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Nature Retreat Sailboat Escape

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Pool
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Property grounds
Exterior
Property grounds

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Entire house boat

1 bedroomSleeps 230 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available

About this property

Entire place

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

Nature Retreat Sailboat Escape

PLEASE READ!

The Salty Conch is a 30ft monohull sailboat that was brought to Key Largo after sailing the Atlantic Ocean twice. This is a truly and lovely adventure for people who loves nature and falling asleep watching the stars. The sailboat is moored in the ocean surrounded by nature and wildlife. As soon as you park your car, the motorized dinghy will be waiting for you to use at the dock. A 10 minute ride through the ocean will take you to the sailboat. A little bit of agility is required for your stay: to use the dinghy and moving around the sailboat.

. 2 single kayaks will be waiting for you to enjoy and connect with nature, discover the island of Rodriguez Key and the Sandbar. Courtesy snacks and speakers will set you up for a relaxing vibe over the water. Manatees and dolphins share the ocean with us too.
A cooler, a grill and a little stove are there for cooking options. Italian press is provided for breakfast. The sailboat is powered with solar energy making it possible to have fresh water, light, fans.
Reception is good but there is no Wi Fi in the sailboat. USB charger available. not possible to plug anything that is not 12v.

This is not a fancy stay. It is more like glamping over the water. Linens and towels are fresh and good quality.
The sailboat is powered by solar energy only and has a fresh water capacity of 60 gallons.

Turn off your phone and relax but, if you're staying over 3 nights it is important to keep phone charged to communicate your needs with me.

A 2hp dinghy is provided for you to move back and fourth from the sailboat. If you don't feel like cooking, there are many restaurants around the area.

You will receive an email from me with several location pins of cool spots to explore, and instructions of how to use the dinghy and how to operate everything inside the sailboat.

Come and discover the Salty Conch Sailboat! ****No refund for bad weather or high winds. rescheduling available****

Isidora.

Property manager

Isidora kind

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach towels

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Stovetop

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Outdoor shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Pets

  • Service animals only (pets not allowed)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • No smoke detector (host has indicated there is no smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 30 square feet

Similar properties

Miscellaneous

3-bedroom boat in cool Key Largo with AC and WiFi

  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
The price is CA $268
CA $338 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 4 - Mar 5
3-bedroom boat in cool Key Largo with AC and WiFi

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is no 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

About the area

Map
Key Largo, FL

What's nearby

  • Baker's Cay Resort Beach - 1 min walk
  • Bluefin Rock Harbor Marina - 3 min drive
  • Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill - 5 min drive
  • Harry Harris Park - 11 min drive
  • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - 12 min drive

Getting around

  • Miami Intl. Airport (MIA) - 75 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Sharkey's Pub & Galley Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Snappers - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Nature Retreat Sailboat Escape pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Nature Retreat Sailboat Escape?

As of Feb 20, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Nature Retreat Sailboat Escape on Mar 1, 2025 start from CA $394.48, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Nature Retreat Sailboat Escape?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Nature Retreat Sailboat Escape?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Nature Retreat Sailboat Escape located?

Located in Wynken Blynken and Nod, this houseboat is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from Bluefin Rock Harbor Marina and within 6 mi (10 km) of North Nest Key and Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill. Jacob's Aquatic Center and Mariners Hospital are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Nature Retreat Sailboat Escape Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 41 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

5.0/10

Amenities

2.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Andrea M.

Awesome Adventure
This adventure takes a little preparing. Bring a good amount of drinking water and easy to prepare foods. We stayed 2 nights in Jan. Weather was nice. Swimsuits during the day and a little chilly in the evening. Surprisingly it was so easy to fall asleep rocking on the waves. I toally could have stayed one more night of peace and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie C.

Family vacation
My family and I had a wonderful time.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Liz S.

Awesome getaway
We had such a great time. It was easy to find. The owner was very responsive, we had everything we needed and really enjoyed the quiet getaway. Amazing experience.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Perfect one night sleeping at sea
We had a beautiful afternoon and evening on the boat. We took the kayaks to the nearby key to explore and then cooked dinner on the grill. Takes a little getting used to sleeping on a boat with different sounds but we enjoyed our stay. The lovely gift basket of snacks was awesome as well!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Starr R.

