New York needs no introduction. New York is one of the most popular states on the planet - the same goes for New York City. It is a genuine ‘must-see’ destination with a myriad of sights to explore. The thing is, it isn’t cheap. A destination with world-famous icons such as Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Time Square– not to mention the bright lights of the wider Manhattan area - is always going to come at a premium. Especially if you choose to stay in one of the top hotels with views of NYC skyline. Unless that is, you opt for a stay in an Airbnb on New York’s waterways. With so many rivers, inlets, and sounds within close proximity, there are plenty of houseboats waiting for you. Here are some of the top Airbnb houseboats and yachts in and near New York.
1. Charming housebarge with deck (from USD 72)
Guests will be staying on a Catamaran Cruiser motor boat that is completely enclosed and ventilated in the winter and air-conditioned in the summer. It is in a secure neighborhood with nice neighbors. Inside the main cabin is a double-size bed and at the front cabin is a double couch or fold-down booth. For additional people, there are single guest foldaway beds.
It’s a pretty calm area with excellent ethnic cuisine and shopping stores nearby. The home is conveniently located near a major movie theater, four restaurants, and a 24-hour deli with superb gourmet cuisine. A great beach in a national park is only a couple of blocks away.
Charming Housebarge w/ outside deckBrooklyn, New York, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
air conditioner was most welcome bed very comfy with tv and 2 million channels to choose fromwe had an excellent and cozy stay and plan on coming for another visit soonCleanliness:
very clean comfortable and hospitable environmentthe boathouse was clean good space and beautifulthe housebarge was clean and cozythe houseboat is enchanting clean and equipped with everything you needour stay on the house barge was fantastic the place was clean and orderlyHost:
the hosts were very nice friendly and helpfulour hosts were very helpful and friendlyfriendly and acomodating great storiesthey are incredibly helpful and made us feel very welcome on their boatthey were so attentive and helpful from the moment we booked to the last moment of our stayRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was right off the belt parkway and close to an excellent seafood restaurantangus & lisa gave us lifts to the subway station which was very kindlisa even took me to the park on the water nearby which was beautifulstarting with the good food in beautiful surroundings to best busa wonderful place to spend your holidays in new york
2. A cozy floating cabin (from USD 157)
This is a floating haven in Jamaica Bay. It’s only five blocks to the beach, where you may try your luck at surfing! Rippers and all the fun that Rockaway Beach has to offer are close by. It’s best for two people, but a maximum of four people can be accommodated . The couches that provide pleasant lounging during the day transform into sleeping spaces at night. They’re cozy, but they might remind you of backpacking in certain ways.
The bathrooms and showers at the marina are excellent. Enjoy a sunset raft ride or go fishing from the deck. Plan your holiday in this one-of-a-kind location and experience a beautiful, expensive lifestyle.
Houseboat Floating Cabin Rockaway Surf's Up!Queens, New York, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there's no ac but we found that an evening shower coupled with her small fan was very comfortablethe houseboat was lovely: comfortable cute great views and noises from the bird sanctuary across the baybeds were super comfortable; i napped quite easily and oftenevenings were very comfortable and quietalso there is a huge deck on the top of the cabin with deckchair table plantsCleanliness:
the marina facilities were solid - clean bathrooms- and erin was terrificinside was clean lots of supplies and lots of roomthe shared bathroom are modern and very cleanthe bathroom and showers at the marina are actually clean and functionalthe bathrooms are a short walk but super clean and it didn't feel like an inconvenienceHost:
the host is great and responds to questions promptlyingrid was a great host and the boat was more than i expectedwe never met her but she was very responsive and gave us great advice & tipsgreat and communicative host 100/10 will stay againingrid was a great host easy to communicate with and answered all my questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
close to the beach and a unique and enjoyable experience of life on a boat in a marinagreat place to stay super close to the beachsuch a fun stay and really close to great places to go outit was peaceful close to everything we wanted to do and had a bit of magic to iti have already recommended this place to many friends
3. A beautiful houseboat with four bedrooms (from USD 536)
This beautifully redesigned houseboat located in Jamaica Beach houses four bedrooms. It overlooks the stunning Marina 59 and is very close to sea where you can surf and fish. It can accommodate up to eight guests with its seven beds. There is a barbecue grill available for your family dinner or couple dates.
The host is very particular with cleanliness to offer you a comfortable stay and it’s complete with everything that you need from beddings down to toiletries. Currently the boat is on land, but still with views of the marina.
