Welcome to
Professor Rousseau's Sea Turtle Sanctuary

From Crystal River: 

• Take Citrus Avenue to Dunnellon Rd. Turn Left. 
• Take Dunnellon Road to Northcut Avenue (there is a sign for Lake Rousseau RV Park at this intersection that is also lit up at night). 
• Turn right on Northcut. 
• At the dead-end turn left. 

Professor Rousseau does not want you to accidentally end up in the lake so please turn left here!  DO NOT TURN RIGHT

• From this point on, the speed limit is 10mph maximum. You and the guests of the RV park may be riding golf carts and bicycles or taking a walk. 
• You'll drive past the RV Park and the next paved street after a few homes on your right is N Koment Pt. 
• Turn right and you'll see the entrance to Lake Rousseau Apartments on your left. 
• You have arrived! 

If you are bringing a boat or trailer please let us know and we'll meet you to show you where to park.

GPS will be your friend :)

Your code will be active at your check-in time.

Press your code which includes #, and then immediately turn the knob to the right.

• Quiet Hours are 9:00pm-8:00am
• No parking on the grass
• We ask that pets remain on a leash at all times
• Please pick up after your pets and deposit in the trash receptacle 
• Please do not flush anything except toilet paper. We are on a septic system. Our septic system does not accept any disposable wipes or feminine hygiene products.
• Basic WiFi - Not suitable for heavy data use including streaming or gaming. We are subject to a data cap that cannot be increased by the provider due to our remote location. Please use the internet sparingly.

As a friendly reminder, natural wildlife, including alligators & snakes, may visit the property. For your safety, please be aware of your surroundings and do not feed the wildlife.

There is no need to do anything for checkout; enjoy your time, and we will take care of the rest after your departure :)

Here are a few places in the area to have a great breakfast:

Grannies Restaurant

1712 SE US Highway 19, Crystal River, FL

Breakfast Station

1676 SE US Highway 19, Crystal River, FL

Amy’s on the Avenue:

539 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL

Breakfast Station (2nd Location)

11352 N Williams St. #201, Dunnellon, FL

Momma Sally’s:

137 US-19 S, Inglis, FL

We hope you enjoy one of these fine local restaurants!

Several fun and tasty restaurants are nearby, including Swampy’s, and Blue Gator, which are waterfront restaurants on the Withlacoochee River near Dunnellon. 

Crackers is a waterfront restaurant on Kings Bay in Crystal River. 

BubbaQues and Amy’s are on a short 2-block shopping path in downtown Crystal River. Amy’s has limited seating but is one of our favorite places to eat breakfast or lunch. Dining ends at 3:00. 

Here are the addresses:

Swampy’s:

Mostly, outdoor seating is covered, some not. Limited indoor seating.

19773 E Pennsylvania Ave

Dunnellon, FL 34432

Blue Gator Tiki Bar:

Outdoor covered seating only.

12189 S Williams St

Dunnellon, FL 34432

Cracker’s:

Indoor and outdoor seating.

502 NW 6th Street

Crystal River, FL 34426

There are a handful of quaint, unique shops in the area, essentially between BubbaQues and Amy’s:

BubbaQues:

Indoor seating only

631 N Citrus Ave

Crystal River, FL 34428

Amy’s on the Avenue:

There are just a few tables indoors and outdoors, but I think it’s worth the wait if necessary. And they have a cute, unique shop to browse through!

539 N Citrus Ave

Crystal River, FL 34428

Grannies:

Open 6:00 am - 2:00 pm

Small indoor restaurant

1712 SE US-19

Crystal River, FL 34429

Momma Sally’s:

Only 15 minutes away with indoor seating

137 US-19 S

Inglis, FL 34449

There are so many great things to do while you are here!

For boat rentals, we recommend:

Twin Rivers Marina

2880 N. Seabreeze Point

Crystal River, Florida 34429

THUNDER Party Boat

4317 Calienta St

Hernando Beach, FL 34607

(352) 597-3900

If you are more interested in renting Kayaks, we recommend:

Captain Mike's Kayak Rentals

614 NW US-19

Crystal River, FL 34428

Captain Zac is a great guide that hosts scalloping tours he works at:

Crystal River Florida Fishing Charters

1160 N Rice Terrace

Crystal River, FL 34429

In Crystal River there are many unique shopping boutiques. We suggest starting here and wandering around the area:

Salty Girls Beach Shop

1 US-19

Crystal River, FL 34428

If you’re into BBQ Professor Rousseau and our team are big fans of BubbaQue's which is right there as well!

Another wonderful shopping experience plus a great cafe (only open until 3:00) comes highly recommended by you know who! Professor Rousseau, as well as several guests:

Amy’s on the Avenue

539 N Citrus Ave

Crystal River, FL 34428

Here are a few waterways nearby that you might enjoy and it’s possible that you will have a chance to see a manatee. These two are about 15 minutes away:

Hunter Springs Park

18 NE 2nd St

Crystal River, FL 34429

Kings Bay Park

268 NW 3rd St

Crystal River, FL 34428

Kings Bay Park has a great seafood restaurant nearby.

