Floating Bungalows: Stay in a House On – Literally On – The Water in Florida

Last Updated on June 13, 2019 by Marybeth

As we scroll through vacation rental possibilities we’ve all seen boats – sailboats, trawlers, yachts – we can book for our entire vacation. Very cool, and certainly worth checking out for someday, but they’re boats. How about an actual cottage that floats?  Because we’re all about the cottage stays, the tiny houses, the quaint bungalows that wrap their arms around you, beckon with their cozy walls and compact kitchens, and tempt you to never leave.

We’ve rounded up more than a handful (we found 34!) of floating bungalows you can rent. Some remain anchored at their dock, while others are anchored in open water and you are provided a little skiff/dinghy to motor out with your overnight bags, food and beverages. One company whose houseboats may look a little more “boat” than “house,” lets you drive them around yourself (we’ve included them in this article because even though they look boaty they’re just so tiny and cute.) One houseboat on our list is a former wedding chapel! Another is a big barrel (I know, not exactly a house. But you know you want to at least look at its photos! And it has a tiki bar!)

Make sure you check each houseboat’s website (by clicking on their name) for all the details, including current pricing (we give you approximate rates, listed at time of publication.)  Some listings have minimum night requirements. Some of the houseboats are strictly “outdoor experiences reserved for camping, outdoors and adventurous people.” Some do not have A/C, but provide fans. Many have full kitchens and a few do not allow major cooking but have refrigerators and microwaves.

Starting up north, here we go!

 

THE PANHANDLE

 

Houseboats at River Watch

309 Water St.

Apalachicola, FL 32320

908-432-4040

 

Houseboats at River Watch are located at the mouth of the Apalachicola River and within walking distance of the historic downtown of Apalachicola. Up the Creek Raw Bar (“We are not just your father’s oyster bar!”)  is right next door!

 

The General Lee

Photos courtesy of Houseboats at River Watch

• 950 square feet.
• 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, can accommodate 4 people.
• Rates start at approximately $225.
• New full size appliances in the kitchen, Corian countertops, indoor seating area for 4, separate wet bar area, living room has a large flat screen TV, DISH satellite, heating, A/C, all linens.
• There is a second story observation deck for viewing all the waterfront activity.

 

The Southern Comfort

• 950 square feet.
• 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, can accommodate 4 people.
• Full size refrigerator, new stove and microwave, Corian countertops, coffee provided, all linens, TVs with DISH satellite, WiFi.
• Large waterfront porch with seating for 6 to watch the sunrise on your left and the sunset on your right.

 

The Reeelaxation

• 900 square feet.
• 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, can accommodate 4 people.
• Rates start at approximately $210.
• Full kitchen appliances, coffee provided, all linens, cable TV, WiFi, A/C, heating.
• Large cozy screened porch to hand out and watch the boats go by.
• Built with native woods by a local fishing captain.

 

The Rebel’s Rest

Photo courtesy of Houseboats at River Watch

• 500 square feet.
  
• 1 bedroom, 1 bath, accommodates 2 people.
• Rates start at approximately $190.
• Full kitchen appliances, coffee provided, all linens, TVs with DISH satellite, WiFi, A/C, heating.
  
• Waterfront views of the river with spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

 

 

CENTRAL FLORIDA/EAST CENTRAL

 

Floating Cottage

4370 Carraway Place

Sanford, FL  32771

Photos courtesy of Floating Bungalows

Built by Floating Bungalows (where you can purchase your own floating bungalow!) Floating Cottage is berthed at the Boat Tree Marina just north of Lake Monroe on the scenic St. John’s River.

• 550 square feet.
• 1 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeper sofa, can accommodate 4 people.
• Rates start at approximately $159.
• 5 burner gas stove, full side-by-side refrigerator, dishwasher, granite countertops, TV with basic channels, queen size bed is in carpeted loft, complimentary use of 2 kayaks, free parking at the marina, bait shop, swimming pool, deli and restaurant at the marina.
• Beautiful historic downtown Sanford is a few miles away.

 

 

GULF COAST

 

Romantic Houseboat on the Beautiful Water Between Treasure Island and Downtown

Sunset Dr., Pasadena on the Gulf

St. Petersburg, FL

Photos courtesy of Romantic Houseboat, AirBnb

Located just 7 minutes to the beach and 12 minutes to downtown St. Petersburg, this houseboat will afford you the best of all worlds, including the chance to cruise around piloted by the owners, if you so choose!

