Everyone loves a Florida vacation. Spending time in the hot sun, working on your tan, swimming in the ocean, and hanging out with friends are only a few of the many fun things to do that make for a fantastic vacation. Destin is located on Florida’s Emerald Coast and is known for its emerald waters, soft white-sand beaches, and year-round warm weather. The city is located on a peninsula stretching out into the Gulf of Mexico, and here you can find the Destin Harbor Walk with shops and restaurants. The Destin History and Fishing Museum let guests explore its history and maritime past. Boating and fishing are a major part of Destin’s life, so staying on a houseboat is a cool and unique option when you visit the city. Wonder no more about where to stay. Here’s the lowdown on the top houseboats for rent in and near Destin, Florida.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 08, 2024.
1. Rustic houseboat docked in a resort complex (from USD 152)
For your most unique escapade yet, try this rustic 50-foot (15.2-meter) houseboat in Niceville that you can rent without breaking the budget. Even for its economical price, you’ll never miss out on the convenience of having a cable TV, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning unit. It comes with a full-size kitchen complete with all the essentials needed for home cooking, but a nearby seafood place can be your option for local cuisine.
This property will also make you want to explore outdoors as it is docked in the Bluewater Bay Marina Complex. Enjoy the breathtaking views in the small beach area where the kids can play or head over to the resort pool that you can access for a daily fee. If you’re adventurous, you can drive for 15 minutes to reach the white sand beaches of Destin.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
the location is amazing and the staff at the marina and restaurant were great
2. Lovely rental anchored in Pensacola Bay (from USD 250)
Indulge yourself with a comfortable stay in this houseboat in Pensacola Bay, anchored on the scenic Seville Harbour Marina and an hour’s drive from Destin. The lovely rental is spacious and exudes a studio apartment vibe with its open layout living area with a large smart TV, and well-equipped kitchen with full-size appliances and a dining area. A bedroom and loft are your comfy spots for sleeping. But by no means stay indoors as the vibrant district awaits!
You’ll only be steps away from several restaurants, local bars, art galleries, and museums, as well as the famous Bartram Park and Seville Square. And if you’re in luck, you might even catch the local festival celebrations in the historic area. The sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach are just a short drive away to enjoy some basking under the sun.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the property was extremely clean and well stockedextremely clean and very well laid outwe were very impressed this little "house boat" was very clean and decorated nicelywe enjoyed out stay it was very clean and location was greatthe house was clean and well appointed the manager (jennifer) was responsive and the location is awesomeRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was perfect - close to downtown and only a short drive to the naval stationit was perfect for us location is great and within walking distance of activities and restaurantseasy walking distance to restaurants night life museums and morethe location was perfect it was a locked gated pier that made you always feel safewe found it a place we will definitely stay again
3. Seas The Day Houseboat, Fort Walton Beach (from USD 166)
Nestled on a quiet bayou, this nautical-themed houseboat is perfect for those looking for a tranquil stay. Four people can sleep across its two bedrooms. The houseboat offers plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable. These include air conditioning, WiFi, two TVs, beach equipment, and an electric grill for outdoor cooking.
For those into fishing, you can cast your line directly from the side of the boat or simply lounge on the deck and watch the dolphins pass by. If you get bored with the on-board offerings, hop on a paddleboard or kayak and explore the nearby beaches.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts were kind and friendlygreat hosts attentive and responsivethe hosts are wonderful and have paddle boards and kayaksRead more reviewsLocation:
seas the day was the perfect location for my wife and i
4. SeaLeGs, Niceville
Although you can’t leave the dock in this houseboat, it is a great option if you’re looking to stay somewhere unique. It comes with two bedrooms and can sleep up to six people, making it ideal for families or groups of friends. There’s a galley-style kitchen for home cooking, air conditioning to keep you cool and refreshed on a hot summer day, and a TV and WiFi for your entertainment.
The houseboat also has a shaded back porch and a spacious deck, so there’s no shortage of spots for outdoor lounging and enjoying the spectacular views of the marina. Local hotspots like restaurants, shops, and the beach are nearby.
Niceville, Florida, United States
15.67 km (9.8 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure ParkSuperhostAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
enjoyed being on this good sized clean boat in a beautiful marina with lovely sunsetsRead more reviewsHost:
our host was wonderful william was quick to respond to any questions that we had
Other boat accommodations near Destin
5. Charming private yacht with gorgeous views of the sunset (from USD 3575)
This private yacht comes equipped with modern amenities such as a TV, WiFi, and smoke detectors. Guests can relax and drift off to a peaceful slumber on the cozy bed while the yacht sets sail on a beautiful voyage.