Sailboat fun
Great adventure for all! A must do to have this experience in a life time! Beautiful sunset, peace and quiet, reconnecting time.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

German c.

AMAZING GETAWAY
I have no words to describe how awesome this was. everything from the dinghy ride takes you to feel like you are going to your own island in paradise. We had the luck that the water was crystal Clear during out stay. We saw a pod of dolphins manta rays everything on our ride to the dock to the sailboat. Once you are there you can tan and jump in the water. in the evening we saw the most beautiful sunset omg it was stunning. We had wine at Night and fell asleep to the stars. the bed was comfy. it is a small space but we made it work well. At the next morning the sunrise was even more spectacular. We watched the sunset and then slept tilll 10 because the breeze was so relaxing. Isidora was an amazing host. she was friendly and polite. recommend to everyone that wasn't to have an experience outside the box. We are definitly come back for more adventure next year!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shandi H., USA

We didnt want to leave!
It was exactly as expected a glamping on the water. The dinghy was easy to use and navigate. The boat was so peaceful and beautiful views we didnt want to leave!! We are hoping to come back and stay again soon!! Also loved the location as key largo is more laid back and there is great food. Highly recommend!! We also had a dolphin swim near the boat which was awesome and our 11 year old loved that!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paola D.

Spectacular experience
This was definitely a spectacular amazing experience. My husband and i loved it. We got to reconnect with nature. Had romantic dinners and laid under the stars . I 100% recommended this little romantic trip to everyone .
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kirby D.

Great view
Watching the stars was great. Kayaks were fun. Moon setting on the gulf was awesome. No issues with dingy. The only problem was the bed pad was not very comfortable. We both woke up with a stiff back.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Diane Q.

Salty Conch at Rodriguez Key
The boat was dated but well maintained. 99% of our questions or concerns were responded to and rectified promptly. The host was accessible and kind. This was an experience that we will remember forever. Its wonderful and a lot of work akin to camping but on the water. I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for something outside the box.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

JACKIE K., Monroe

Our little boat for 2 days
We had an amazing time. Learning new things and enjoying the cooking. The sunsets were amazing. We had dolphins both nights. We went around in the canoes in the dinghy worked great. Just need some tools to cook with more for the BBQ. Thank you for our wonderful time on your boat. I will forever cherish and miss it! Jackie and Sam
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Derek

It’s a small sailboat. It was a little cramped and hard to move around for my girlfriend; but I live on a boat so I was cool. Maybe a little stool to help the shorter-statured get into the V-berth. But we had a manatee swim by, and salt-water swim just past dawn is always ideal!

10/10 Excellent

Boris M.

Adventure on the Sea :D
The Salty Conch is more than just a sailboat. It's an experience that transports you away from the noise and hustle of everyday life and immerses you in the peaceful embrace of nature. I recently spent a night aboard the Salty Conch sailboat and it was an experience that will stay with me forever. As soon as I parked my car, I was greeted by the motorized dinghy that would take me on a 15-minute ride through the ocean to the sailboat As I boarded the Salty Conch, I was struck by the simplicity and elegance of the vessel. The natural wood finishes and the gentle sway of the boat immediately put me at ease. I highly recommend it and loved the memories
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Michael G.

Spring break on the water
The sailboat was just as advertised- clean with fresh linen and a beautiful location. We had one issue with the toilet but Isidora responded quickly and it was fixed. We agree with other reviewers that being agile helps with moving from dinghy to boat and back again. It was a lovely peaceful setting for cool evenings on the boat. Keep in mind that you need to replenish ice supply daily. We had issues with mosquitos just the first night and relied on the fans. It was a bit tight with 2 seniors and 2 teenagers but we managed. The location is convenient...just a quick drive to John Pennekamp State Park for snorkeling.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Scam… don’t ruin your vacation with this nonsense
She is running a scam. She should not be allowed on vrbo. She wants to communicate off vrbo. I have proof of all of this. She hides her dingy on private property without permission and tells you to hide your car in a hotel lot where it can be towed (again she doesn’t have permission from the hotel). Her and her husband/ boyfriend spy on you in the parking lot when you arrive. She has cameras on her boat. It’s really creepy. She is a bad person and she violates vrbo standards. Avoid at all costs.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jed L.