Ziggy Stardust Surf House - A Beautiful HouseboatQueens, New York, United StatesAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were all super comfortable the view is gorgeous and the experience is relaxingthe houseboat is comfortable sun drenched and airy an incredibly magical placeRead more reviewsHost:
the boat is gorgeous and fun host is greathe was communicative and always on call to helpben is a very gracious and incredibly nice hostour host ben was communicative and helpful as we got settled inalso ben is an excellent communicator and a helpful host
4. A lovely mini condo in a yacht (from USD 59)
Are you looking for a great place to take your significant other on a vacation, host a family event, or just chill out with your good friends? This is the ideal place to relax or party it up, with an audio system and a beautiful lower and upper patio.
Pet swans frequent the area, and you can take a quick 5-minute walk to the beach, which includes a playground and other facilities. This exclusive boat with entrance and parking is near stores, gas station, eateries, as well as an express train that’s only three minutes away.
Mini Condo/VIP/Lounge YachtQueens, New York, United StatesAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable to throw small partiesHost:
michael is a lovely host and the boat is beautifulhosts responsiveness is awesome all together great triphost is terrific and was there waiting for usRead more reviewsLocation:
outstanding spot for our needs close to beach train bus etccan recommend this place in summer
5. Eclectic houseboat minutes from the beach (from USD 129)
On a lovely houseboat in the Rockaways, your exciting NYC escape awaits you! It’s a gorgeously outfitted antique cabin cruiser for a relaxing holiday trip you can spend camping at sea. It is a nice spot to enjoy your tropical vacation in New York City or to break free from the city for a weekend. It features a fully furnished kitchenette and access to WIFI.
It is located just a few steps from eateries and resorts. The main cabin includes a long seat, a bathroom, and a dining room table that may be used as an extra bed if needed. The v-berth is a separate compartment that sleeps two people.
Eclectic Houseboat Minutes From the BeachQueens, New York, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the place is just as described and as others have said is so cozy and charmingCleanliness:
beautiful place and very cleanboat was clean and comfortablethe marina is clean and everyone there is super friendlythe bathroom at the dock is really cleanthe marina bathrooms were clean and not crowded and the marina shower has a good-sized changing areaHost:
everyone at the marina was super friendlyemily and hannah were very responsive and thoughtfulgreat communication from host emily with all instructions providedamazing place to stay co host hannah responded quickly to questions hope to stay again soon :3people at the marina were friendly and quietRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and a great experiencecozy and cute decor nice vibe and so close to the beachthe boat is sooo cute and it’s a 10 minute walk to a nice strip of restaurantslocation has a good size parking lot that is gated in requires a key fob for entrytook the bus to the ferry and enjoyed a nice sail to southstreet area
6. Unique houseboat on the Hudson (from USD 149)
Take this fun and unique vacation if you want a peaceful and relaxing environment, as well as adventure. The boat is equipped with just about everything you’d find in a hotel, as well as fishing equipment, bait, a picnic basket, and more. If the boat is too tiny for you, there is a huge sundeck to relax on. There are also laundry facilities, toilets, and other facilities near the pool.
Hiking is available near Bear Mountain while fishing lakes are close by. Enjoy kayaking in this beautiful region for free. Larger showers and facilities are also accessible in the pool house.
Houseboat on the Hudson will be moved to KingstonStony Point, New York, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
had breakfast on the deck in the sunshine with great view over the hudsonbathroom is small but perfectly functional (even the shower) for folks of average sizewe didn't use any of the grills pool or amenities but they were there and looked nicebeautiful scenery cozy cabin friendly community with nearby grill and poolthe a/c was amazing - it's a little loud but very effectiveCleanliness:
shipshape : very clean organized and easily managednicks boat house was clean and lovelythe place is very clean and cosy the marina is super quiet and relaxingthe place was very nicely appointed large enough and cleanlocation is stellarcozy well stocked all in clean working orderHost:
nick was a very thoughtful hostnick was a wonderful host who offered this awesome boathousenick's a great hostnick was punctual and friendlynick was super friendly and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
cute little placegreat location for fine dining and sightseeing in the areareally cute house boat with everything you might need at a nice & quiet locationgreat place close to the city quiet perfect getaway right next to bear mountaini wish i lived close enough to come back often
7. A vintage river boat on a private marina (from USD 250)
Situated on a private marina, this vintage Airbnb houseboat offers a sweet escape in the middle of nature. What’s more, you will be staying in a community that is loaded with artists, surfers, and fishermen – you can mingle with them when you have nothing to do. The boat itself comes with one bedroom and one bathroom and can accommodate solo travelers or couples. Other facilities to be enjoyed include an equipped kitchen, an upper deck with the views of the marina, and wireless internet access.
