Entire home

Dolphin House : pool home on the Gulf of Mexico : walk to the beach

Photo gallery for Dolphin House : pool home on the Gulf of Mexico : walk to the beach

Arrow marks beach access
Gas & solar heated saltwater pool with screen enclosure
Outdoor dining table set
Gas & solar heated saltwater pool with screen enclosure
Master bedroom with king size bed and attached full bath.
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6135 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
    PoolPool
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning
  • Dryer
    DryerDryer
  • Washer
    WasherWasher
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grillBarbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Bonita Beach, FL
  • Popular LocationBonita Springs Public Beach1 min walk
  • Popular LocationBonita Beach Park9 min walk
  • Popular LocationBarefoot Beach18 min walk
  • AirportFort Myers, FL (FMY-Page Field)39 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Dolphin House : pool home on the Gulf of Mexico : walk to the beach

Dolphin House is located on Little Hickory Island, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and halfway between Naples and Fort Myers. Private residences only are permitted in this section of the beach, and the lack of crowding testifies to this. The beach is 150 feet west of the front door and is teeming with ocean life, especially in summer. May through August is turtle nesting season, with tracks and nests dotting the shoreline. Shelling and bird watching is excellent here also with heron, egret, eagle, osprey, pelican and gull all present. The gas heated, screen enclosed saltwater pool provides a private place to relax after enjoying the beach, where the gulf water temperature in summer is 87 degrees Fahrenheit. Dolphin House is ideally located for a morning walk on the beach or taking in the evening sunsets.

Dolphin House is shown on the right side of the street just at the end of the video presentation of Bonita Beach in the photo section.

Area attractions: Many activities are available in the local area, including parasailing and jet skiing available at the beach one half mile away. Paddle board and kayak tours are available within 2 miles of Dolphin House, and pontoon boat rental is available also. Corkscrew Swamp, an 11,000 acre preserve run by the Audubon Society is a 45 minute drive east. Alligator, birds, fish and snakes are observable in their natural environment from a 2.5 mile boardwalk through the swamp. The Jay Ding Darling Wildlife refuge is 25 minutes north up the beach on Sanibel Island and offers excellent views of migratory water bird life. Naples is 15 minutes south by car with numerous restaurants, museums, a fishing pier and shops. Ft Myers is 20 minutes north up the coast and also has a fishing pier. The Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is a 25 minute drive from Dolphin House.

House details: Dolphin House has been completely remodeled and updated in 2023. Everything is brand new, spacious and comfortable. Convenience is afforded by the fact that everything is on one level. Two bedrooms in the house have glass doors facing out to the pool area. All glass in the house is hurricane rated, so this provides for a quiet interior as well as enhanced privacy. The shower in the master bath is a walk-in, and the second bathroom has a full bathtub/shower. The A/C system is new, cool and quiet. We have two televisions, a large screen in the family room and a second set in the master bedroom. All new furnishings including furniture, bedding, appliances, linens and kitchenware. For convenience, there is an attached two car garage with automatic door opener. Beach is accessed by a two minute walk across the street. We can accommodate 4 adults and 2 children in beds.

Beach details: Bonita Beach has been included in the top 10 beaches in America, and is well-suited to swimming. Sloping gently for miles into the Gulf of Mexico, the sandy bottom is comfortable and the gulf wave action is generally mild. Pelicans, terns, osprey, frigate, heron and other sea birds can be seen at the beach along with dolphin and sea turtles. Sunsets over the water are beautiful and panoramic. Bonita Beach streches for six miles along the Gulf of Mexico and is only 150 feet from the front door of Dolphin House. This area of the beach is residential and uncrowded, allowing for the ideal beach experience. Beach access #3 is located two houses north of us and makes it possible to walk to the beach in less than two minutes. Shelling is a popular activity on Bonita Beach as many beautiful specimens can be found in the clean sand.

Waterfront restaurants within a one mile radius include Coconut Jacks, Docs Beach House and The Fish House. Enzos is a fine Italian dining local tradition on Bonita Beach Road located 3 miles away.

