Over 18 million people visit the popular sights of Boston every year. One of the most popular things to do whilst in Boston is to follow The Freedom Trail, a historical 2.5-mile-long (4 km) path through the downtown area. After that, you could take a stroll through the parkland to visit North End (Little Italy). Head back to your own unique boathouse or yacht and enjoy dinner on the deck whilst watching the sunset over the water. To make this dream a reality we’ve found the top 11 rentals, which are sure to guarantee an unforgettable holiday. Start planning your holiday and book one of these houseboat rentals in Boston!
1. Lyra, your floating home (from 240 USD)
Located in a secure, gated marina this houseboat is what you would call a ‘home-away-from-home.’ It is in an excellent location just a few minutes from some of the best sightseeing spots, including Quincy Market, the Aquarium, the Children’s Museum and the Convention Center. The boat is fully air-conditioned and heated depending on what season you choose to arrive. In total, there are two bedrooms. The Master State Room has a queen-sized bed, the second has two twin beds, and there is an additional sofa bed in the common room. In total, this property can comfortably sleep up to six guests. There is a kitchen with a cooktop, microwave and refrigerator. This location also comes with a spacious shower room onboard, perfect after a busy day exploring or relaxing on the beach. It is worth noting that the WiFi here is not of the strongest quality.
Lyra
Price: from 240 USD
Number of Guests: 6
2. Fun houseboat best for families (from USD 587)
This lovely houseboat comes with all the commodities that your kind hosts have thought of. It is located in a welcoming boating community that is gated and is near to the downtown area. This houseboat can sleep up to six people. There is one main bedroom, additional sleeping options in the commons spaces and loft. The well-equipped kitchen comes with a cooktop, microwave and fridge. The bathroom is also spacious, and has a full-sized standing shower. After a busy day exploring, this boat is ideal to return to with a nice glass of wine and a meal that can be enjoyed on the sun deck. It is worth noting that there is not a solid WiFi connection available on the boat nor in the marina area where it is docked.
Boat in Boston · ★4.79 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bathBoston, Massachusetts, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the air conditioning was wonderful which was a great place for the hot weatherall the beds were very comfortablefull electricity nice shower tv and great bedCleanliness:
clean and comfortablethe houseboat is very clean and lovelyoverall very clean although the bathroom floor corners by shower and toilet could use a lookthe house was clean and comfortablethe place is beautiful and cleanHost:
deborah is the host through airbnb and is wonderfulchecking in was very easy and deborah and her crew were communicative throughout the whole staydeborah was very helpful with questions before our arrival even though that specific houseboat was ryan's not hersRead more reviewsLocation:
great houseboat experience location was perfectthe location was great and fantastic for our weekend getawaywe had a fantastic time staying in this locationwhat a jem in boston fantastic location in charlestown marinaloved being in the middle of boston but such a quiet peaceful spot
3. Unique listing in historic Salem (from 220 USD)
This lovingly renovated 38-foot (11.5-meter) houseboat is moored just a few minutes from the popular National Park and museums. It can comfortably host four people sharing an onboard ½ bath with additional bathing options located onshore at the marina. There are three decks for you to enjoy, and the front deck has a grill so that in the warm summer evenings you can sit outside and have a BBQ. There is an iPhone compatible stereo but no television nor WiFi.
Unique listing in historic Salem
Price: from 220 USD
Number of Guests: 4
4. New Beginning - 40ft Carver motor yacht (from 307 USD)
This double-cabin Carver is a spacious 40 feet (12 meters) in size and can comfortably host up to four guests. The large master bedroom has a bath/shower combo in the adjoining cabin. From the raised outdoor decking you can enjoy your free breakfast, which is included in the cost of the rental. The yacht is moored within walking distance to a number of fantastic eateries and entertainment options. There is a second bedroom available, but renting this comes with an additional charge, so be sure to speak to the host before reserving.
New Beginning - 40ft Carver motor yacht
Price: from 307 USD
Number of Guests: 4
5. Charming one-bedroom houseboat on Boston Harbor in quiet neighborhood (from USD 557)
Boston is a city filled with utmost vibrancy and alluring things to do. One of them includes staying at a houseboat for your accommodations instead of another hotel. Consider Deborah’s charming Boston Harbor boat rental which can host up to six guests, has four bedrooms with a premium mattress on a queen-sized bed, 800 thread count linens that will surely make your night’s sleep a comfortable and soothing one while on vacation. Relax your worries on this charming houseboat where you don’t have to worry about access to a bathroom or a kitchen as Deborah’s place is decked with Wifi, TV, heating, and even safety features like a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on board. The Boston Harbor is located in a quiet residential neighborhood and just walking distance to attractions like the Freedom rail and Bunker Hill.