Da James Franco Award Winning Floating Surf SafariQueens, New York, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the interior is absolutely wild the roof deck is great the bed is soft and comfytour through the foyer kitchen and nooks and you already feel like you've traveled farHost:
ben was a great host and was readily available for any questionsben was an excellent host who communicated clearly and answered questions quicklyben was very responsive and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
comfortable unique and close to the beachwhat a unique and fun placeall and all it is a super cool place unique and worth the experiencemy partner and i went for a place to escape the heat wave and it delighted beyond imagination
8. Luxurious house barge for two to three people (from USD 250)
This spacious New Rochelle option is a good contender for couples looking for a unique New York boat rental experience. It’s set amid a neighborhood bustling with eateries, cultural attractions, and parks, so you’ll find plenty to see and do. Discover some of New York city’s top attractions during your adventure. And the boat itself comes with a full kitchen, air-conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi access. What’s more, there’s free parking nearby, meaning you’ll be able to explore the area by car without too much difficulty. And, after a rewarding day seeing the sights, the relaxing patio-style outdoor seating will make a great spot to unwind next to the water.
Editors note: This listing is not currently available.
Luxurious House barge centrally locatedNew Rochelle, New York, United StatesAccommodates: 2
9. Houseboat in the Rockaways
This highly-rated Queens Airbnb boat house is a good option for a couples and is well placed for local amenities. There’s a grocery shop immediately next to the marina and there are a number of restaurants nearby. The nearest beach is also just five minutes away and transport links are good; indeed there’s an A train stop just a short walk away and, if you are flying to your holiday accommodation, JFK Airport is close by too. The houseboat itself comes with kitchenette facilities and a freezer. The marina is also home to shared bathrooms and showers. Past guests loved the setting and convenience of the nearest train station.
Editors note: This listing is not currently available.
Houseboat in the RockawaysQueens, New York, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there's also a fan to cool down the spacethe bathrooms in the marina were open all night and clean lots of fresh air and windowsthe houseboat itself was comfortable though we didn't try to cook or do anything too complicated besides sleepCleanliness:
the bathroom facilities on land are clean and well keptthe restrooms and showers are clean and i felt perfectly safe walking there at nightthe boat was clean and securethe boat was clean and cuteHost:
our host was great attentive and welcomingthey were wonderful hosts and the boat was neat as a pinthe hosts were wonderful and very responsivei will definitely try and stay there again the host was really great and answered any questions promptlythe hosts are great checking is easy and the marina is beautifulRead more reviewsLocation:
neighbors were friendly and it's a short walk to the beachif you like plane watching and don't mind the noise it's the perfect locationbeing able to stay on a boat so close to the beach was awesomea and f's place is a fantastic escape from the citythe other reviews of freja were pretty accurate - super convenient location to the subway beach and market
10. A houseboat with a spacious deck
Wake up to the gentle kiss of the sun in the morning and go to sleep listening to the sound of the waves whispering in your ears, could it be more beautiful than this? Book this houseboat so you can experience its awesomeness, and enjoy New York in a non-touristy way. Head to the spacious deck to sip your coffee in the morning and indulge in a glass of wine in the evening. The houseboat comes with three comfortable beds and can accommodate up to four people. You can also find a fully equipped kitchen in which you can whip up a delicious meal.
Salt Shack:A beautiful houseboat in the Rockaways!Arverne, New York, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it was clean and super cutevery clean perfect self checkinthe houseboat is beautifully and thoughtfully put together super clean and comfortablevery cute clean and comfythe bathroom isn’t a huge deal given the marina bathrooms were kept very clean and well-stockedHost:
the hosts were friendly easygoing communicative and enthusiasticothers at the marina were super friendly and made us feel welcomedneanna and justin were very helpfuljustin is a nice guy and was very kind and helpfullwe had a great few days at the salt shack justin was super accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
it is a super close walk to the beach which was really nicethe bus right outside the marina door makes it really easy to get to riisthe place is very very cuteit was such a unique corner of nyc- perfect for a weekend getawayit's really a wonderful place
11. Elegant 1976 Chris Craft “Hudson”
Come onboard “Hudson” for a quiet holiday or retreat away from the rush and busy city. Hudson is a 1976 Chris Craft with a fun 70s flavor and plenty of indoor and outdoor room for lounging, fishing, and sightseeing. It can comfortably sleep four people in one bedroom with four beds.
If you’d prefer to cook than visit one of Rockaway’s fantastic eateries, there’s plenty of space to to stock some ingredients plus appliances available for use. Take a relaxing time while enjoying the bay view from the deck.
1976 Chris Craft “Hudson”Queens, New York, United StatesAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
she was always attentive when i asked questions and made us feel welcomethe hosts were very friendly and available to answer every possible questiongina is very responsive and friendlyincredibly friendly hosts super chill and quick with responsesRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was great and it was a cute place in a really unique settingbonuses: walking distance to supermarket a train and beachfeels like being on vacation with the stillness of the marina and a short walk to the beach
Get ready for a memorable stay on the water
Whether you’re a fan of the sea or looking for a unique holiday experience in New York City that doesn’t break the bank, there are plenty of Airbnb vacation rental options just waiting for you.
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