House Boating

Houseboats are a wonderful way to explore the natural wonders of the USA. From the mighty Mississippi to small inlet rivers and lakes on the Bayou, you can enjoy cruising on custom-built boats that often offer luxurious accommodations.

Houseboats have been described as floating condos and range in size from 38 feet up to 62 feet. Most houseboats have one to four private sleeping quarters and can comfortably accommodate two to twelve passengers. Fully equipped with all kitchen appliances and linens, most houseboats have televisions, radios, barbeque grills, heat/air-conditioning, and back-up generators. Many houseboats have additional features such as a microwave oven, VCR, built-in stereo-system, washer/dryer and water slide. All you need to bring is your clothing and food. Some houseboats have an operating fly bridge that allows you to navigate the boat from atop the sun deck as well as from the helm in the cabin. Pets are sometimes allowed.

Most houseboats rent for the week. For a 38-foot, four-sleeper boat, the weekly rate starts at about $1,375. The larger boats can range anywhere from $2,350 to $4,750. Prices do not include fuel costs. Fishing licenses (required by most states) are extra.

It doesn't matter if you've never navigated a boat before. You'll receive clear and complete instructions on operating the boat so you'll have all the skill and information you need for a memorable vacation. Most houseboats will be fueled and ready for your departure. Once you have your instructions, you're ready to set sail and enjoy a fun-filled vacation!

You can make reservations from here

Here are a few houseboat rental companies throughout the USA. We have tried to give you a brief description of what each offers and the prices they charge. You can click on the links to get more information or to make your reservations. Rentals are very limited at some locations, so try to make your reservations far in advance.

WaterWay Adventures Houseboat Rentals

WaterWay Adventures Houseboat Rentals provides houseboat vacations on two of Kentucky's largest lakes in the beautiful south central bluegrass region, Lake Cumberland and Lake Barkley - Kentucky Lake. Houseboats start with the 53' Wanderer that will sleep up to 8 to the majestic 80' Mystic that will accommodate groups up to 12. Their houseboats come complete with linens, fully equipped kitchens, and grocery service and more. Ski-boats, jet-skis, hot tubs and an array of water toys are available to enhance your houseboat experience. Rolling hills, waterfalls, intimate coves and open waters await you when you book your houseboat vacation with WaterWay Adventures. Their vacation consultants are ready to send you on the adventure of a lifetime. Reserve your houseboat vacation today and they’ll take care of the rest. Visit WaterWay Adventures Houseboat Rental or call 800-844-8862.

Houseboating on Lake Powell

Located about 2 hours north of Sedona, Arizona and five hours northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, Lake Powell is a breath-taking wonderland unlike any other place in the United States. With over 2,000 miles of coastline, 900 serpentine canyons, and incredible moon-like rock formations, Lake Powell offers an unforgettable houseboat vacation experience. This man-made lake has a depth of nearly 580 feet and stretches from southern Utah to northern Arizona. It is also home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world… the 290-foot high Rainbow Bridge National Monument. During your vacation you can enjoy swimming, water skiing, tubing, fishing, camping, and hiking in "America's Natural Playground."

Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas - Page, Arizona

Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas has a nice variety of houseboats to suit any need. Choose from the 44' Standard to the deluxe 59' Admiral. All of the boats are in the water, which means no launching. Their houseboats are easy to drive and navigate, and you don't need a special license. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas will give you all the personal instruction you need before you head out onto the lake. You'll have a great vacation enjoying all the modern conveniences that grace each of their well-maintained and equipped houseboats. Click here for more details or to make your reservation!

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Cruising The Mississippi River

The Mississippi is the principal river of the United States and 2,350 miles (3,780 km) long. It is the second largest river in the U.S. The Missouri River (the longest in the U.S.) is the chief tributary of the Mississippi. The combined Missouri-Mississippi system (from the Missouri's head waters in the Rocky Mountains to the south of the Mississippi River) is 3,740 miles (6,020 km) making it the world's largest river system after the Nile and Amazon. The river is divided into two sections, the Upper and Lower Mississippi. The Mississippi abounds with 212 species of fresh water fish. House boaters cruising this mighty river can enjoy swimming, fishing, water skiing, or picnicking on the numerous islands and sandy beaches along the shore.

