The Sunshine State of Florida immediately conjures up images of long and lazy holidays by the water and soaking in the sun as much as possible. You’ll find lots of fascinating cities here, including Miami, famed for its vibrant art scene and Latin-American culture, and Orlando, home to Disney World as well as other gorgeous theme parks. The state also features beautiful small towns that are worth exploring. A unique way to spend a Floridian holiday is to skip the luxurious 5-star hotels and opt to rent a houseboat instead. Whether you’re a couple, a large group of friends, or a solo traveler with your dog, renting a houseboat not only makes for a memorable holiday but also a very Instagrammable one. Think of it as your very own ‘boatel’, a boat hotel, where you get a unique perspective of the mainland. Check out our list of the best houseboats for rent in Florida, USA.
Upcoming events
South Beach Wine & Food Festival: Celebrated all across Greater Miami and Miami Beach, South Beach Wine & Food Festival sees hundreds of talented chefs flying down to partake in a spectacular food fiesta. Not only does it boast a diverse array of cuisines, but you can also savor delicious wine and different spirits. The festival is usually celebrated in late February.
EDC Orlando: If you’re a fan of EDM, head over to Orlando’s Tinker Field to catch this amazing music festival. It’s usually held in early November, so you can look forward to a fun winter in 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 October 02, 2024.
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Explore the best recommendations:
1. Fisherman's Retreat, Apalachicola (from USD 293)
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, families
This charming floating home for rent in Florida rests serenely on Scipio Creek and offers a unique retreat. Step onto the deck with a picturesque panorama that unfolds before your eyes. Inside, you’ll find a cosy bedroom with a lavish king-size bed, ensuring restful nights, and a spacious living room featuring a queen-size sofa bed for additional comfort.
The full kitchen invites you to craft your favourite dishes, while the large-screen TV provides modern convenience. From this accommodation, you can easily explore nearby gems, such as Downtown Books & Purl and Dixie Theatre.
2. Seaclusion at Seville Harbour Marina, Pensacola (from USD 289)
Best for: Families with kids, outdoor enthusiasts
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Pensacola Bay from Seville Harbour Marina when you stay at this houseboat adorned with luxurious queen-size beds for the ultimate comfort. Additionally, a fully equipped kitchen lets you prepare your favourite food. After meals, the deck and porch provide splendid spots to bask in the sun.
When you book this long-term houseboat rental in Florida, delight in the spectacle of water views and relish modern comforts, such as free WiFi and air conditioning. You’ll also find yourself mere steps from the lively Seville Square and the vibrant Bartram Park.
3. Fully remodeled houseboat, Tavernier (from USD 354)
Best for: Pet parents, families with kids, outdoor enthusiasts
This luxurious houseboat’s convenient location takes you right in the middle of the action as it’s close to many of the top attractions and activities in both Islamorada and Key West. Fishing charters, for instance, are virtually everywhere so you can head out to the open sea and enjoy some deep-sea fishing with the gang.
You can hit the beautiful beaches nearby if you just want to lounge under the sun and get that golden tan you’ve always wanted. Bars, restaurants, cafes, markets, and shops are also within easy reach.
This luxury houseboat rental in Florida is fully remodeled and furnished with comfort in mind. It has two air-conditioned bedrooms equipped with cozy beds to ensure a totally rejuvenating sleep for up to four people. The roof deck has lounge chairs and shades so you can just relax and take in the calming views without having to worry about the heat.
4. Luxurious floating condo at Lake Monroe, Sanford (from USD 782)
Best for: Luxury travelers, families with kids, workationers, group stays
Docked at Lake Monroe marina’s dock F in Sanford, this 60-foot (18.3-metre) houseboat is nothing less than a luxury floating condo. Think plush beds for five people, a chic bathroom, a slew of entertainment options such as DVD and CD players, a TV, and even a full-size kitchen. Plus, you’ll find all cooking essentials, bespoke toiletries, and even an indoor fireplace. In fact, you’ll also find a cool and stylish deck where you can hang out. However, that’s not all.
The Airbnb houseboat even comes with two beach cruisers that you can use to head down to town.