Boat in Boston · ★4.77 · 1 bedroom · 4 beds · 1 bathBoston, Massachusetts, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed was comfortable and views were greatthe houseboat had everything we wanted except cable tv (antenna reception was excellent thoughvery fun and unique accommodation my friends and i had plenty of room in this small houseboatwhat a beautiful place even better than we expected and plenty of room for the whole familyCleanliness:
it was very clean and comfortablevery clean detailed check in instructionseverything was clean and comfortable for 4 adultsoverall relatively clean and comfortablehouseboat was immaculate and bed very comfortableHost:
the host is reliable and gave great informationthe neighbors are really friendly and the walkability is greatRead more reviewsLocation:
the neighbourhood was interesting - puerta rican shops-nice place to stay memorable locationa nice walk over the charlestown bridge to the north end and the rose kennedy greenwaythis was a fun and unique location to share for the weekendthis place was magical we did a ladies trip to boston and our houseboat stay was the perfect experience
6. Cozy rental with pool access (from USD 269)
This cozy boat rental in Boston has a queen-sized bed and is ideal for two guests. As a romantic boat, it has an en-suite, private deck and is surrounded by stunning views of Boston’s skyline. Breakfast is included in the price of the rental and is best enjoyed on the bright front decking area that comes equipped with tables and chairs. Guests can also use the marina facilities, such as the pool area.
Bed and breakfast in Boston · ★4.70 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 private bathBoston, Massachusetts, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
we found it clean and brightit is however clean and warm and the shower is decentthe room and bath while camper like was clean and welcomingcozy clean houseboat with very friendly staffHost:
nice staff and neighbors are friendlyexcellent hospitality friendly staff and neat accommodationsalso be sure to check in early as the the host is incredibly unaccommodating for late check insstaff were very welcoming and the breakfast was a perkfriendly and quiet at the marinaRead more reviewsLocation:
convenient location and an easy walk to boston downtown areacute & cozy place to relax central to everythinglocation is great and you have a city bike station less than two blocks awayeasy walking to downtown bostonenjoyed my stay on port location is great because it is walking distance to a lot of boston attractions
7. The Blue Pearl (from USD 629)
This fully furnished houseboat is moored in the Boston Bay Marina. The kitchen has a large fridge, cooktop, microwave and coffee machine. The boat has both full air conditioning and heating. The front deck is covered and offers an ideal spot for the gas grill and sun loungers. The two staterooms are beautifully decorated and each comes with its own bathroom. It is worth noting that at some point you may experience air noise from Logan airport and the drawbridge. The hosts are conscious of this and as such supply ear plugs for guests if needed.
Boat in Boston · ★4.63 · 2 bedrooms · 3 beds · 2 bathsBoston, Massachusetts, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean and responsive if you have questionsvery clean and the directions/guide was awesomethe boat was clean and very comfortable for the four of usHost:
nice yacht with good hostthe host was very attentive check-in was very easyi m and deborah we're great hostssherry who checked us in gave plenty of helpful tips for the boatRead more reviewsLocation:
good location to north end and freedom trail and other points of interestthe location is very accessible and it’s a lot of fun staying in the marinathe marina is in a great location if you plan on going out and exploring the citythe sea pearl is a comfortable space situated in a great locationwalk able to downtown boston which we did several time or an easy uber/lyft ride
8. Yacht with free parking (from USD 629)
From this spacious yacht, you can walk to North End and Bunker Hill. This property has two bedrooms each with an en-suite, and full WiFi throughout. It is in an ideal location to retreat away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Boston. This yacht is not missing any of the home comforts and is a fantastic, unique way to explore Boston.