• 400 square feet.
• 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, accommodates 4 people.
• Rates start at approximately $249.
• Full kitchen, queen bed downstairs, two twins in loft, A/C, heating, outdoor grill, parking, all linens, use of 2 kayaks, opportunity to book a private Italian chef.
• A Publix and several restaurants are close by.

 

Houseboats Margaritavilla

811 Blackburn Point Rd.

Nokomis, FL  34275

Photos courtesy of Houseboats Margaritavilla

Houseboats Margaritavilla offer two houseboats, both 36 ft. long. A three bedroom, 65 ft. houseboat is on its way; stay tuned! Margaritavilla is within view and walking distance to one of our favorite seafood restaurants, Casey Key Fish House and Tiki bar. Free yoga is on the beach each morning right down the street.

• 548 square feet.
• One houseboat is a 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, and the other is a 1 bedroom 1 bath with a fold down table bed and a pull-out couch. Both units accommodate 5 people.
• Rates start at approximately $198.
• Full kitchen, A/C, heating, upper observatory deck, all linens, private dock, sandy beach oasis with hammocks, parking, WiFi, TV with satellite/cable, pets welcome with a small fee.
• Nokomis Beach, where you’ll find more restaurants, is 4 miles away.
• On site to rent are jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, bicycles and golf carts.

 

The Floating Chapel

1005 Riverside Dr.

Palmetto, FL 34221

Photos courtesy of The Chapel

One of the most unique homes on our list! Formerly a wedding chapel, The Floating Chapel has been entirely transformed into a beautiful place to stay. Located in a resort-style marina just across the bridge from Bradenton, and a short drive to Anna Maria Island.

• 1,000 square feet.
• 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, accommodates 4 people.
• Rates start at approximately $275.
• Granite countertops in the full kitchen, A/C, heating, linens, parking, gym and pool at the marina, outdoor seating and gas grill, 65″ flat screen TV with cable, WiFi.
• Two restaurants are located within walking distance, Riverhouse Reef and Grill, and Riverside Waterfront Deck.

 

Island Girl

3444 Marinatown Ln.

Fort Myers, FL  33903

Photos courtesy of Island Girl

Island Girl is located at a marina where you can walk to FOUR restaurants! Anchor Inn Bar and Grill, Cactus Jack’s Waterfront Grill, Sunset Grill, and Nauti Parrot Tiki Hut. The marina also offers a pool, yoga studio, and paddle board rentals. Walk to the Farmer’s Market every Friday.

• 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bath, accommodates 4 people.
• Rates start at approximately $69.
• Coffee, microwave, utensils, linens, beach towels, A/C, heating, flat screen TV with WiFi and local channels, kayak, fishing poles, parking.

Downtown Fort Myers is 2 minutes away, Fort Myers beach about a 30 minute drive. A Publix supermarket is a few minutes from Island Girl.

 

THE EVERGLADES

 

Flamingo Adventures

Photos courtesy of Flamingo Adventures

Here is a boat you can drive around yourself! Located in Flamingo, 38 miles from the entrance of Everglades National Park. Your cruising area is limited to Whitewater Bay where there is plenty of wildlife to observe and fish to be caught. Guests must have had some prior boating experience. Read more details of what this experience is like in this informative article written by Bonnie Gross on Florida Rambler.

• 42 feet long.
• 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, accommodates 6 people.
• Rates start at approximately $300, plus tax and fuel.  Rates are less if you decide to stay at the dock.
• Kitchen galley with gas oven/range, gas-electric refrigerator (8.5 cu ft) with a freezer, microwave that will work at the dock, basic set of cooking/eating utensils, A/C while at the dock, screened windows, linens.
• A Flamingo Adventures captain will drive your houseboat out of the marina to the first lake, where he is picked up by a skiff and you are free to roam the Whitewater Bay.

The 2005 hurricanes ruined the former lodge, cabins and restaurant that used to be here, but soon Flamingo Adventures will be adding 40 eco-tents – canvas cabins – and 24 cottages, and a restaurant will be added in the next couple of years. Back to its former glory! 

 

 

 

THE KEYS

 

Mangrove Marina

200 Florida Ave.

Tavernier, FL  33070

Mangrove Marina offers thirteen houseboat rentals! Rather than give you all the details on every one, we’ll show you two and you can click through their website and choose the perfect houseboat stay for your vacation. The smaller houseboats start at approximately $229, and some are pet friendly!

 

Captain’s Quarters

Photos courtesy of Mangrove Marina

• 2 queen beds, 1 bath, accommodates up to 4 people.
• Rates start at approximately $297.
  