Property manager

Tim and Connie Rucker
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Playpen and high chair available

Events

No events allowed
This is a residential neighborhood

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Recycle day is Wednesday, and trash day is Thursday. The respective containers must be set out by the street the night before.
No adjustment of any pool temperature controls (solar or gas) without prior approval.
Maximum occupancy 4 adults + 2 children

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: This is a residential neighborhood
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bonita Springs

Located in Bonita Springs, this holiday home is near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Bonita Springs Public Beach and Barefoot Beach, while Hertz Arena and Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens are popular area attractions. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track or Alico Arena. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Bonita Beach, FL

What's nearby

  • Bonita Springs Public Beach - 1 min walk
  • Bonita Beach Park - 9 min walk
  • Barefoot Beach - 18 min walk
  • Little Hickory Island Beach Park - 3 min drive
  • Promenade at Bonita Bay - 7 min drive

Getting around

  • Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Doc's Beach House Restaurant - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Coconut Jack's Waterfront Grille - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Papa John's Pizza - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Petar's Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Dolphin House : pool home on the Gulf of Mexico : walk to the beach have a pool?

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

Is Dolphin House : pool home on the Gulf of Mexico : walk to the beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is Dolphin House : pool home on the Gulf of Mexico : walk to the beach located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Bonita Springs Public Beach and Barefoot Beach. Bonita Beach Park and Little Hickory Island Beach Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 77 out of 89 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 89 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 89 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 89 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 89 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christina H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best House
This is our second time staying at The Dolphin House. The place was just as great as the last time. There are plenty of amenities at the house that makes it so much nicer than other places we have stayed! The kids enjoyed the pool and I loved how close the beach was and that it never had a bunch of people to contend with. We had a great week away, Thanks so much!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alex S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the Dolphin House!
We love the Dolphin house! It was in a great location, just steps away from the beach. The house was very clean and had everything we could possibly need! The pool was great and our kids loved swimming every day! This is a great place to book your next vacation! Timothy was great and responded quickly if we needed anything !
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Celeste C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Perfect location
This home was perfect for us! The pool was amazing & the beach was right across the street. So convenient. I was disappointed that there wasn’t an iron & board, no bikes or beach cart. It stated on the VRBO site that these things were there. Other than that, it’s a beautiful home and we thoroughly enjoyed our 5 week stay.
Stayed 37 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jesse B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house with easy beach access
The house was clean and very nice. It has a modern, open feel. The host was very responsive to any questions. The pool was very nice and heated. The beach access is an easy walk across the street and down two houses.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

carole r., Rutland

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home and location!
My husband and I went with dear friends and had a great time in this lovely remodeled home!! Right across the street you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. We took the beach chairs,(provided)and a cocktail to the beach to enjoy! There is both a Keurig and drip coffee maker provided. Beds were comfy and the A/C functioned well and was quiet! The leather reclining couches were great! We ate at Coconut Jacks as recommended and we liked it. The only downside was the pool wasn’t as clean as it could have been( issue with the pool guy) A few things of note. There isn’t a grill as yet. Also bicycles were listed but there were none. Tim and Connie were very easy to reach, when needed! We wouldn’t hesitate to return. Thanks!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Third times the charm
This is our third stay at Dolphin House and it didn't disappoint. It is gorgeous, comfortable and clean. The kitchen is well stocked and all rooms are spacious and well furnished. The area is still rebuilding from Ian but there was still plenty to see and do. We can't imagine staying anywhere else.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jon & Mackenzie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hope we can go back!
We booked dolphin house for a beach vacation with my wife our two kids as well as two friends. The house has an incredible location and was perfect for our group. Unfortunately hurricane Ian interrupted our stay but the owners were very accommodating and communicative while we navigated evacuation orders. The moment dolphin house is back on the rental market we would love to book it and go back!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Home Away From Home
We stayed here last August and were very happy that the house was available this month. We brought family this year and they loved it. They are retired and travel alot and said it was the best stocked kitchen they had ever seen. The pool is great and house was very clean. Comfortable beds, lots of towels and chairs for the beach. We loved it and hope to be able to stay again!
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
September visit
Really enjoyed this last week at the beach. This house has everything that we needed and more. Plenty of space for the four of us and so convenient to the beach across the street. There’s a cart, umbrella, and beach chairs to use and even beach towels. The pool was especially nice when we returned from the beach. The house was updated with all modern conveniences in kitchen and baths. Couldn’t be happier! We plan to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rafael

