“If I could have, to hold forever, one brief place and time of beauty, I think I might choose the night on that high lonely bank above the St. Johns River.”

—Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

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May Vacations at Holly Bluff Resort Marina. Memorial Day weekend vacations. Houseboat rentals for Memorial Day Weekend, Mother's Day, and Cinco De Mayo!

Just outside Orlando, cruise the St. Johns River aboard our fully equipped houseboat rentals and discover a side of Florida that feels light years away from the bustle of theme parks. Out here, time slows down and nature takes center stage — just as it did when Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings journeyed these waters nearly a century ago. Our slice of riverfront paradise puts you close to some of Central Florida’s most stunning natural gems like Hontoon Island, Blue Spring State Park, and more!

Not ready to drive a houseboat yet? Our friendly staff can help you navigate to your destination and tie up, or staying at the docks is always an option too! For the best houseboat experience, bring your kayaks and paddle boards, or tow a boat 18’ or under. Fishing boats, kayaks, and paddle boards are available to add-on to your rental.

Houseboat Rentals: How It Works

  • Explore Destination Spots & Choose Your Houseboat
    Plan your St. Johns River adventure with our new     interactive destinations map! Pick from cozy 6-sleeper houseboats to spacious 10-sleepers. Every boat comes fully equipped with the essentials.

  • Book Online
    Reserve your dates instantly at hollybluff.com. Weekend (Friday-Sunday), mid-week (Monday-Thursday), or full-week (Monday–Sunday or Friday–Thursday) houseboat trips are available. Need help booking? Call our office at     (386) 822-9992.

  • Check-in & Training
    Guests receive an inside orientation and a on the water lesson at check-in: driving, docking, navigation, maps, safety — everything you need to feel confident.

    🕚 Check-in is always at 1 PM and check-out at 4 PM. Guest who arrive late may have to receive their orientation the following day.

  • Cruise the St. Johns River (or Stay Docked!)
    Explore up to 50 miles of the St. Johns River, anchor at sandbars, or spend your getaway right at our peaceful marina. Our marina is just outside downtown DeLand — check out their weekly Friday night market!

  • Relax. Recharge. Float.
    Wake up with manatees, spot bald eagles, grill on deck, watch sunset from the rooftop — welcome to the St. Johns River in Central Florida.

Explore Our Houseboat Fleet

Houseboat Rental Accommodations:

People on a boat cruising through a waterway surrounded by lush green trees and Spanish moss.

  • Not ready to drive a houseboat? We’ve got you covered. Our staff can drive and drop you off the destination of your choice! Additional fees may be required.

    You must call 386-822-9992 to inquire.

Two paper grocery bags filled with fresh produce and baked goods, including apples, bananas, a head of lettuce, a loaf of bread, and a pack of bagels, on a wooden floor.

  • Start your trip stocked and stress-free. Order your groceries ahead for delivery to the marina, and we’ll stock them on our rental boat.

    You must call 386-822-9992 to inquire!

An aerial view of a train station with a colorful locomotive on the track, platform shelters, benches, and surrounding green Landschafts.

  • Hop off at the DeLand SunRail Station and we’ll bring you straight to the marina — no car needed.

    You must call 386-822-9992 ahead to arrange and confirm pickup (limited availability). Additional fees may be required.

    https://sunrail.com/station/deland/

These services must be arranged in advance and may require an additional fee. Please call 386-822-9992 to inquire or schedule.

FAQ's
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Destinations

Houseboat Rentals

  • Guests may either pay in full at the time of booking or secure their reservation with a deposit. Any remaining balance is due at check-in. Prices do not include taxes, gas, fees, and holiday surcharges.

  • The main operator is at least 25 years of age with a valid government issued photo ID. Anyone operating this vessel who was born on or after January 1, 1988 must provide proof of a Boating Safety Certification. The BoatUS Foundation offers the only FREE online boating safety course developed specifically for your state. Course information can be found online at: https://courses.boatus.org/ 

  • Holly Bluff Resort Marina provides a 1 year BoatUS membership to the main operator of the houseboat if they do not already have one. 

  • Cancellations: If you must cancel your reservation, notify us at least 30 days before your arrival date and your deposit will be refunded less a $300.00 cancellation fee. Guests who cancel within 30 days of arrival receive no refund. If you must reschedule your reservation, there is a $300.00 reschedule fee if the original arrival date is less than 30 days in advance of notification. There will be no reschedules allowed within 7 days of arrival date.

Insurance Requirements

All boat rentals at Holly Bluff Resort Marina require liability coverage. This coverage protects against damages or injuries caused to a third party while operating a rental vessel.

  • Houseboats & Aluminum Fishing Boats 

    • $50,000 Liability Coverage – This coverage protects the renter should they be found liable to damage or injury to another person or their property, up to $50k.

    • Damage Responsibility – This coverage does not apply to your rental boat. Unless you choose to purchase a damage waiver or additional protection, you are personally responsible for any damage to the vessel or its equipment during your rental.

  • Pontoons

    • $50,000 Liability Coverage – This coverage protects the renter should they be found liable to damage or injury to another person or their property, up to $50k.

    • $1,000 Damage Waiver - This coverage is for damage caused by the renter to your prop. The renter will have coverage up to $1k and anything additional they will remain responsible for.

This description is specific to the minimum liability insurance coverages that are required at booking. Guests have the option to add a damage waiver if there is not one, or buy up to higher limits if they would like.