• Kitchen has full size refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, coffee maker and toaster. Linens, A/C, heating, Cable TV, WiFi, outdoor patio, grill nearby, marina pool, parking. Sliding glass doors lead to a back patio overlooking the water.

 

 

 

Manatee

• 4 bedrooms, 1 bath, accommodates 8 people.
• Rates start at approximately $314.
• Kitchen has full size refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, coffee maker and toaster. Linens, A/C, heating, Cable TV, WiFi, outdoor patio, grill nearby, marina pool, parking. Sliding glass doors lead to a back patio with spiral stairs up to an observation deck.

 

Cozy Key Lime

Lake Surprise

Key Largo, FL  33037

Photos courtesy of Cozy Key Lime

Cozy Key Lime is for adventurous campers! Read the listing all the way through before deciding to book this houseboat. If you love glamping, this floating bungalow may be for you. Cozy Key Lime is located within boating distance (you will have a 9.4′ Sundolphin water tender dinghy to drive out to your houseboat as well as visit nearby restaurants) of Gilbert’s Resort Tiki Bar (largest tiki bar in the Keys!) and Blackwater Siren.

• 1 bedroom, 1 bath, accommodates 2 people.
• Rates start at approximately $120.
• Handcrafted kitchen with dishes, silverware, mini fridge, kitchen eating area. Couch unfolds to a double bed, linens are included. Portable chemical toilet, air temperature shower. Visitors may opt to use the full shower and onshore bathroom at the marina, using a passcode protected entry. Parking at the marina is $10/day. Cozy Key Lime is solar powered so you must be conscious of your power usage. No A/C but a bedside fan, exhaust fan, and bug screens are provided.

 

Shark Pup

Lake Surprise

Key Largo, FL  33037

Photos courtesy of Shark Pup

Shark Pup is moored near the Cozy Key Lime, so also near Gilbert’s Resort Tiki Bar and Blackwater Siren. Shark Pup is also for adventurous campers, so make sure you read the full description to make sure this kind of houseboat stay is for you. Shark Pup’s rental also comes with a water tender dinghy to transport yourself to your houseboat, and for trips to the restaurants or exploring the area.

• 1 bedroom, 1 bath, accommodates 2 people.
• Rates start at approximately $110.
• Kitchen area has a mini fridge and sink, basic utensils. Premium coil futon mattress folds out to a full bed, linens included. Bathroom facilities include a marine chemical toilet and a hand held Helio rinse off shower for a quick bathe on the deck, air temperature. You may use the main full indoor shower and bathroom at the marina. Parking at the marina is $10/day. Bring DVDs for the 40″ flatscreen TV DVD player. Outdoor deck bar has seating area and Coleman BBQ. Shark Pup is solar powered so you must be conscious of your energy use. No A/C, but a bedside fan, exhaust fan, and bug screens are provided.

 

The Happy Crabby

Lake Surprise

Key Largo, FL  33037

Photos courtesy of The Happy Crabby

As seen in Coastal Living! The Happy Crabby is located near the above 2 floating bungalows (and looks like there are 5 all owned or managed by the same people.) Once again, a houseboat for adventurous campers only. Please read the entire description before choosing this kind of “glamping” experience. Gilbert’s and Blackwater Siren are within boating distance with your 9.4′ water tender dinghy that is part of your rental fee.

• 1 bedroom, 1 bath, accommodates 2 people.
• Rates start at approximately $142.
• Kitchen with mini fridge and utensils, loft bed and futon couch, linens, gas BBQ on the deck, air temperature shower and chemical toilet, flat screen TV and DVD player (bring your own DVDs. No A/C but a large fan is provided. The Happy Crabby is solar powered so you must be conscious of your power use.

 

The Blue Marlin

Lake Surprise

Key Largo, FL  33037

The 4th of 5 houseboat rentals in this same area, also for adventurous campers only. Along with this rental you will have a 9.4′ water tender dinghy to transport you to your houseboat and also the above-mentioned restaurants close by.

• 1 bedroom, 1 bath, accommodates 2 people.
• Rates start at approximately $143.
• Kitchen essentials are stored in your indoor bar, queen bed with linens, 40″ flat screen TV with DVD player (bring your DVDs), in -house stereo system that extends to a speaker in the outdoor lounge area with a USB port for charging or playing songs from your phone. Outdoor covered deck with full set of cushioned lounge furniture, gas BBQ, LED wrap around lights for nighttime, outdoor bamboo shower can be warmed by the sun. Visitors also have access to full bathroom and showers at the marina. Parking is $10/day. The Blue Marlin is solar powered so you must be conscious of your power usage. No A/C but a bedside fan, exhaust fan and bug screens are provided.