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anna H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Top Notch
House was exceptional! Clean/high quality/everything you need. Great location. Short / easy walk to the beach. Not crowded. Pool is great - bigger than it looks in the picture. We were very happy with our stay and would love to stay at Dolphin House again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert R., Wexford USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise
Very nice home with a pool. Beach access is across the street. Very nice restaurant’s are close by. Definitely on our list for next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dolphin House
Our visit was just wonderful. The house was very comfortable, the pool was refreshing and the beach was beautiful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Hunter L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful!!
We enjoyed the house and the beach! Perfect location and the house had everything we needed! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joseph R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic house and pool!
This place is a perfect vacation house! The rooms are spacious and nicely decorated. The kitchen is well-equipped. The bathrooms are updated. The washer and dryer are fairly new and work perfectly. The pool and patio are awesome! There are lots of pool inflatables and toys. The beach really is only a 1-2 minute walk. We went every day! Doc’s is only an 8-10 minute walk. It’s only got average bar food, but it’s fun to have a beverage on the beach. (Coconut Jacks is also close and has much better food.). The location is also perfect. Everything is within a 30-60 minute drive. We went to Sanibel, breweries in Fort Myers, Tin City in Naples, and to Everglades City for an airboat ride (which was the highlight of our trip). And RSW is only 30 minutes away, so it’s really easy to get to the house from the airport. So, in sum, it’s the PERFECT vacation house! Book this place and you won’t regret it!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christina H., Northern Kentucky

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome!
This house was more than accommodating. We arrived and had no issues getting there, or into the house, it was probably one of the easiest that we’ve stayed in. The house had plenty of extras for the kids to use as far as toys for the beach and floats for the pool. Very comfortable beds and a super short way to get to the beach. We had a wonderful time, and everything was close to where we were. Thanks for sharing your home!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great vacation property!
This house was in a perfect location and had everything our family of 4 needed for an awesome vacation. We love Bonita, and the quick walk to the beach, close proximity to stores and restaurants and private pool made this trip one of our favorites!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

brianna H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best stay!
This stay was one of best vacations yet! We could not have asked for a better house to stay in. The kids LOVED the pool.. the location was perfect with a short walk to the beach.. which was not very crowded at all.. & the house was FULLY stocked with everything we needed. We will definitely be back next year!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Always a pleasure
This is our 4 or 5th time staying at the Dolphin House. It is a wonderful and convenient home, for us. We have family close by, so it is nice to be close, yet have a place to go and enjoy our own vacation. The Owners are so helpful and answer all your questions. See you in October!
Stayed 19 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barbara C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Return to Bonita Beach..after 36 years!
This property couldn't have been any better for our family. The home has very nice decor, the pool was perfect when we weren't at the beach, beach access was close and easy and the owner was accessible and helpful.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Peggy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome house and location!
Beautifully updated and well equipped home. Great beach accessories included and a perfect location! Wonderful vacation!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tara S., Grand Rapids, MI

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was by far one of the best vacation rentals we have stayed.
The home was clean and recently renovated. It had the perfect layout and everything we needed for our stay. We enjoyed the best of both worlds….having a private pool and a quick walk the beach. The owners were easy to communicate with and we will will definitely stay again!
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Richard H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay!! Great access to the beach.
Enjoyed staying at the dolphin house. The house was a perfect size for my wife and me. We will stay at this house next year.
Stayed 27 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erik C., Lakemoor, IL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Florida getaway
The house was perfect, great location, pool is always an added benefit with cooler gulf waters. The owners are great. Thank you for providing us with a great place to vacation, already booked to come back
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ciarra D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed our stay!
Had a wonderful time at the dolphin house! Enough space to accommodate us, the pool was lovely and the owners were very nice and easy to communicate with. Highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022

About the host

Hosted by Tim and Connie Rucker

Host profile image
We have vacationed at Bonita Beach for over 30 years, and owned property here for over 20 years.

Why they chose this property

Proximity to the beach, which is the primary attraction for southwest Florida. Private enclosed pool. Fully renovated in 2023. 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, can accommodate 4 adults and 2 children in beds. Playpen and high chair for children.

What makes this property unique

Walk to the beach for morning fishing and evening sunsets. No car to park, no planning, just go when you feel like it.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

Premier Host
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