Charming houseboats you can rent in Florida for the ultimate high seas vacation

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Resorts on the beach are great, but would you believe us if we said you can stay in a rental even closer to the water? Well, we're not pulling your peg leg, it's true! Houseboat rentals are becoming more common in Florida and what's more, many of them are cheaper to rent than hotel rooms and resorts. But don't just take our word for it, here are 5 houseboat rentals in Florida for the ultimate high seas vacation. 

1. Houseboat in Sanford, Florida

Size matters when it comes to houseboats! This permanently docked 60-foot beast located in Sanford offers renters a whopping 600 sq. ft, 2 bedrooms (sleeps 4) and 2 bathrooms. Your typical amenities are included including wi-fi, AC, flat screens, queen beds, and of course, great water views, to name only a short few highlights. 

The boat is docked at Lake Monroe, within walking distance to plenty of shops and entertainment as well as only a short drive away to Blue Springs State Park and Disney World. Prices for this rental average $195/night--split between four people and that's less than $50 each/night! 

Check availability and book here!

2. Houseboat in Key Largo, Florida

If luxury is your sort of thing, this Key Largo houseboat is a must-rent for you! With over 1,000 sq. ft., 4 beds (sleeps 6) and 2 bathrooms, this 78' boat with all your modern amenities included located at the Waterside Suites and Marina offers guests an elegant spot in the heart of Key Largo close to shopping, nightlife and so much more. There's even a swimming pool on-site! 

This rental has a 4.9 star rating with over 170 reviews, making it a highly sought-after unit. As of posting, the next available weekend for booking is in August. 

Check availability and book here! 

3. Banana Boat in Franklin County, Florida

This adorable "banana" boat located on the Gulf south of Tallahassee really takes the house boat experience to a new level of charming. Built more like a tiny home on the water, this water vessel is absolutely adorable inside and out and is one of the cheaper houseboat rentals we could find, averaging $124/night.

Though it's only large enough to sleep 2 it's the perfect getaway spot for a couple needing some time to themselves! 

The vessel is complete with modern amenities including AC, internet and TV--though, with it being so close to: Tate's Hell Nature Trail, the Historic Carrabelle Lighthouse and Museum, Camp Gordon Johnston World War II Museum, Dog Island Ferry excursions, charter fishing, kayaking, cycling paths, guided boat tours at Wakulla Springs, Panacea's Gulf Specimen Marine Lab (with touch pools for children), Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, a variety of local seafood eateries and a local supermarket, you probably won't be spending much time indoors.

Check availability and book here! 

4. Houseboat in Tavernier, Florida

Sip your morning coffee from the front porch of paradise at this floating tiny house style rental in the Keys. This houseboat can sleep up to 5 guests and has one full bathroom--and better yet, you can bring your dog if it's under 50 pounds! 

According to the listing, the sliding glass doors lead to a front patio overlooking wonderful views located between Key Largo and Islamorada in Tavernier at Mile Marker 91.7 on the Bayside, in a protected tranquil oasis cove of Community Harbor.

Check availability and book here! 

5. Houseboat in Boca Grande, Florida

If a quaint bohemian hideaway is something that peeks your interest, this new listing in Boca Grande is a match! While Boca Grande is amazing on it's own, the hosts of this rental offers extra amenities for an additional cost including paddle boards and kayak rentals, massages, special event packages and even sunset/dolphin/fishing cruises!

While the houseboat is still undergoing some final touches, the host encourages interested renters to contact them for further information on booking inquires.

​Check availability and book here! 

Want to see more? Check out the full listing of boathouse rentals in Florida here!