Huck's Houseboats - Upper Mississippi River

Located near LaCrosse, Wisconsin and about two hours from Madison, Wisconsin. The Upper Mississippi is the home of Mark Twain, and you'll enjoy experiencing the river of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Many boaters take advantage of a 70-mile stretch that offers a multitude of beaches.

Huck's fleet of houseboats is the youngest on the Mississippi River, and they offer a money-back guarantee against lost cruising time due to mechanical failure. All boats are more than 50-feet long and are fully loaded widebodies with operating fly bridges, four staterooms with queen beds, 1˝ baths, queen-size sleeper sofa in the main salon, and extras such as waterslide, two refrigerators, color TV/VCR, and CD player. Each boat sleeps ten, with a maximum limit of 12. Pets not allowed. Weekly rates range from:

15x55 Executive Series $2,165 to $3,365
15x58 Executive Series $2,365 to $3,565
16x58 Executive Series $2,565 to $3,765
16x58 Royal Series $2,765 to $3,965 (includes hot tub)

Season is May 1 through October 31. Senior Discounts available and special discounts in May and September for three-day "Beginner" cruises. Click here for more details or to make your reservation!

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Fun 'N The Sun Houseboat Vacations - Upper Mississippi River

Located at Alma, WI, half way between Winona Minute and Red Wing Minute on the Wisconsin side. Rolling green bluffs and sandy beaches beckon, and the towns that dot the river offer varied and unique experiences for everyone. For those who enjoy gaming, a major casino is located right on the river near Red Wing, Minnesota.

Fun N Sun's custom built boats offer affordable luxury that is typically found only in privately owned boats. They range in size from the 42-foot family boat to the new 18 x 60 foot deluxe model with operating bridges. Weekly rates start at $1,495 for the 15x42 family boat (sleeps 4-5) to $5,595 for the 18 x 60 Operating Fly Bridge (sleeps up to 12). Pets allowed on the 14 x 50 Wide Body Boat. Season is May through October. Fall rentals fill up quickly for the Wisconsin leaf season. Click here for more details or to make your reservation!

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Houseboating in Florida

The state of Florida has many small rivers and inlets making it the perfect place to experience its natural beauty and lush vegetation. Subtropical flowers and trees, freshwater springs with artesian wells, and wildlife are just some of the sights you'll see. Along the rivers, you can go ashore to visit and shop in some of the charming old wharf towns, or hike and explore the state's many parks. Swimming, snorkeling, and fishing are other activities you'll enjoy.

Holly Bluff Marina - Central Florida

Located on the St. John's River in central Florida, Holly Bluff Marina offers a choice of well-appointed houseboats ranging from 38 feet to more than 60 feet long. You'll cruise the St. John's River in Florida's central wetlands amid the lakes and springs from Sanford to Palatka. River charts and navigational maps provided with boating instructions. Enjoy swimming, fishing, exploring old river towns, and hiking and picnicking in a variety of state parks.

Holly Bluff offers fully equipped and spacious rental houseboats, from standard to deluxe accommodations that can sleep two to ten people. Weekly rates start at:

$1,300 - 38-foot (4 sleeper)
$1,500 - 44-foot (8 sleeper)
$2,700 - 53-foot (10 sleeper) executive with three staterooms and 1˝ baths $2,350 - 53-foot (10 sleeper) executive with four staterooms and 1˝ baths
Pets (small dogs and cats) allowed for an additional $10/day.

Discount rates in low season: December through February. Click here for more details or to make your reservation!

