You will either need to launch your own boat at one of several boat ramps, or you can rent a boat. If you are in need of a water taxi, there are several available. Please note that there are no running lights on boat rentals. You cannot pilot boat on river after dusk or before sunrise, but boat can be docked at Homosassa Island Lodge over night.

LOCAL MARINAS

If you will be needing overnight boat rental, book early as limited availability for overnight rentals.

Homosassa Springs Marina

(formally Magic Manatee Marina) 10806 W. Halls River Road Homosassa, FL 34448
(352) 628-7334

• Boat rental – overnight available*


McRae’s of Homosassa

5300 S. Cherokee Way Homosassa, FL
(352) 628-2602
• Boat rental – overnight available • Can add running lights to boat • Public boat ramp


The Last Resort

10738 West Halls River Road Homosassa, FL 34448
Phone: (352) 628-7117
• Boat rental – overnight available*


Riverhaven Marina

5296 S Riverview Circle Homosassa, FL
(352) 628-5545

• Boat rental – no overnight • Boat ramp


Riverside Resort & Marina

5297 S. Cherokee Way Homosassa, FL 800-442-2040

• Boat rental – no overnight • Boat ramp

You can park your vehicle at the marina where you launched your boat or rented your boat.

  • Yes, you will need a license to fish or scallop unless you are with a chartered guide.
  • Anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 who fishes in Florida must have a fishing license.
  • Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops, even when scalloping from shore.
  • Click here for Scallop Season and Bag Limit Information

Where to get your license:

Many live bait and tackle shops sell fishing licenses or you can go to the local tag agency.

Several sports retailers sell fishing licenses:

WalMart

Gander Mountain

Dicks Sporting Goods

Kmart

Sports Authority

Online Saltwater Fishing Licenses

or

GoOutdoorsFlorida.com


Please visit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for who needs a license and who is exempt.

If you are looking for a vacation destination that offers large living space, clean and comfortable sleeping rooms and great entertaining facilities all with Florida rustic charm, we are definitely the choice for you. This resort is on a private island, guaranteeing you a quiet and serene family vacation, or a great get away with friends. And remember… because it is an island retreat, everything you will need must be transported down river via boat.


 Homosassa Island Lodge has three bedrooms upstairs: Tranquility, Riverview and Riverwalk.

  • Tranquility -two queen beds, dresser, mirror,table and chair, nightstand, overlooking river.
  • Riverview– two double beds, nightstand, dresser, mirror, overlooking river.
  • Riverwalk – two double beds, one twin bed, nightstand, dresser, mirror, overlooking side yard and views to tributary river in back.
  • For those who would rather sleep on the main floor, we offer a downstairs trundle bed.
  • Upstairs Bathroom – two pedestal sinks, two commodes, one jack-and-jill tub and shower combination.

Common Areas

  • Kitchen – everything the aspiring chef could ask for – the kitchen comes equipped with everything you will need to prepare your triple A beef or your catch of the day. Two refrigerators, large gas range with flat top, two sinks, butcher block island and enough room for multiple cooks and assistants to work at the same time.
  • Eating area – features two large octagonal tables and seating for 16. There is plenty of room for games, cards and large family/friends dining. Lazy Susan’s on each table. Overlooking river.
  • Built in bar – belly up to the bar and spin your fish tales. Constructed from beautiful Pecky Cypress wood and seating for 6. The walking area behind bar area features a sink, counter for mixing and enough bar supplies for a ships crew.
  • Great Room – relax in the huge family room on one of 3 reclining sofas or prop your feet up on our “one of a kind“ cypress wood table. Enjoy a crackling fire in the large fireplace if the night gets cool or you desire a romantic ambience for the evening. Overlooking river.
  • Sitting Area – featuring two chairs and center table, the sitting area is perfect for a game of chess, backgammon, reading a book or watching the stunning sunsets. Overlooking river.
  • Televisions – enjoy watching your favorite shows (when you aren’t fishing or scalloping) on two flat screen televisions. Satellite network and internet available.

Outdoor Space

  • Outdoor gathering – gather your friends and family in the huge outside screened room. Five picnic tables, wall mount fans and huge charcoal grill area.
  • Observation Deck – a favorite place for guests to hang out and watch the sunsets is in the screened dock. Enjoy beautiful views of the river from inside the screened room or make your way up the circular staircase to the observation deck for sunning or relaxing.
  • Homosassa Island Lodge offers several docks, folding chairs, a picnic table with umbrella and a nifty stone rock for photo opportunities.
  • Three kayaks available on the Island.

