...  


Nov/Dec 2007
Back to Home Page

Find yourself in Houseboat Heaven
Yet, millions of Florida’s visitors make their annual trek to crowd-filled theme parks or resort-style atmospheres and subject themselves to outside noise and distractions. Take your next getaway one step further by experiencing Florida's natural (and quieter) side during a houseboat excursion..

Available for rent from one day to one month, these houseboats come fully-equipped with every available amenity needed for a memorable experience, all at a cost equally comparable to resort prices.
At 310-miles-long, The St. Johns River has been regarded "one of the laziest rivers in the world". As the water travels slowly, the river's total drop from beginning to end is less than 30 feet, or about one inch per mile, making the river ideal for houseboating.

Located in Palatka, situated an hour south of Jacksonville, River Adventures provides a luxurious houseboat experience aboard 60-foot cruises, able to accommodate up to 10 passengers comfortably.
Each houseboat comes fully-equipped with comforts that include full-size appliances and modern electronic equipment.
Houseboats provide one main stateroom, one upper bedroom, and two lower bedrooms, all with queen-sized beds.
800-OUR-BOAT | www.riveradventures.com

Imagine a vacation where getting up close to a family of manatees will seem commonplace. As travelers pilot their houseboat along the St. John's River, many have said the scenery and wildlife they encountered was the most memorable experience of their lifetimes!
Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina provides guests with a comfortable 58-foot-long "Camelot" houseboat offering four private staterooms with double beds, an outdoor waterslide and flying bridge.
800-248-2474 | 386-734-2474 | www.hontoon.com

Surrounded by the Ocala National Forest, up to six guests can board the 35-foot-long houseboats of Aquatic Houseboat Adventures and begin the vacation of a lifetime. Each houseboat is fully-equipped and instruction prior to rental is mandatory.
352-759-3300 | www.aquatichouseboatadventures.net

Holly Bluff Marina, situated in the community of Deland, manages six fully-equipped houseboats, able to accommodate from two to 10 travelers. Ranging in size from 40 to 53 feet long, the fully-equipped vessels provide guests with convenient onboard amenities and the opportunity to view some of Florida's most breathtaking scenery.
800-237-5105 | 386-822-9992 | www.hollybluff.com

A truly memorable sight, the Suwannee River has been the focus of Florida's state song, in addition to an abundance of eco-based literature, due to its serene atmosphere.
Miller's Marina of Suwannee, wants their visitors to experience one of the most memorable vacations of their lives, while journeying along this historic area.
Aboard a 44-foot Suwannee houseboat, passengers are given the opportunity to visit many of the world's largest and most beautiful springs, all from the comforts and privacy of your next "vacation rental".
Accommodating six to eight guests, the houseboat is fully equipped for comfortable living, relaxing, and floating. After a quick training during a warm-up cruise visitors will be surprised how fast they can earn their captain's papers.
800-458-2628 | 352-542-7349 | www.suwanneehouseboats.com

Southwest Florida, best known for its tropical sunsets and abundance of seashells is also the home of Paradise Vacations. Take a self-exploration of the islands of Sanibel, Captiva and Cayo Costa from the comforts of your next vacation home, via the Caloosahatchee River, stopping and starting at your own comfortable pace.
Guests are provided with informative instruction and area maps, along with a guide containing favorite anchorages, sights, destinations, dockages and restaurants.
239-995-0585 | www.bluewatervacations.com

Cruise along throughout Southwest Florida's barrier islands and Calooshatchee River while enjoying the privacy of your own floating condo. Holiday Cruise Houseboat Rentals of Fort Myers has been providing visitors with state-of-the-art rentals since 1997.
Four houseboats are available and range in size from 41 to 44-feet long.
941-894-4146 | www.holidaycruisehouseboats.com

Eighteen miles south of Key Largo, Houseboat Vacations of the Florida Keys, provides a great way to explore the beauty of South Florida at your own pace. Each fully-equipped houseboat is able to accommodate up to eight, and features spacious living areas, including a gas barbecue and deck furniture on a rooftop sundeck.
Prior to guests heading out on the water, instructors provide a quick navigational tour of the boat along with a few tips, so drivers feel confident as they head out into the water.
Cruising range is 20 miles of shoreline on Florida Bay only as houseboats are not allowed on Oceanside.
In addition, kayak and canoe rentals are available, perfect for visitors who want to integrate an exploration into the area's small islands and coves.
305-664-4009 | www.thefloridakeys.com/houseboats

Did You Know?
There are no formal licensing requirements to drive a houseboat.