 

The Salty Seahorse

Lake Surprise

Key Largo, FL  33037

Photos courtesy of The Salty Seahorse

Stay in a floating barrel with its own tiki bar? Why not! This is the 5th houesboat in this area that is strictly for adventurous campers. Read all the details on the listing before choosing your houseboat adventure. Two restaurants are close by (read above) and can be visited on the 9.4′ water tender dinghy that is included in your rental.

• 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, accommodates 2 people.
• Rates start at approximately $130.
• Queen bed inside the barrel, linens, chemical toilet is kept on the deck but can be easily moved inside and you will also have access to full bathrooms and showers at the marina. Flat screen TV and DVD player (bring your DVDs). Yeti cooler, kitchen utensils, barrel sink on the deck, lounge chairs, BBQ grill. The Salty Seahorse is solar powered so you mus be aware of your power usage.

 

Angler House Marina Villas

80500 Overseas Highway

Islamorada, FL  33036

Angler House Marina is a resort style marina complete with the Canoe House bar and a sparkling swimming pool. You can book a fishing adventure and then settle into one of their beautiful floating bungalows at the end of the day.

 

Villa Fina

Photos by Greg Poland Photography, courtesy of Angler House Marina

• 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
• Check the website by clicking their name, above, for current rates.
• Fully equipped full kitchen, spacious living room, sundeck, use of the marina pool, paddle boards, the Canoe Club.

Villa Sophia

• 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
• Check current rates by visiting the website, click the name above.
• Forward bedroom has 2 twin beds, aft bedroom 1 queen, sofa bed in the living room, two full bathrooms, fully equipped full kitchen, sundeck, use of the marina pool, paddle boards, the Canoe Club.

Villa Sabrina

• 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
• Check current rates by clicking the website name, above.
• Similar layout of villa Sophia with one queen bedroom and a 2 twin bedroom, pull out sofa in the living room, fully equipped full kitchen, sundeck above, use of the marina pool, paddle boards, the Canoe Club.

 

Bud N’ Mary’s

79851 Overseas Highway

Islamorada, FL  33036

Bud N’ Mary’s Florida Keys Fishing Marina was established in 1944 and has the oldest and largest fishing fleet in the Florida Keys Fishing Industry. Staying at Bud N’ Mary’s is a treat for fishing and boating folk and non-marina types as well. Bud N’ Mary’s offers hotel accommodations, specialty rooms (The Tackle Shop Suite!) and four houseboats. There is an on site restaurant and others within walking distance.

Related:  Stay in a Marina in the Florida Keys – With or Without a Boat!

 

 

Lucky Lady

Photo Marybeth Scott

• 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, accommodates 2 people comfortably – though a 3rd may join you and sleep on the couch.
• Rates start at $175 off season.
• Full size bed, bathroom with a shower, living room with couch, satellite TV, A/C, kitchenette with microwave and fridge (no major cooking.) Linens, A/C, WiFi.

Photos courtesy of Bud N’ Mary’s

 

Mama Linda

• 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, accommodates 4 people.
• Rates start at $300 off season.
• 1 queen bedroom, 2 extra-long twins in second bedroom, linens, bathroom with shower, kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave (no cooking appliances), living room with 2 couches and a bench seat. A/C, TV, sundeck.

 

Sailfish

• 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, accommodates up to 4 people.
• Rates start at $175 off season.
• The bedroom contains 2 full beds and there is a futon in the living room, bathroom with shower, linens, satellite TV, A/C, kitchen has mini fridge and microwave (no cooking.)

 

Aqualodge

• 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, accommodates 4 people.
• Rates start at $250 off season.
• 1 bedroom has a full bed, the other bedroom has a full bed as well but only 3 walls (it’s open to the hallway side), bathroom with shower, linens, A/C, TV in the 1st bedroom and in the living room, small dinette area with seating for 2, fridge and microwave in the kitchenette (no cooking), patio overlooking marina area.

 

And one more company we want to include because their houseboats are so adorable (even though they look more boat than house) – Tiny Houseboat Adventures. You can drive these around yourself! Just look –

 

Are you convinced you need a getaway on a floating bungalow? Which one would you choose? Let us know when you go! Also have we forgotten any… ? I lie awake some nights worrying we’ve left someone out!