Homosassa Island Lodge is located on an island, approximately 3 miles from the mainland, and only accessible by boat.


Homosassa Island Lodge is nicely equipped, however, there are items you will want to bring with you:

Provided:

  • Satellite Internet
  • Dishes and Glasses
  • Silverware
  • Pots and Pans
  • Cooking utensils
  • Dish Towels and Cloths
  • Dishwashing liquid soap
  • Coffee maker
  • Toaster Microwave/Stove/Oven
  • Outside charcoal BBQ gill
  • Refrigerator/Freezer
  • Sheets, Blankets and Pillows
  • Bath/hand Towels,Washcloths
  • Bath soap
  • Liquid hand soap in bathrooms
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Books/Cards/Games
  • Outdoor chairs/umbrella
  • Picnic tables

Bring:

  • Cooler and Ice
  • Bottled water (some will be available)
  • Food/Snacks and Beverages
  • Aluminum Foil, Saran Wrap/Zip lock Bags
  • Camera
  • Cell Phone/charger (no land line)
  • Sunscreen
  • Bathing suits
  • Beach Towels (a few are provided)
  • Snorkel gear
  • Fishing gear (licenses) Bait
  • Books and Games (some available)
  • Water shoes/sandals/Athletic shoes
  • Paper products (Paper Towels, Napkins, Plates)
  • DVDs and CDs
  • Toiletries
  • Charcoal and Ligher Fluid
  • Insect repellent
Annual average temperature: 72.6 F
Winter average temperature: 65 F
Spring average temperature: 68.9 F
Fall average temperature: 71.5 F
Summer average temperature: 81.2 F

Monthly weather temperatures for Homosassa, Florida.

 

Find more about Weather in Homosassa, FL
Click for weather forecast

Swimming in the waters surrounding Homosassa Island Lodge is not allowed. Dangerous and

sharp oyster shells are attached to all the underwater rocks.

We are not accepting pets at this time.
Tampa International Airport  is 70 miles from Homosassa. Travel time is approximately 1 h 15 mins.

Orlando International Airport  is 98 miles from Homosassa. Travel time is approximately 1 h 45 mins to 2 hours.

Orlando Sanford Airport  is 98 miles from Homosassa. Travel time is approximately 1 h 45 mins to 2 hours.

Gainesville Regional Airport  is 78 miles from Homosassa. Travel time is approximately 1 h 45 mins.

Our website provides great information about some activities you may enjoy based off the island. But if you’d like to explore a little farther from the Lodge you may be interested in some of these great local places:


HOMOSASSA RIVER – RESTAURANTS and FRESH SEA FOOD

  • Riverside Crab House and Monkey Bar
    Overlooking the Homosassa River and Monkey Island. Accessible by boat or car.
  • Seagrass Waterfront Restaurant and Marker 7 Tiki Bar
    Newly built,live entertainment. Located on Homosassa River, accessible by boat or car.
  • Shelly’s Seafood & Fish Market
    Fresh fish, shellfish and local crab. Located on Homosassa River, accessible by boat or car.
  • The Shed
    Tiki Bar, outdoor restaurant, live music. Located at MacRae’s of Homosassa, Homosassa River, accessible by boat or car.
  • The Freezer Tiki Bar –
    Popular place for food and drink. Located on Homosassa River, accessible by boat or car.
The Homosassa River has many twists and turns and in some areas, not very wide, however, the channel is deep enough to accommodate larger boats. Markers and buoys are like road signs, identifying your location and the safe boundaries of the channel.They also identify dangerous or controlled areas and give directions and information. It is imperative that you understand and follow the channel markers and stay in the boating channel so you don’t encounter hazardous rocks and oyster bars.We see it happen every weekend, so take the time to orient yourself with the following:

Remember the phrase:“RED RIGHT RETURNING”

When moving downstream, toward the Gulf of Mexico, the green markers mark the right edge of the channel and will be on your Right.The red markers mark the left edge of the channel and will be on your Left.

When returning from the Gulf of Mexico and heading toward Homosassa Springs and the marinas, the red channel markers mark the right edge of the channel and will be on your Right.The green channel markers mark the left edge of the channel and will be on your Left. It is, keep red on the right when returning.

There are several ways you can plan your fishing adventure – let us secure your chartered trip with a professional guide or you can make your own arrangements. Most chartered fishing guides will pick you up at Homosassa Island Lodge.


Homosassa Angling Experts:


Fishing Reports and Tides:

Everything you need to know about Homosassa Fishing Forecast and Tides:

Up-to-date Local Fishing Reports:


Fishing Charters and Guides: