If you enjoy the water, a houseboat rental can offer a unique stay that provides easy access and picturesque views. You can wake up and enjoy it immediately without having to drive, and a peaceful night’s sleep is practically guaranteed. These rentals can be found around the world, from California to Sweden and even South Africa all of which are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Chapel Turned Houseboat at Marina with Pool & Jacuzzi - Palmetto, Florida
Originally built as a wedding chapel, there’s only one other houseboat like this one in the world. Located in the North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton area, it sits in a marina providing a picturesque view of Manatee River and still has the original stained glass windows. It accommodates up to four guests and has a covered deck with a gas grill and area for alfresco dining, especially ideal at sunset. You’ll also have access to marina amenities, including restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, laundromat, and workout facility.
The Jetty Retreat with Canoes and Sauna - Boo, Värmdö Island, Sweden
This floating retreat has its own jetty, sauna, and panoramic water views – in fact, you can swim or fish right from your bedroom or the dock. Ideal for a romantic couple’s stay, it sleeps two and will immerse you in nature yet it’s close to the city of Stockholm too. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the views are to-die-for from nearly every vantage point. Coffee and breakfast are included as are games and a BBQ for cookouts is just outside the entrance. Enjoy access to a dock and sandy beach too.
Lovely Houseboat - Prague, Czechia
Guests rave about this houseboat that sleeps up to three. It’s close to restaurants, cafes, and a subway for easy access to attractions in the city. In fact, popular spots like the National Theatre and Dancing House can be reached in just 15 minutes on foot. It includes two terraces for enjoying the serene view of the river and Vyšehrad castle. A cooking area and dinner table with chairs as well as a bathroom with a shower and toilet are all included too.
The Love Boat - Manteo, North Carolina
This catamaran cruiser floats in the Shallowbag Bay Marina which sits just off the intercoastal waterway in the Outer Banks. A cabin on the water, floating cottage, or whatever you want to call it, you’re sure to enjoy an unforgettable stay here. Perfect for a couple seeking a romantic stay, it includes a master stateroom with a panoramic water view and a private deck. In the living room, there’s a new Smart TV and Wi-Fi is included too. Complimentary kayaks are provided and if you’re out early enough, you might spot dolphins while you paddle.
Spreeapartment Hausboot - Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a unique city so why not a unique stay? This one-bedroom houseboat called “Mara” accommodates up to three. Permanently located in the Citymarina Berlin Rummelsburg, it boasts large windows to bring the outdoors in along with a kitchenette for making your own meals, underfloor heating, a shower and a toilet. Plus you’ll be just a five-minute walk from the nearest tram that willl bring you into Friedrichshain and several nearby train stations.
Floating Cabin off Bligh Island - Nootka, B.C., Canada
This is the place to rent if you’re looking for total wilderness escape in a remote area with no cell service or Internet. Forget about the rest of the world for a while, including those screens, and enjoy being surrounded by the spectacular British Columbia beauty. It sleeps up to six in three bedrooms plus a bunk room. It includes a fully equipped kitchen and indoor/outdoor living space with a gas BBQ for cookouts and a gas fire pit. The bathroom includes a toilet and shower with hot water.
Cozy and Cute Sausalito Boat House - Sausalito, California
Located just across the bay from the Golden Gate Bridge this two-bedroom floating home is in the beautiful town of Sausalito known for its artsy, bohemian atmosphere and incredible views. It’s only a 10-minuted drive from San Francisco, or you can hop on the ferry and enjoy an easy day trip. Solar powered, it has an open floor plan, Wi-Fi, a kitchen with high-end appliances, and a living area with a large flat-screen TV that includes cable channels.
A West Coast Ocean Experience in Paradise - North Vancouver, B.C., Canada
If you want to be close to the city attractions while enjoying a unique stay on the water, this modern floating home is located in Mosquito Creek Marina in North Vancouver, 15 minutes via sea bus from downtown Vancouver. The upper level suite, it includes high ceilings, a cozy gas fireplace, and a kitchen with a dishwasher and all the necessities. You’ll even have laundry facilities a full bathroom with a soaker tub, Wi-Fi, and a large flat-screen TV with access to Netflix.
Explore the Bayous of South Louisiana - Pierre Part, Louisiana
The Swamp Tuna may be the ultimate way to vacation in southern Louisiana. Less than 90 minutes from New Orleans, you won’t have to stay in one place as most houseboats require, it can easily be driven around as it runs on conventional propulsion. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and abundant wildlife while enjoying an incredibly tranquil atmosphere.with no noisy generator. Solar powered, it sleeps up to four and includes a full-size bathroom with a full-size tub and shower, along with cooking and dining essentials. You’ll have two complimentary kayaks too.
Classic Riverboat Center - Paris, France
What better way to enjoy Paris than with a stay right on the River Seine? This classic riverboat is only five minutes from the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, docked in front of the National Assembly. It has a gorgeous wooden interior with all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen, washer/dryer, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.
Knysna Houseboat Myrtle - Western Cape, South Africa
Docked in the Knysna Lagoon near the town of Knysna which lies along the popular Garden Route, Houseboat Myrtle provides a unique stay for up to four guests. It’s close to several wine estates, making it easy to pick up a bottle to enjoy with the fish you can catch right off the side. A well-equipped kitchen and grill are included, although waterfront shops and restaurants are just a two-minute dinghy ride away.
'Nancy Lou' a Water Getaway on a Houseboat - Georgetown, Maine
Located in Riggs Cove near Georgetown, “Nancy Lou” accommodates up to five, ideal for a family who wants to enjoy the beauty of Maine. You’ll be surrounded by views, with a rooftop deck that’s fabulous to enjoy them from. It includes a kitchen, propane grill, bathroom, Wi-Fi, and TV.
Explore Swedish Nature in Floating Cottage - Bengtsfors, Västra Götalands län, Sweden
Spend your days fishing, casting a line right outside the door while surrounded by spectacular Swedish nature by booking this floating cottage. Located in West Sweden, a little under five hours from Stockholm and about half that from Oslo, Norway, it sits in an area similar to Maine’s iconic coastline, only less commercialized, it provides a glamping kind of experience, but includes a refrigerator, sink and propane burner.
