Whether you’re interested in socially distanced travel, looking for a unique getaway, or just want to give boat life a try, it doesn’t get much better than renting your very own houseboat! There are houseboat rentals available on Airbnb in places all over the country to help you enjoy the natural beauty of the water and craft your own style of vacation. From coast to coast, here are some of the best Airbnb houseboat rentals in the U.S.
LuxTug on Private Lake – Louisa, Virginia
This Virginia houseboat is popular on Airbnb and accommodates five guests in two bedrooms and one bath. It has a fully stocked kitchen, full bathroom, air conditioning heat, and many modern conveniences. You’ll be on an eight-acre private lake with an island here and have easy access to hiking trails, as well as kayaking, fishing, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding. The boat is on the opposite side of the lake from the host’s home (with free-range animals living here!) and a log cabin available on Airbnb too. You’ll love the 360-degree views of the lake and forest from the upper level and looking out at the stars with no light pollution to dim their beauty. Dogs are allowed upon approval and with a pet fee. Bring bug spray along since you’ll be on the lake. The boat is stationary and docked in two-to-three feet of water.
Tomahawk Island Cozy Houseboat - Portland, Oregon
We also love houseboat rentals in the Portland area, such as this houseboat for two people that’s a floating tiny home paradise. It is at the Tomahawk Island Marina on Hayden Island, which gives you easy access to the city and also a quiet and safe place to stay. Solo travelers and couples enjoy staying here and using the kitchenette, basic bathroom with shower and toilet, and queen-size bed. There’s an air conditioning unit and space heaters for temperature comfort. The space also has cable TV and high-speed Wi-Fi. Guests love the outdoor deck with views of the Columbia River and using the host’s kayaks from March to October. There are common spaces available for guest use too, such as laundry machines and a community garden.
Feel the Harmony with our Cozy Houseboat – Kemah, Texas
This adorable houseboat is docked in Kemah, Texas and 15 minutes from the Space Center and 45 minutes from Galveston. It has a kitchen for cooking meals and a lovely location with a nearby fishing dock. There are fans, A/C, and heaters here for comfort. The onsite bathroom has a shower and bathtub, and there’s a toilet with special instructions. It’s fun to visit the Kemah Boardwalk here for live music, food, and rides. The boat itself is at the back of the marina for a peaceful and secluded vibe.
Float on the Ouachita River – West Monroe, Louisiana
Here’s a houseboat in Louisiana where you can relax, fish from the front porch, and go kayaking. It’s in a quiet river neighborhood with the host family living above the floating house to answer any questions. Guests have access to the land around the parking area, floating house, and boat dock. You’re welcome to use the host’s three kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing gear. The walk to and from the floating house can be challenging depending on the river level, so consider this if you have mobility challenges.
48-Foot Yacht – Key West, Florida
A larger group of up to 10 people can stay on this Key West yacht and enjoy ocean life. It’s in a Key West marina that offers swimming pools, live music, and restaurants – all of which you’ll have free access to. You can even book a sailing excursion for an extra cost. The yacht has a four-estate room layout and underwater windows for viewing fish from your bedroom. The water is calm and beautiful where you’ll be tied to the dock. The host has additional boats available for different rates too.
Lulu’s Hideaway – Lansing, New York
Travelers in New York can enjoy this two-person houseboat that’s a perfect home away from home. Come here to relax and slow down the pace of life on the Lake Cayuga shore. You’ll have this boat all to yourself and also have access to showers, laundry, and extra bathrooms in the main building. This an ideal place to be to enjoy the Finger Lakes region and the many parks, trails, and waterfalls here.
Luxury Houseboat Experience on Lake Chelan – Chelan, Washington
Another great Washington houseboat is this one for two people on Lake Chelan. It’s a luxury houseboat that’s stationary and feels just like staying in a nice condo. There’s a 3/4 bath here, a bedroom with a queen-size bed, a full kitchen, and a living room. The space also has an eating area and a top deck to enjoy the lovely views. Like many houseboat rentals, this one must stay in the slip and not go out on the lake.
Historic Ferryboat in Sausalito – Sausalito, California
For a truly special houseboat stay, consider this ferryboat in Sausalito for up to six guests. It’s a popular Airbnb rental with the easy city and country access and that has three bedrooms and two baths. This is a historic rental because it’s the oldest-surviving ferryboat on the West Coast – originally launched in 1888. You’ll be surrounded by open water and enjoy over 2,500 square feet of space. It has floor-to-ceiling windows, a huge solarium with glass doors, and an expansive master bathroom. There’s a great kitchen for cooking gourmet meals here and also three kayaks and three stand-up paddleboards for you to use.
Nantucket Island on Classic Yacht – Nantucket, Massachusetts
We also love the Nantucket area for houseboat rentals because of the rich nautical culture here. This yacht for two guests is a 1953 Hinckley on a private mooring in the Nantucket Harbor. It’s a classic 36-foot sailboat with easy access to Nantucket attractions. There are modern amenities, such as a cell phone charging station, as well as life jackets, a sun shower, and brass oil lanterns. Guests can also use the public showering facilities on the docks for their island experience.
Comfortable Houseboat in Gated Marina – Richmond, Virginia
You’ll also love this fun houseboat in a beautiful country setting where you can relax outside and have your own personal space. This is a 50-foot boat called the GiaMaria that feels spacious and is located near the cities of Richmond, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg. The boat is along a private dock and in a remote part of the James River with calm waters.
Houseboat with 60 Feet of Fun – Sanford, Florida
Another Florida houseboat worth considering for your houseboat vacation is this 60-foot one that works well for up to four people. It’s a “floating condo” that’s just three blocks from historic downtown Sanford. The boat does not leave the dock but there’s plenty of marina activity to enjoy. Sanford is a fun place to be for art galleries, bars, restaurants, and music venues. It’s just 45 minutes to Disney World from here too. Swimming is not permitted in the marina but you can enjoy a paddle-wheel boat dinner cruise, sunrises and sunsets over the lake, fishing, and birdwatching from here. The marina also has rentals for pontoon boats and jet skis to get out on the water.