A unique night!
It was the first time any of us have slept on a sailboat like this, and the novelty sparked adventure. I was concerned that my lack of seafaring knowledge would be a problem, but it was not. You need a little initiative to jump in a dingy and find your boat on the open water, and to know how to tie a few good knots and use a cleat - but Isidora makes it easy with clear communication and fast response times. It was a great family experience. There were a few mosquitoes at dusk and dawn and it did get a little warm below deck overnight, but waking up to a nurse shark under the boat was one of the highlights of our trip. And at the end of the day, the photos we shared of our short night on the water in Tarpon Bay have invited more comments and questions than any of our other adventures on our 10-day vacation!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

4/10 Poor

Cassidy W.

Liked: Listing accuracy
Disliked: Location
Bad Weather, No Mercy
We booked this boat for my boyfriend’s 29th birthday since he is a boat captain and loves being on the water and going fishing. We unfortunately booked it for a bad night because the weather was absolutely awful and I ended up getting boat sick. We had to get off the boat in the middle of the night due to how bad the weather was and had to book a hotel same night. I kindly asked for a reimbursement from the host due to this unfortunate circumstance and I never heard from her again. I would have appreciated some understanding and assistance during this time especially since we were staying at her boat.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Unique Weekend Sailboat Experience: Camping Vibes, Florida Heat, and Doggie Welcome
recently had a unique weekend sailboat experience that had a camping-like feel. The friendliness of the dog on board added to the enjoyment, although the lack of air conditioning in the Florida heat made it uncomfortable, especially for our dog. We discovered early on that there were no showers on the boat. To make the trip more convenient, I recommend bringing sandwiches, snacks, and a bag of ice. The 20-minute dingy ride to our destination was tiring, and returning for more ice was out of the question we didn't want to be stranded in the dark. Overpacking was unnecessary as we spent the entire time in our bathing suits due to the heat. Despite these challenges, with some adjustments and planning, it was an enjoyable adventure. I should also mention that the property owner was very professional and checked up on us by phone, which was appreciated. :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denisse K.

One of the best experiences so far!
Overpassed all expectations. Isidora was thinking of every details to make our stay was a dreamy one. From the location to the dinghy experience, the mangroves canals and the restaurants around. This sailboat experience is a dream and Isidora will make you feel that everything is covered for you to relax and have a great time in nature.. the lack of ac wasn’t a problem for us because the fas and hatches kept the boat cool at night We saw dolphins in the morning and stars at night. We cooked in the boat every day with fresh vegetables we bought during the day at a local market. Some other day we went in the dinghy to a restaurant. The option are plenty but there is no refrigerator just a cooler so keep in mind you have to stock yourself daily. We will be back soon! Make sure to follow the nature trails map she gives you and also the user guide of the boat. Thank you Isidora!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

2/10 Terrible

Patricia

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The property was not at all what was advertised and we couldn’t even stay on the boat due to the the bed being soaking wet and overall the boat being cold and musty. You have to take a dingy out to the boat which is illegally tied in mangroves with only access is going down sharp rocks to access it behind a government building in which you can not park at you have to park next door at the hotel which you need to hope your car isn’t going to be towed for not having a parking pass. We fell many time on the rocks due to it being very unsafe. Then the dingy wouldn’t start and we called the owner multiple times with no response, so we had to row over a mile one way to the boat only to find the conditions to be unfit to stay because if we did we both would of ended up very sick. I messaged the owner asking for a refund or even a partial for such inconvenience and never heard back from her! Please do not waste your time booking this she is overcharging for what she is offering!

