St. Johns River Houseboat Rentals

Now taking 2025 houseboat reservations!

Florida's St. Johns River is unique among rivers, in that it's one of the very few major rivers in that world that flows north. At three hundred miles long and often two miles across, St. Johns River certainly is a major river.

It's also a very houseboat-friendly river. Since the elevation change is negligible (there's only a 30-foot difference between the river's highest and lowest points), the St. Johns River flows extremely slowly. You'll have plenty to see while cruising at a leisurely pace as the river winds through rich green basins — partly preserved through the state parks system — which birds flock to by the hundreds and thousands. 

There's also plenty to see in the water below as you float down the oftentimes incredibly clear waters. Manatees sometimes can be found near the Holly Bluff Marina in Deland, FL. Your best chance to see these gentle creatures is within the warm spring waters south of the marina where they spend their winters. Travel 6 miles from Holly Bluff to Blue Springs or 30 miles to Silver Glen Springs.

Fishing in these waters could bring you some excellent Largemouth Bass — which the river is known for — or it may bring you saltwater fish such as Flounder and Sea Trout, or even fish that thrive in both waters like the American Shad.