5. State-of-the-art houseboat in Stock Island, Key West (from USD 195)
Best for: Pet parents, couples, families, workationers
Tucked in a cosy marina on Stock Island, the location of this 56-foot (17-metre) houseboat is perfect for indulging in water activities as well as enjoying a night on the tiles.
On the houseboat, you’ll find everything primed for your comfort. Think cloud-like beds, a swish bathroom, a capacious living room, and a full kitchen with a bar. The standout feature is the large deck which offers panoramic views of the Lower Keys. It’s the perfect place to indulge in bird-watching while sipping on your morning cup of coffee. As a pet-friendly vacation rental, it allows your furry friends to stay as well.
6. Quaint houseboat with hotel access, Key Largo (from USD 362)
Best for: Luxury travelers, families with kids, watersports enthusiasts, group stays
How’d you like to stay in a houseboat that looks and feels just like home? This Key Largo houseboat is just what you’re looking for. Located at Waterside Suites and Marina in town, this quaint water hideaway has a fully equipped kitchen, where you can whip up quick meals.
Four queen-size beds sleep up to eight people, and you even have two kayaks if you wish to explore the waters around. If that wasn’t enough, you even have access to an ice machine and a pool at the hotel.
7. Fabulous houseboat on a private land, Fort Walton Beach (from USD 166)
Best for: Couples, outdoor enthusiasts, solo travelers
Seize the day with ‘Seas The Day’, a fabulous houseboat in tranquil and serene Fort Walton Beach. If you want to avoid crowds, then there’s no better place to stay than this boat, which features a fire pit, kayaks, and paddle boards for you to go exploring on your own.
Done up in rustic marine style, the houseboat sleeps up to two people and has a living room, bedrooms, a full kitchen, and bathrooms for comfort. It even has the entertainment factor with cable TV and Netflix on both TVs, as well as a DVD player and board games. The standout is the upper deck, where you can soak up some sun and catch gorgeous views.
8. Plush stationary houseboat on St. John's River, Sanford (from USD 178)
Best for: Nature lovers, luxury travelers, families, group stays
Nestled on the world’s only second north-flowing river, St. John’s in Sanford, this stationary houseboat is the perfect way to enjoy nature and wildlife. The spacious floating oasis features a living room, a sleek kitchen for preparing your own meals, and an equally swish bathroom with toiletries.
The outdoor deck is the highlight of the boat, where you can enjoy morning coffee and evening drinks. Plush sleeping arrangements aside, you’ll love thoughtful touches such as the centre island, mod cons and the fire pit on the patio. Moreover, the resort where the boat is docked features a plethora of amenities, including a large swimming pool.
9. Waterfront floating white-and-blue house, Bradenton
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, families, group stays
Do you have romance on your mind? Then, this cute white-and-blue floating house is just what you need for a romantic getaway in Bradenton, Florida. One of only two of its kind built in the world, this floating house originally meant to be a wedding chapel is one of the most unique houseboats you’ll ever see. Think a spiral stairway, high ceilings, tiled floors, stained glass windows - nothing like a traditional houseboat! Besides plush sleeping arrangements, you’ll also find a full kitchen and bathroom, as well as a gorgeous covered deck with a barbecue.
Above all, Regatta Pointe Marina where the houseboat is docked has great entertainment, recreation, and dining spots.
10. La Dolce Vita, Fort Lauderdale (from USD 210)
Best for: Watersports enthusiasts, families, group stays
Enjoy the taste of a sweet lifestyle aboard La Dolce Vita. This aptly named houseboat offers guests two private staterooms, a well-equipped kitchen and a bright living room with a TV. Amenities such as WiFi and pantry items are provided. The place has central air conditioning and heating as well. Out on the roof deck are ample seating and a bar, perfect for dining al fresco or enjoying a glass of wine.
With a convenient location close to beaches, shops, bars and nightclubs, there is no shortage of fantastic things to do during your stay. Store rentals near the property are also available so you can acquire the equipment needed for water sports and activities. Explore the allure of this monthly houseboat rental in Florida and embark on a unique waterfront escape.