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Taking A Slow Cruise on the Bayou

Living is slow and easy when you houseboat on the Bayou under beautiful and large cypress tress swaying with Spanish moss. Fishing, boating, swimming, bird watching, crawfishing, crabbing, and frogging are just some of things you'll enjoy in the lakes and many small bayous of Louisiana. Wonderful Cajun food, Zydeco music, and a diverse mix of culture and entertainment make this area a delightful destination.

Cajun Houseboats - Morgan City, Louisiana

Centrally located 90 minutes from New Orleans, Lafayette and Baton Rouge on the banks of the Atchafalaya River in Morgan City. You'll enjoy cruising the river and swamp gardens along intercoastal waterways only 18 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.

Cajun Houseboats offers two houseboats and a private cabin on the Bayou for rent year-round. Their 30-foot boat, with one bedroom, sleeps four and includes air conditioning and barbeque grill. Weekly rates start at $675.

Their new 65-foot houseboat offers luxurious accommodations and sleeps ten. Four staterooms, tv/vcr, cd stereo, microwave, eight-person hot tub, and enclosed operational pilot house with spiral staircase make this the perfect houseboat for enjoying the ultimate Cajun getaway. Pets not allowed. Weekly rates start at $3500.

Mason Sha Lavistes (House of Sweet Visits) rests on the banks of a peaceful bayou. The two-bedroom, fully furnished, air-conditioned cabin sleeps eight. Nightly rates start at $125; weekly and extended discounted rates available. Continental breakfast included. Click here for more details or to make your reservation.

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Houseboating in California
Silverthorn Resort - Shasta Lake, California

Located about 3 ˝ hours northeast of San Francisco near the rugged wilderness of Redding, California. Lake Shasta is a beautiful man-made lake created by the Shasta Dam. The dam backs up three rivers, the Sacramento, the McCloud, and the Pit, which creates areas only accessible by houseboat. Lake Shasta is known as the houseboat capital of the world. The huge lake, with its crystal blue water, 370 miles of varied shoreline, and countless inlets, ensures an enjoyable and private vacation. More than 20 variety of fish, including rainbow and trout, abound in the lake. The lake region is also home to the largest nesting population of bald eagles in California. The Trinity Alps and Cascade mountain ranges that surround Lake Shasta create a natural splendor of snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and rugged canyon walls. Swimming, fishing, water skiing, and exploring the beautiful shore-side Shasta Caverns are only a few of the activities you'll enjoy from your houseboat. Click here for more details or to make your reservation.

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Houseboating in Washington
Lake Roosevelt Housboat Vacations - Kettle Falls, WA

Located about 2 hours northwest of Spokane, Washington, Lake Roosevelt is one of the largest man-made lakes in the US. You'll find houseboating on beautiful Lake Roosevelt to be the perfect vacation for your family. With its shimmering, crystal clear blue water, sandy beaches, forests, meadows and abundant wildlife, combined with luxurious accommodations, ensure an unforgettable experience. With over 650 miles of shoreline public use, you'll appreciate the beaches and secluded coves where you can anchor and go ashore. Many visitors easily spot the Bald Eagle, Wild Turkey, Whitetail and Mule Deer in their natural habitat. Swimming, fishing, soaking in the hot tub are just some of the activites you'll enjoy while houseboating on Lake Roosevelt

Lake Roosevelt Houseboat Vacations has 17 late-model, spacious houseboats in its fleet. They accommodate 10-13 people in comfort and make for great multi-family vacations because there is something to do for all ages. Each offers private staterooms with doors, two refrigerators, a full size gas range, two full baths, fly bridges, on-board fueling stations with 75-gallon capacity), and many other special (most have eight person hot tubs) and personalized amenities not offered by most houseboat operations. All houseboats include heating/cooling, two full baths, stereo with CD, flying bridge, swimming slide and steps. Linen package available. Pets allowed for additional $25 and prior approval. Weekly rates start at $3,895. Seasonal discounts available. Discounts for senior citizens and Military, with ID.Click here for more details or to make your reservation.

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