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.
What to look forward to:
- If you're planning to spend most of your time in the water, booking a jet ski rental is a great way to explore Destin's stunning coastline at your own pace.
- Satisfy your taste buds at Primrose at The Henderson. Order seafood gumbo, prime ribeye, and a side of jalapeno baked corn for a meal you won't soon forget!
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 August 18, 2024.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Rustic houseboat docked in a resort complex (from USD 152)
Best for: Families with kids, group stays, beach lovers
Amenity highlights: Wi-Fi, TV, air-conditioning, full kitchen, furnished deck, resort pool access, beach access
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.
2. Lovely rental anchored in Pensacola Bay (from USD 250)
Best for: Couples, small families
Amenity highlights: Smart TV, full kitchen, laundry facilities, furnished waterfront deck
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.
3. Seas The Day Houseboat, Fort Walton Beach (from USD 166)
Best for: Small families, couples, beach lovers
Amenity highlights: Air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TVs, kitchen, beach essentials, electric grill, furnished waterfront deck
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.
4. SeaLeGs, Niceville
Best for: Medium-sized families, group stays
Amenity highlights: Galley kitchen, air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, furnished back porch, furnished deck
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 ParkSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Other boat accommodations near Destin
If you need more options, check out these other boat accommodations below, including luxury yachts!
5. Charming private yacht with gorgeous views of the sunset (from USD 4656)
Best for: Couples, small families
Amenity highlights: TV, Wi-Fi, smoke detectors, kitchenette, furnished deck, beach essentials
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 4509)
Best for: Couples
Amenity highlights: Furnished deck, beach essentials, watersports equipment, galley kitchen
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)
Best for: Couples, small families
Amenity highlights: Galley kitchen, furnished deck
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. Luxurious stationary catamaran with three bedrooms (from USD 740)
Best for: Group stays, medium-sized families
Amenity highlights: Full kitchen. Wi-Fi, TV, air-conditioning, furnished deck
This stationary catamaran features three bedrooms that can sleep six people, making this rental ideal for families or a getaway with friends. Even though this unit isn’t as spacious as a full-sized house or apartment, it still has a complete kitchen, so you should be able to cook meals with ease. Other amenities you can use inside are wireless internet, television, and air conditioning.
This catamaran is moored near Pensacola Beach, so feel free to explore the area or swim in the cool seawater. There are also several trendy restaurants nearby, so take this opportunity to taste the local cuisines. Other attractions that you might want to visit are Shoreline Park, Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve, Seville Square, and Woodland Park.
9. Cozy and quaint catamaran (from USD 343)
Best for: Medium-sized families, group stays
Amenity highlights: Full galley kitchen, saloon, furnished deck
Sail from Pensacola Beach to Destin when you charter this 600-sq. ft (55.7-sq. m) private boat. The yacht has a full galley with a freezer, a three-burner stove, and deep sinks. Plenty of sleeping and sitting areas are available too. The boat also has three berths and a saloon where you can have a luxurious meal. But the main event always happens outdoors. Enjoy a glass of wine while watching the beautiful sunset on Florida’s coast. A captain will be in charge of your safety, so all you need to do is take in the lovely views.
10. Plush yacht with two bedrooms
Best for: Group stays, medium-sized families, luxury travelers
Amenity highlights: Full kitchen, furnished deck
For claustrophobic people, staying on a boat might be a problem. But it will not be on this private yacht. This luxurious sailboat will make you feel like you are staying at a hotel. Downstairs, the yacht has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a full kitchen. But its best feature is upstairs where great parties are held. Drinks, music, and great sea views create a memorable vacation only a few people can afford.
11. Sherie Poppins, Fort Walton Beach
Best for: Pet parents, group stays, medium-sized families
Amenity highlights: Full galley kitchen, Wi-Fi, hot water access, air-conditioning, large furnished deck
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
12. Blessed, Shalimar
Best for: Small families, couples
Amenity highlights: Furnsiehd deck, galley kitchen, heating, air-conditioning, TV
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 ParkAccommodates: 4
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
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