Boat in Boston · ★4.63 · 2 bedrooms · 3 beds · 2 bathsBoston, Massachusetts, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean and responsive if you have questionsvery clean and the directions/guide was awesomethe boat was clean and very comfortable for the four of usHost:
nice yacht with good hostthe host was very attentive check-in was very easyi m and deborah we're great hostssherry who checked us in gave plenty of helpful tips for the boatRead more reviewsLocation:
good location to north end and freedom trail and other points of interestthe location is very accessible and it’s a lot of fun staying in the marinathe marina is in a great location if you plan on going out and exploring the citythe sea pearl is a comfortable space situated in a great locationwalk able to downtown boston which we did several time or an easy uber/lyft ride
9. Romantic casita best for couples (from USD 262)
This lovely floating casita is ideal for a couple looking for a romantic getaway. This little houseboat includes a bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a private decking area from which you can sit down after exploring and relax under the setting sun. Breakfast is included with the price of this property.
Bed and breakfast in Boston · ★4.84 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 private bathBoston, Massachusetts, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
really great views comfortable space and super responsive hoststhe room was extremely spacious comfortable and well-equippedCleanliness:
the houseboat was clean and comfortable with wonderful linenswas lovely and clean and well organisedHost:
the staff was extremely friendlythe marina staff are extremely friendly and hospitableand more importantly i loved how flexible the host was and was really helpful with my requestthe staff at the marina were great the casita we stayed in was so cute and cleansuper fun experience the location was great staff was friendly and helpful and the views were amazingRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and surprisingly cozycentrally located easy to walk bike or float where-ever we wanted to goeasy walking distance to the back bay/north end of bostoncouldn’t ask for a better location and hosta fun unique way to stay in boston close to many great sites and restaurants
10. The Golden Slipper
There are two bedrooms onboard, the aft cabin comes with a queen-sized bedroom and plenty of space to walk around. This houseboat in Boston also has a private bathroom with both a bath and shower. The forward berth has also has a full-sized bed and a private bathroom, but with a shower only. The comfortable sofa in the common room can also be converted into additional sleeping if needed. It is worth noting that there are different rental prices depending on the number of guests staying. Located in a secure and locked marina, guests can walk to the Freedom Trail in just 10 minutes as well as Faneuil Hall Marketplace and The New England Aquarium. There are additional services that the hosts offer, such as a gourmet meal, but these options each come with a charge.
The Golden Slipper B&B Afloat, 2 bed/2 bathBoston, Massachusetts, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it was super hot during our stay so the fans and ac were vital and appreciatedthe beds were very comfortable on top of all thatthe beds were enormous and so comfortablegretchen is a great host ensuring our stay was comfortable with many extra amenitieswe enjoyed a lovely breakfast sitting on the boat’s deckCleanliness:
the beds were comfortable and everything was cleanthis vessel is spotless in terms of cleanliness and offers the perfect balance of space and comfortvery clean upon arrival and the the fridge was stocked with breakfast staplesthe ship is very clean and gretchen prepared a big breakfast for us cake is very deliciousthe boat itself is clean and stocked with everything you could wantHost:
gretchen was a great hostgretchen was a great hostgretchen was a wonderful and attentive hostgretchen was a very nice hostthe host was very helpful and communicated promptlyRead more reviewsLocation:
best location 5 mins walk to quincy market and city tour bus stationclose to all the attractionsgreat location in boston near the freedom trailthe location was great with it being within walking distance of the north endthe location is fantastic and near major attractions as well as business centers
11. Sea Chalet
Similar to a floating hotel room, you’ll be swept away into a land of romanticism. This cozy houseboat has a private decking area and the price includes breakfast during your stay. Moored in a friendly and welcoming marina near to Monument Hill, you’ll soon feel right at home at this property. Wake up every morning and enjoy the beautiful views.
Sea ChaletBoston, Massachusetts, United StatesTop guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the houseboat itself was clean cool and had a beautiful viewthe place was clean and stocked with all sorts of extras like wine glasses and a bottle openerfun spot beautiful boats around the place clean and near the north endHost:
the marina is small enough to feel cozy and everyone who works there is super helpfultry it everyone here is super nice and helpful all the people around the area are friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing place with the perfect locationthe location was great too providing an easy walk to the garden and the north enda really unique place to enjoy boston next to monument hillgreat location to reach many parts of bostonthe location cannot be beat especially if you want to walk the freedom trail
Have a unique experience
If you’re looking at where to stay while in Boston, staying on yacht or a houseboat is an amazing way to experience both the boating community life and explore the city itself. We think that each of these locations have a charm of their own, and we can’t wait to hear your stories about staying on them. From party boat rentals in Boston to stationary boat rentals, each of these properties are popular so be sure to book early to not miss out on this opportunity.
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Facebook Log in with Twitter Log in with Google ×