The deck upstairs is equipped with wooden chairs and tables. You can share a glass of wine with your loved one here while soaking in the surreal sights of a spectacular sunset. While you can bring food and drink along with you, the yacht has a microwave in which snacks can be reheated and light meals prepared. Beach towels, paddle boards, ice, and water bottles are supplied.
Given that it is a demise charter, guests will have to employ a licensed captain along with a crew when they rent the vessel. The crew fee is 600 USD which has to be paid directly to the crew for the overnight cruise.
6. Stately yacht on Destin Harbor for accommodation or cruising (from USD 3575)
Book this beautiful yacht and experience Destin like never before. Perfect for cruises along the scenic harbor or just staying docked at the Heron Harbor Marina, this yacht can be turned into a floating lover’s nest, great for a couple looking for a romantic getaway.
You can take full advantage of the relaxing scenery and enjoy al fresco dining on the sunny deck. The large bow area is great for sunbathing. Amenities provided here include standup paddleboards, snorkeling gears, beach towels, and more.
Keep in mind that if you choose to go on a cruise, you will need to hire a licensed captain to operate the vessel for a fee. Although it can sleep only 2 people, it’s big enough to carry up to 12 passengers. There’s also an ice chest if you wish to bring drinks during the cruise. If you’re planning to prepare some snacks, you can easily do so in the equipped galley.
7. Delightful yacht with spectacular views (from USD 150)
While you can always enjoy your time in a boat rental on Miramar Beach, the beach at Destin has a different kind of allure. And while you are here, this small but pleasant yacht is the perfect accommodation if you are looking to relax and have a fun beach getaway. It’s anchored in a marina close to wine and dine options and can sleep up to three people but is perfect for a romantic couple looking for some privacy.
There’s a well-equipped galley/kitchenette so you can prepare light snacks and refreshing drinks with ease. Make sure that you’re on the deck with sparkling drinks on hand during sunsets to appreciate the relaxing dusk views with your significant other.
8. Sherie Poppins, Fort Walton Beach
Sleeping up to 6 people, this historic yacht is a 48-foot (15-meter) long, seaworthy vessel. It is located at Adventure Marina, about 20 minutes’ from Destin. The yacht exudes a rustic vibe that adds to its charm. It comes with two bedrooms and five beds, and pets are welcome to join you. WiFi access and hot water are available onboard, as well as air conditioning and a full bathroom.
There’s also a fully equipped, galley kitchen, so you can make dinner and then dine on the spacious deck under the stars. If you don’t feel like cooking, you can check out the nearby restaurants and sample the local fare. The boat is docked in a central location, and guests arriving with a vehicle will have a secure place to park their car.
Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States
947 meters (0.6 ft) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure ParkAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the v berth sleeping was new to us and very comfortableCleanliness:
everything is clean and cozythe ship is nicely cleaned and organizedclean bath and bed linens were supplied alsowas very neat and clean would definitely book againHost:
host were very helpfulsherie was a great hostsherie and shane were amazing hostswe called the host to help me make a cancellationeveryone at the harbor was extremely nice and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great location unique experiencethe location was easy access and nicethe location was perfect as it is close to everything we wanted or needed to dovery nice place and great location to walk to good placesclose to destin easy to get to
9. Blessed, Shalimar
Sleeping up to 4 people and about 15 minutes’ from Destin, this boat is a lovingly restored 1988 Sea Ray Sundance. The boat has been renovated to its former glory and is complete with new amenities but still features an authentic 1980s charm.
Wake up in the morning to the sounds and sights of the water and the birds chirping, and enjoy the unobstructed views of the water from the deck. The boat is a short distance away from local spots such as Navarre Beach and Okaloosa Island. There’s air conditioning, heating facility, a TV, as well as a well-equipped kitchen if you want to cater for yourself.
Shalimar, Florida, United States
4.67 km (2.9 mi) from Gulfarium Marine Adventure ParkSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very quiet area and cleanthe boat is clean well maintained and spaciousthe boat was clean and well maintainedthe boat was great it was clean and comfortableeverything was super nice and clean the boat has everything you needHost:
the hospitality extended by our hosts was welcomingthe host was welcoming polite and responsiverobin is a great hostwonderful host and beautiful unique spacerobin was a great hosts that will be happy to help at all timesRead more reviewsLocation:
the boat located very beautiful placethis was such a cute and unique placeit was in a great location with beautiful sceneryits a nice boat in a great locationwonderful experience we loved the boat great location quiet and beautifully decorated
Enjoy a waterside holiday near Destin
Florida is known for its beautiful beaches. While you can book a boat rental in Fort Walton Beach for an amazing Floridian holiday, you can also do the same when you are in Destin. Skip the hotel and spend some time on the water by staying in one of these unique and fun houseboat rentals in and near Destin, Florida.
Frequently asked questions about houseboats for rent in and near Destin, Florida
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