2/10 Terrible

Blanca R., Lexington Ky

Liked: Listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Bad customer service
It was a stormy day, we found the dinghy that we were supposed to use to get to the boat. We wanted to hurry and make it there because of the storm coming. The motor was not working and it was somewhat deflated. I called a few times for help, no answer. So we decided that we would try the paddles. It started raining and thundering and we were nowhere close to the boat. We decided to find the nearest shore to get out and find shelter. Finally got a call back and they came and fixed the dinghy. When we go to the boat we notice there was only one kayak and not two. I mentioned it to the boat manager and they tried to say that it was there and it must of drifted of during the night! Good thing I had a picture that showed the date and time. So we couldn’t go out and enjoy that together. Wished I would of taken pictures of all the things that were wrong! We didn’t find the cooler with waters they said was supposed to be there. In the email they sent us they said we would find these things there, and a map of the area of where we could kayak to and find a beach. But we only got a a screen shot of a map that was easily missed at the bottom of the email .The lights were not working, we used a lantern that was there. We tried to make the best of that one night we spent there either way. I emailed the boat manager about the problems we had and expect some kind of compensation for our troubles buy didn’t seem to care one bit. Will be the last time I book with people with no experience. I do work for a vacation rental business so I know what is expected.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Thomas P.

Adjust expectations
We were looking for a relaxing stay but unfortunately had some issues with this property. It started with the dinghy – the instructions to operate were incomplete so we had to troubleshoot the motor to start. That worked for a trip, but then we found that motor was out of gas. We had to contact the Vrbo owner and she had a backup dinghy brought to us after a few hours. I do appreciate her responsiveness, but it was disruptive to our day and caused us to miss a snorkel booking we had made in Key Largo. The instructions to start the second dinghy were also incomplete, so we had to spend time troubleshooting that as well. Drifting away from the boat in a dead dinghy wondering what we were doing wrong was a frustrating experience. Beyond that, there was a host of small nuisances that added up: the espresso maker wasn’t charged and didn’t work for us, the starter on the grill didn’t work, the kayaks are fairly beat up and the life jackets were hanging off them in the water (seems like it would have been better to store them on the boat). The boat itself is a tight fit for sleeping. I’m 6’ and found the bed to be a few inches short of comfortable. Some advice for anyone staying here: First, brush up on your boat motors as you may need to futz with kill switches, ventilation caps, chokes, primers, etc. Second, it would be best to arrive a few hours or more before bed time to open up the boat and let it cool down; we arrived later in the day (slowed a bit by dinghy problems) and it was a hot night of sleep – that seemed to get better after the inside of the boat had several hours to cool off. Third, get into the “camping” mindset – come fully supplied and ready to put some work into getting everything set if you need to. Fourth, please be careful with the propane grill – the starter didn’t work and I almost lost an eyebrow starting it with a lighter. Once we had sorted through all of the problems, we had an enjoyable time cooking, swimming, and lounging. The highlight was spotting a dolphin off the port side. I think this can be an enjoyable experience for visitors who come prepared.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

2/10 Terrible

michael m.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Do not stay here it’s a scam
Upon arrival, we followed the owner's directions to the dingy and were told to park in a hotel parking lot, in the back. This seemed dishonest, and upon speaking with the hotel staff, this arrangement was, in fact, NOT approved by the hotel. We were advised that if we DID park there during our stay, that it would be illegal and they will call the police, having our vehicle towed. After that debacle, we decided to try to find the sailboat, and worry about parking later, as it was getting dark at this point. We loaded our things in the dingy and followed the information given to us by the owner to find the sailboat. The info said that from the dock, we were to travel at "11 o'clock" for 2 minutes, and we would see the sailboat. However, in the approximately 40-50 boats out in Tarpin Basin, ours was NOT at 11 o’clock from the dock. We searched on a small inflatable dinghy in the ocean for the greater part of 2 hours, and never found it. We messaged the host, and it took an unacceptable amount of time for her to respond saying that it WAS out there, that is how everyone else parks, and she didn't know what to tell us. So as it is dark, we have ONE small flashlight out in the middle of the open basin, we decided to air on the side of caution and return to shore for the night. We contacted VRBO, and they said they would try to contact the host as well and get back to us in 24 hours. We decided to find other accommodations for the night and begin the search in the morning, when it was light. When we went to begin the adventure again in the morning, the dinghy was no longer where we had left it the night before, so we were unable to even LOOK for the sailboat. The owner would not respond to any more messages at that point, and the information we got back from VRBO was that they would not refund our money due to the cancellation policy. The frustrating part is that WE DID NOT CANCEL OUR RESERVATION. We were not able to locate the sailboat in the dark, and were given false parking information that would lead to ticketing and towing, and we were given NO HELP to find the property, neither that night of check in or the next day!!! This was supposed to be a relaxing getaway and has become a nightmare of a battle with the owner and with VRBO. We have never had this kind of trouble before and it is unreal that we are having to fight this now! It is completely unfair to charge us for a property we couldn't even access!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

