Next up in our regional blog series is...Florida! We rent on the St Johns River and the Everglades National Park - both incredible and unique experiences. Learn more about each location below:

St Johns River

Where Is It: The St Johns River is north of Orlando, you'll board the boat at the Holly Bluff Marina in DeLand, FL south of Jacksonville -- SEE MAP --

Why You Should Visit: Part of Ocala National Forest, a backdrop of cypress swamps, marshes, palms, and moss-draped oak, peppered with natural springs, and pockets of civilization. Great fishing and wildlife viewing, including manatees!

Best Time to Go:  Year round! The water temperature stays a comfortable 72 degrees -- SEE WEATHER --

Good to Know: If you want to see manatees, they winter in the springs from October-April. *Manatees are endangered, it is illegal to touch them.

Houseboat Options and Sizes: Eight houseboat sizes ranging from 4-10 sleepers-- SEE HOUSEBOATS --

• 3 day weekend: Fri-Sun
• 4 day midweek: Mon-Thurs
• 7 day full week: Mon-Sun or Fri-Thurs

More About the Experience: St Johns River: Au Naturale

Everglades National Park

Where Is It: Everglades National Park is on the southern tip of Florida. You'll board the boat at Flamingo Marina, north of the Keys in Homestead -- SEE MAP --

Why You Should Visit: Part of the 1.5 million acre wetland preserve where freshwater and salt water collide. Take your houseboat through Coot Bay to enter the second largest body of water in Florida, Whitewater Bay. Known for spectacular fishing: Snapper, Sea Trout, Redfish, Bass, Bluegill, Snook, Tarpon, Grouper, Triple Tail, Jacks, Lady Fish, and sharks. *You will need a Florida State Freshwater Fishing License 

Must Do: Take the Mud Lake Canoe Trail - a 2 hour loop around Coot Bay through mangrove tunnels.

Best Time to Go:  Year round! *Rentals are on-the-dock Floating Cottage only from mid-August through mid-December each year due to  high water levels -- SEE WEATHER --

Good to Know: There is no swimming due to alligators.

Houseboat Options and Sizes: Both houseboat styles sleep up to 6. Either 3 double beds, or 2 doubles and a bunk bed -- SEE HOUSEBOATS --

• 2 night minimum, no set schedule

More About the Experience: Adventures on the Everglades

Start planning your Florida houseboat adventure today! Call your houseboat agents at 888-454-8825 or send an Online Request and an agent will reach out to you.