Crackers (they have tiki huts)

502 NW Sixth St

Crystal River, FL 34428

If you’d like a beach, Fort Island Trail has a wonderful beach and it’s about 30 minutes away at:

16000 W Fort Island Trl

Crystal River, FL 34429

Near Dunnellon is a famous place called Rainbow Springs Park. This is where people grab an inter tube and meander down the River. The Park address is:

19158 SW 81st Place Rd

Dunnellon, FL 34432-2463

Okay finally we would suggest you go to Crump’s for dinner. They are closed on Monday’s. Great atmosphere and be sure to ask about Monkey Island. Their address is:

11210 W Halls River Rd

Homosassa, FL 34448

Oh if you go to either of these restaurants they are on the River and you can watch boats and kayaks drift by:

Swampy’s

19773 E Pennsylvania Ave

Dunnellon, FL 34432

Blue Gator Tiki Bar

12189 S Williams St

Dunnellon, FL 34432

Whew! If these aren’t what you’re looking for please let us know!

Here are our favorite Grocery Stores:

Angus Wholesale Meats - 10 min/6.3 miles

5274 W. Dunnellon Rd.

Dunnellon, FL 34433

Publix - 20 min/11 miles

11352 N Williams St

Unit 400

Dunnellon, FL 34432

Walmart - 19 min/12 miles

11012 No. Williams St

Dunnellon, FL 34432

Dollar General - 10 min/5 miles

7958 N Citrus Ave

Crystal River, FL 34428

Here are some boat ramps:

Lake Rousseau Dam & Recreational Area

10913-11025 West Riverwood Drive, Crystal River, FL 34428

Fort Island Trail Boat Ramp

11978 W Blue Bayou Ct.

Crystal River, FL 34429

Pete’s Pier Marina

1 SW 1st Place

Crystal River, FL 34429

Yankeetown Boat Ramp

34002 Follow That Dream PKWY,

Yankeetown, FL 34498

Professor Rousseau’s has plenty of parking for your boats, RV, and trailers. You’ll park near Professor Rousseau’s Fishing RV Retreat beside a white van with Colorado license plates. Please park as close to the van as possible, which will leave room for others.

Here are some nearby dog parks where you can let your dogs off leash!

Bark Central Dog Park: 6301 E Turner Camp Rd, Inverness, FL, US, 34453

Citrus County Dog Park: 8750 W Bluebird Springs Ln, Homosassa, FL, US, 34448

Rotary Centennial Dog Park: 10375 Sandlor St, Spring Hill, FL 34608

We hope you have lots of fun with your dogs at these parks!

There are 2 golf courses in Crystal River, Florida and 0 are municipal courses. There are also another 24 golf courses within 20 miles of Crystal River, including 14 public, 4 municipal, 3 PL and 3 private courses. The oldest course in the Crystal River area is the Plantation on Crystal River which was designed by Mark Mahannah, ASGCA and opened in 1958. The longest course is Juliette Falls Golf Club, which is 7,236 yards. Black Diamond Ranch is rated the best course near Crystal River.

Plantation on Crystal River, Championship Course

18 holes over 6,531 yards with a par of 72 (Public)

9301 W Fort Island Trl

Crystal River, FL 34429-5376

(800) 632-6262

1 mile from the center of Crystal River.

Plantation on Crystal River, Lagoons Course

9 holes over 2,511 yards with a par of 33 (Public)

9301 W Fort Island Trl

Crystal River, FL 34429-5376

(800) 632-6262

1 mile from the center of Crystal River.

Black Diamond Ranch, Quarry Course Private Course

18 holes over 7,159 yards with a par of 72 (Private)

3125 W Black Diamond Cir

Lecanto, FL 34461-9639

(800) 328-8099

6 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Black Diamond Ranch, Ranch Course Private Course

18 holes over 7,004 yards with a par of 72 (Private)

3125 W Black Diamond Cir

Lecanto, FL 34461-9639

(800) 328-8099

6 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Black Diamond Ranch, Highlands Course Private Course

9 holes over 3,518 yards with a par of 36 (Private)

3125 W Black Diamond Cir

Lecanto, FL 34461-9639

(800) 328-8099

6 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Pine Ridge Golf Club, Pine Ridge Course

18 holes over 6,106 yards with a par of 72 (Public)

5600 N Elkcam Blvd

Beverly Hills, FL 34465-4531

(352) 746-6177

8 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Pine Ridge Golf Club, Little Pine Course

9 holes over 998 yards with a par of 27 (Public)

5600 N Elkcam Blvd

Beverly Hills, FL 34465-4531

(352) 746-6177

8 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Brentwood Golf Course, Brentwood Farms Course

9 holes over 2,731 yards with a par of 36 (Municipal)

1720 W Nicole Dr

Lecanto, FL 34461-7631

(352) 527-2600

8 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Skyview At Terra Vista, Skyview Course

18 holes over 7,142 yards with a par of 72 (Municipal)

2100 N Terra Vista Blvd

Hernando, FL 34442-6150

(352) 746-3664

9 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Twisted Oaks Golf Club, Twisted Oaks Course