11. The Grey Lady, Tavernier (from USD 475)
Best for: Families, group stays
Nicknamed The Grey Lady, this houseboat offers a bright, well-furnished living space suitable for up to six guests. It has a cable TV in the living room and WiFi access throughout the premises. Its back patio also provides guests a perfect spot for incredible views of the water.
Staying in this rental comes with access to full services of the marina, including the wet slips, boat ramp, fuel dock and trailer storage. There is also an outdoor pool where guests can cool off during the warm months. For some food and drink options, there is a bar and lounge area available at the resort.
12. Well-located home with complimentary kayaks, Bradenton (from USD 125)
Best for: Watersports enthusiasts, couples, golf enthusiasts
Nestled in Bahia Mar West Marina, this houseboat is an ideal home base for couples on a romantic getaway or road warriors on a business trip. Its strategic location places guests close to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, downtown Sarasota, downtown Bradenton and Lido Beach. As for food options, guests will be spoiled for choice as there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the surrounding area.
The rental is fully furnished and comes with air conditioning and a space heater for comfort. Entertainment options such as WiFi and a smart TV are provided as well. While two complimentary kayaks already come with the rental, guests can also head to rental stores nearby so they can enjoy more sports and activities in the water.
13. Luxurious floating abode, Port St Lucie (from USD 304)
Best for: Luxury travelers, families, group stays
Stay on this amazing, luxurious and utterly private houseboat in Port St Lucie on Florida’s dazzling Treasure Coast Florida. The icing on the cake is that you’re a hop, skip, and jump from Club Med Sandpiper Bay and its nightclubs, pools, and dining and entertainment spots.
Coming to your floating abode, it’s a luxury private ‘riverboat’, where you’ll find three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a comfy living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. So, you never have to leave this boat for anything. Choose from three decks, complete with hot tubs and lounge chairs, to enjoy a spectacular Floridian sunset or to indulge in stargazing at night.
14. Floating bungalow best for couples, Sanford (from USD 157)
Best for: Couples, solo travelers
This floating houseboat in historic downtown Sanford offers a romantic getaway for happy-in-love guests. Its cosy living space includes a bedroom with a double-size bed, a galley kitchen with cooking basics and a well-lit living area with a wall-mounted TV. In addition to a covered front porch, the rental also offers a unique rooftop deck which is perfect for end-of-day cocktails.
Other in-unit features include air conditioning, WiFi, and laundry facilities. For guests with cars, free public parking spaces are available at the marina.
15. Lovely floating home on St. John’s River, Sanford (from USD 150)
Best for: Nature lovers, watersports enthusiasts, families, couples
This charming yellow cottage offers you a unique accommodation in Sanford. It’s afloat on the St. John River, providing guests not just a relaxing view and direct access to kayaking, fishing, and other watersports, but also ensuring a rejuvenating sleep each night as you’ll be rocked to sleep by the gentle motion of the water.
A group of four people can fit into this amazing floating home, just enough for a small family or groups of friends. Sit on the porch and feel the gentle breeze as you take in dreamy views of the water and boats passing by. Kayaks are available so that guests can further explore the river.
Old-town Sanford with its iconic cobblestone streets, brick-lined storefronts, Victorian homes, and vibrant community is just a few minutes away. It’s also where guests can find lots of dining and shopping options. After a great meal, you might want to head out to the riverwalk on Lake Monroe, one of the most gorgeous lakes in the state, to enjoy a nice walk while watching the stunning sunset.
16. Adorable floating cabin, Apalachicola (from USD 323)
Best for: Pet parents, families, watersports enthusiasts, outdoor enthusiasts, couples
Fittingly named ‘The Reelaxation Houseboat’, this floating accommodation docked on Apalachicola River is just perfect for fishing enthusiasts. You can either cast your line directly from the water-facing porch and reel in some stripe bass, speckled trout, black drum, and redfish or paddle out on a kayak to the deeper parts of the river to catch some bigger fish.
After an afternoon of fishing, take a short walk to the historic downtown area to grab something to eat or enjoy a refreshing drink with your friends in a pub.
