While you are deciding the "when" and "where" of your next Sunshine State vacation, don't limit your accommodation choices to chain hotels or five-star resorts. Why not experience an "out-of-the-box" vacation by renting a houseboat? Navigating the many lakes, rivers and canals that surround Florida's major cities is a unique way to experience the state's hidden treasures. Most houseboats come fully-equipped and are able to sleep up to 10 guests at a price that's comparable to most hotels and resorts.

Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina
2317 River Ridge Rd., Deland, FL
800-248-2474 386-734-2474
www.hontoon.com
Experience the freedom of piloting your own houseboat on the exotic, 310-mile-long St. Johns River. The luxurious, 58-foot "Camelot" houseboat sleeps eight to 10 comfortably and features four private staterooms, one-and-a-half baths, a waterslide and fly bridge. The "Super Chief", a smaller houseboat at 52 feet, accommodates six to eight guests. All Hontoon rentals come fully-equipped with microwave, indoor/outdoor carpeting, front and top deck furniture, gas grill, color TV/VCR and marine radio. Weekly, mid-week and weekend expeditions are available, with rates that begin at $595.

Barefoot Houseboat Rentals
120 Plantation Dr., Tavernier, FL
305-942-0045
www.barefoothouseboatrentals.com
See Florida's Keys from the comforts of "Myacht," a 43-foot-long houseboat. The vessel comes fully-equipped with all the amenities of home, including a refrigerator, stove and sleeper sofa.
For fun, the boat has a waterslide and large outside deck. The Myacht is able to sleep up to six comfortably.
Accommodating smaller parties is the 30-foot-long "Catamaran Cruiser". The cruiser features luxurious, fully-equipped lodgings for groups of four or less.
A three-day minimum rental is required on both houseboats, with prices ranging from $240-360 per day. Additional rental packages are available.

Holiday Cruise Yacht Rentals
P.O. Box 101128, Cape Coral, FL
239-945-5459
www.houseboatrentals.com/holidayhouseboats
Cruise throughout the barrier islands and Caloosahatchee River in Southwest Florida aboard the newest houseboat fleet to be offered in the state.
Holiday Cruise has been operating houseboat rentals since 1997 and strives to provide visitors with the cleanest and most well-maintained boats in Florida.
Each rental, able to sleep eight comfortably, is available in either 41- or 44-foot lengths and features fully-equipped amenities with brand new equipment.
A four-day minimum is required, with rental prices starting at $1,400. Weekly and additional daily rentals are also available.

Miller's Marina
P.O. Box 280, Suwannee, FL
800-458-BOAT 352-542-7349
www.suwanneehouseboats.com
Cruising the Suwannee River aboard a 44-foot-long Suwannee houseboat may well prove to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
Renowned for being one of the most unspoiled rivers in America, the Suwannee offers natural water springs and an abundance of fish.
Each houseboat, which sleeps up to 10 guests comfortably, includes everything one would need to live and dine aboard except for the food and the cook - visitors have to bring their own!
A minimum two-day rental is required with prices starting at $395 (December through February). Additional day rentals are available.

River Adventures (Crystal Cove Marina)
121 Crystal Cove Dr., Palatka, FL
866-687-2628 386-328-1447
www.riveradventuresinc.com
Accommodating up to 10 guests comfortably, these four, 60-foot-long cruisers are the ideal way to experience Florida's scenic and majestic St. Johns River.
The professional instructors teach visitors how to maneuver their houseboat and advise them of river rules and navigation tools to make the vacation even more enjoyable!
Each boat comes fully-equipped and includes a gas grill, extra cooler and lounge chairs for soaking up that Florida sunshine.
A two-day minimum rental is required. Prices begin at $1,125 for a "value-season" vacation from Oct. 1 to Feb. 28.

Holly Bluff Marina
2280 Hontoon Rd., Deland, FL
800-237-5105 386-822-9992
www.hollybluff.com
Get back to nature on the St. Johns River aboard these fully-equipped and spacious rental houseboats, ranging in size from 38 feet to the 53-foot corporate houseboat and able to accommodate from two to 10. Guests won't be disappointed with the panoramic views.
Common sights along the river include an intricate display of wildflowers so bring your camera and capture the beauty of Florida's wild and wonderful scenery.
Rates for Friday to Sunday rentals, December through February, begin at $675.

Aquatic House Boat Adventures (Astor Landing Campground and Marina)
25934 Holmer Dr., Astor, FL
352-759-3300
www.aquatichouseboatadventures.net
Along the banks of the St. Johns River, surrounded by the Ocala National Forest in the quiet community of Astor, visitors can take in the wildlife and natural surroundings aboard a 35-foot-long vacation houseboat.
Featuring fully-equipped amenities and a large patio area, this is bound to be a vacation you'll never forget!
Three-day minimum rentals are required from March through November. Rates begin at $625 for a "weekend getaway."