18 holes over 6,876 yards with a par of 72 (Public)

4801 N Forest Ridge Blvd

Beverly Hills, FL 34465-8706

(352) 746-6257

9 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Citrus Springs Golf & Country Club, Citrus Springs Course

18 holes over 6,431 yards with a par of 72 (Public)

8690 N Golfview Dr

Dunnellon, FL 34434-5876

(877) 405-4653

10 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club, Oaks Course

18 holes over 6,323 yards with a par of 70 (Municipal)

509 E Hartford St

Hernando, FL 34442-3347

(352) 746-4425

10 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club, Meadows Course

18 holes over 5,885 yards with a par of 70 (Municipal)

509 E Hartford St

Hernando, FL 34442-3347

(352) 746-4425

10 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Sugarmill Woods Country Club, Pine Course

9 holes over 3,519 yards with a par of 36 (Plantation)

1 Douglas St

Homosassa, FL 34446-3918

(352) 382-3838

12 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Sugarmill Woods Country Club, Cypress Course

9 holes over 3,447 yards with a par of 36 (Plantation)

1 Douglas St

Homosassa, FL 34446-3918

(352) 382-3838

12 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Southern Woods Country Club, Southern Woods Course

18 holes over 6,935 yards with a par of 72 (Public)

1501 Corkwood Blvd

Homosassa, FL 34446-6519

(352) 382-1200

13 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Lakeside Country Club, LakeSide Course

18 holes over 6,405 yards with a par of 72 (Public)

4555 E Windmill Dr

Inverness, FL 34453-1518

(352) 726-1461

14 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Dunes Golf Club, Dunes Course

18 holes over 7,140 yards with a par of 72 (Public)

18200 Seville Clubhouse Dr

Weeki Wachee, FL 34614-3700

(800) 232-1363

15 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Rainbow's End Golf Club, Rainbow's Course

9 holes over 2,884 yards with a par of 36 (Public)

20650 SW 80th Place Rd

Dunnellon, FL 34431-5278

(352) 489-4566

16 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Cabot Citrus Farms, Rolling Oaks Course

18 holes over 6,520 yards with a par of 72 (Public)

17590 Ponce De Leon Blvd

Brooksville, FL 34614-0809

(352) 796-5500

16 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Cabot Citrus Farms, Pine Barrens Course

This course has been chosen as one of the Top 100 courses

18 holes over 6,458 yards with a par of 71 (Public)

17590 Ponce De Leon Blvd

Brooksville, FL 34614-0809

(352) 796-5500

16 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Cabot Citrus Farms, Par-3 Course

9 holes over 1,842 yards with a par of 29 (Public)

17590 Ponce De Leon Blvd

Brooksville, FL 34614-0809

(352) 796-5500

16 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Juliette Falls Golf Club, Juliette Falls Course

18 holes over 7,236 yards with a par of 72 (Public)

6933 SW 179th Avenue Rd

Dunnellon, FL 34432-9525

(352) 522-0309

19 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Preserve Golf Club, Spruce Creek Preserve Course

18 holes over 6,540 yards with a par of 71 (Public)

Check Tee Times

13601 SW 115th Ave

Dunnellon, FL 34432-5621

(352) 861-3131

19 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Inverness Golf & Country Club, Inverness Course

18 holes over 6,402 yards with a par of 72 (Plantation)

Check Tee Times

3150 S Country Club Dr

Inverness, FL 34450-6964

(352) 637-2526

19 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Point O' Woods Golf Club, Point O Woods Course

9 holes over 1,770 yards with a par of 30 (Public)

Check Tee Times

95 S Golf Harbor Path

Inverness, FL 34450-1930

(352) 726-3113

20 miles from the center of Crystal River.

Unfortunately you cannot get to the Gulf of Mexico or Crystal River from our canal. However, here are a few options:

Within about 3 miles or 10 minutes is a boat ramp at the Inglis Dam that puts you on the West side of the Withlacoochee River. This leads to the Cross Florida Greenway, an untouched, serene pathway to the Gulf of Mexico, which allows access to Crystal Bay and the city center of Crystal River.

Another option is to travel 11 miles or 20 minutes to the city center and launch directly into King's Bay or Hunter Springs. This area is well known for kayaking, swimming with the manatees and other great watersports!

After a great day, Professor Rousseau’s is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Here are our friends that our Guests have joined in swimming with the manatees:

Captain Mike’s

(866) 570-7946

Best Western Crystal River,

614 NW US-19 Crystal River, FL 34428 USA

swimmingwiththemanatees.com

River Ventures - The Legends of Adventure

(352) 564-8687c

498 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL 34429

https://riverventures.rezdy.com/catalog/61184/manatee?gclid=Cj0KCQjw166aBhDEARIsAMEyZh5drHotGR0ng1XQEwOazIkHP_riTVuDL78SEBaULHV1aAsgeeeE-pIaAlYQEALw_wcB

Fun 2 Dive

(352) 228-2279

135 NE 3rd St, Crystal River, FL 34429

https://www.fun2dive.com/tours/