The houseboat features a spacious bedroom with a king-size bed and a living room with a sofa bed to comfortably sleep up to four people. The kitchen comes equipped with all cooking and dining essentials so that food preparation wouldn’t be a problem. Other amenities to enjoy include air-conditioning, WiFi, two cable TVs, DVD player, board games, and more.
17. Charming houseboat with a spectacular view, Apalachicola (from USD 485)
Best for: Families with kids, outdoor enthusiasts, group stays
If a break from your busy city life is what you need, this houseboat can be your sweet escape. You can bring along your family, partner, or a couple of your friends as it can accommodate up to four people.
The fully stocked kitchen has everything you need to whip up delicious meals. There’s a cable TV in the master bedroom and another one in the living room so you can enjoy a movie or your favorite TV show anytime you want. Several board games are also available for extra indoor fun.
The best thing about this houseboat is its location. It’s docked on a serene part of the Apalachicola River where you can enjoy some of the most relaxing water views in the region. Its direct proximity to the water promises a wide array of recreational things to do including fishing, birdwatching, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and more.
18. Upscale yacht for couples on a romantic getaway, Miami (from USD 108)
Best for: Watersports enthusiasts, couples, solo travelers
Experience the life of the rich and famous by living in an upscale and modern yacht. Ideal for a couple on a romantic getaway, this houseboat is tastefully furnished and complete with delightful amenities. It has a chic bedroom and a basic toilet with fresh water.
The back area provides a cozy haven where you can read a book or just enjoy the beautiful views. Although it does not have a kitchen, this boat has silverware that you can use to enjoy your food. Kayaks are available for guests who want some water activities, and a parking space is provided too.
19. Renovated houseboat, Key West
Best for: Families with kids, watersports enthusiasts, group stays
Stay at this cosy and wonderful houseboat docked at a marina in Key West. The recently renovated houseboat sleeps up to four people — two adults and two children. It has two bunk beds for the kids, while there’s a full bed for the adults.
On board, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable holiday — a full kitchen with cooking essentials, WiFi, a dining area and even a bathroom stocked with toiletries. Outside, you have access to lots of free parking, complete with a bar and restaurant right at the marina. The icing on the cake is that there are even kayaks for free use.
Key West, Florida, United States
237.61 km (147.7 mi) from Jungle Queen Riverboat
20. Exquisite yacht houseboat, St. Augustine
Best for: Families, group stays
If you’re looking for a houseboat rental in St. Augustine, then look no further than this lovely open and light motor yacht. Everything is perfect in this floating accommodation, which features two cabins, two bathrooms and a well-equipped kitchen.
Most of all, you’ll love the outside deck where you can settle with a cold one and spy gorgeous views of the boats in the marina. Moreover, the sequestered marina location is perfect as you have privacy, but are close to beaches as well as downtown.
St. Augustine, Florida, United States
439.19 km (272.9 mi) from Jungle Queen RiverboatSuperhost
Accommodates: 5
21. Fully equipped houseboat with Gulf of Mexico access, Osprey
Best for: Watersports enthusaists, outdoor enthusiasts, beach lovers, families, group stays
Nothing compares to staying right in the Gulf of Mexico, which is exactly what this lovely houseboat with its own private dock promises. With sleeping arrangements for as many as five people, this houseboat, just south of Sarasota Springs, not only has a full kitchen but also two bathrooms.
Since you’re right on the Gulf of Mexico, grab the paddle boards or kayaks and go exploring on your own. For land expeditions, you even have a golf cart and bikes. What’s more, you have access to your very own sandy beach, too.
Osprey, Florida, United States
265.44 km (165.0 mi) from Jungle Queen RiverboatAccommodates: 6
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind vacation in Florida
Staying on a houseboat is a one-of-a-kind way to experience the coastal beauty of Florida. With so many affordable options available, it’s a great way to lend uniqueness to your vacation and make it memorable. So, choose one of these best houseboats for rent in Florida and make the most of your ‘Sunshine State’ holiday.
Frequently asked questions about the best houseboats for rent in Florida, USA
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