Vacationers can chart the waters with a Florida houseboat vacation. With friends and family along, you can explore many of Florida's rivers at leisure. Houseboats are easy to steer, and training is offered at each facility. A change of pace from a motel, a Florida houseboat vacation is both adventurous and relaxing.
The homeport of Paradise Vacations is in Fort Myers. Houseboat renters must be at least 25 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Paradise Vacations provides hands-on training on navigational and operational systems. Houseboat captains may be hired at the renter's expense, and the company will provide the names of available captains. All houseboats have 110-volt power and generators, so small appliances such as hair dryers may be brought along. The number of people permitted on each houseboat varies. Boats are equipped with marine radios for communication.
Paradise Vacations of SWFL
3444 Marinatown Ln.
North Fort Myers, FL 33903
239-995-0585
bluewatervacations.com
River Adventures features three 60-foot cruisers and offers weekend, weekly and midweek rentals, along with day cruises. Boats are wheelchair-accessible. Each boat sleeps eight to 10 people and has a front deck with a grill, a cooler and furniture. Each boat is also equipped with a full kitchen, a full-size stove, a refrigerator and a microwave, as well as a TV with a DVD player. Fishing and river guides and captains are available.
River Adventures Houseboat Rental Company
St. Johns River
Georgetown, FL 32139
866-687-2628
riveradventuresinc.com
Miller's houseboats are based on the largely unspoiled Suwannee River. All boats are 44 feet long and 14 feet wide, are easy to steer and sleep six to eight people. Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, heating and air conditioning, a shower and a flush toilet. Boats are limited to the river and may not venture into the Gulf of Mexico. The boats may cruise from Suwannee as far as Fanning Springs, which is 14 hours away. Renters must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license.
Miller's Suwannee Houseboats
90 Southeast 910th Avenue
Suwannee, FL 32692
352-542-7349
suwanneehouseboats.com