2/10 Terrible

Austin F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in
If I could get a refund I would, don't waste your time.
The trip started off just fine. Finding the dingy was not to hard. We got the motor fired up, loaded up the dingy & took the first load out to the boat. That took a little time to find but once you find it it was pretty easy. On our way back to shore the motor died, out of gas. Luckily it died at shore. We texted Isidora. She respond quickly & came out filled up the dingy with gas & we were on our way. Though this time the motor was not responding like it was when we first arrived. The main reason that we decided to stay on the boat was because she offered dingy & two kayaks that we could explore the mangroves with. But the motors not working correctly. Besides that the first night wasn't bad. The next day we get up & head into town to get some fishing gear & breakfast. That morning the motor was a pain to start. So I text her to try & get the motor fixed or to have the spare motor put on the dingy. She said her mechanic will be there around 12 or 1 to fix it. So we spend the morning buying fishing gear, having breakfast & exploring Key Largo. At 2, I reach out to her & she says that it should be good to go. We get back to the dingy it starts right up & we start taking off. To only have the motor die half way out to the boat. By this point we are stating to get annoyed with everything. So we limp it back to the boat. Once again I contact her & say that dingy is not working. She then says she will get her mechanic & will bring the other motor out & swap them. Perfect right, nope. By now its 2:45pm. She said she would just meet us at the boat with the mechanic to fix it. At 4pm she says that her mechanic is no where to be found so she needed us to limp the dingy back to shore, so we do. With no mechanic in sight we had to swap out the motor. Which normally we would not have a problem with that. But after today we are just over it. We get covered in gas/oil from the leaky motor. My buddy hurt his back from carrying the motor back to the car for her. So now it's our last day, we just spend the whole day messing around with the motor. Bought all of this fishing gear & its now 5pm & we just got back on the water. Also mosquitoes ate us ALIVE. She said that she would refund us for our troubles. We thought that was a very nice gesture. Since we left I have text her multiple times inquiring about the refund & no responses. She leaves my "texts" on read but thats it. Do not waste your time with this VRBO. You are better off picking a different host.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

2/10 Terrible

Melissa P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Not recommend
From start to finish: The dinghy that gets you to the boat is not the best, the directions to get to the sailboat are not very accurate. It took us a while to find the sailboat. We were concerned that the dinghy was taking water in and that we wouldn’t get to our destination, but finally, we were able to find the boat. once we got to the sailboat, we noticed there was no kayak or floating dock as described on the details and pictures. Once we finally got into the sailboat we realized there was no running water. The water tank must’ve been empty. When it was time to make dinner the gas grill was disgusting, horribly dirty, but we had no water to clean it. We contacted the host. Her reply was sorry for the inconvenience. Since we had no running water and also not enough gas to even prepare our dinner I ended up getting food poisoning so on top of everything else, the weather was not helping . I understand weather conditions are unpredictable but not having running water or a shower or enough gas to cook it made our stay very uncomfortable. On top of that, we did not have the floating dock night described or the kayaks to entertain ourselves, so all we had left to do was make dinner and enjoy the outdoors, but even that was kind of impossible since there was not enough gas in the tanks to cook. The pictures on the site must be old pictures because nothing that is shown there is accurate. And the response from the host of sorry for the inconvenience didn’t helo!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024