Why a Winter Houseboat Adventure on the St. Johns River Belongs on Your Florida Bucket List
Catfish Bend Cruising the St. Johns River at Sunrise | Photo: Erin Paulakovich
When most people picture a Florida vacation, they imagine crowded beaches, busy attractions, and long days spent in tourist hotspots. But just outside Orlando, a completely different side of Florida awaits along the St. Johns River.
Here, winter mornings begin with mist rising off the water as wildlife slowly wakes along the shoreline.
Manatees gather in nearby springs seeking warmer water, bald eagles soar overhead, and quiet river scenery replaces the noise and crowds many travelers expect from Florida. Overall, winter along the St. Johns River brings cooler temperatures, incredible wildlife viewing, and some of the most peaceful boating conditions of the year.
Houseboat guests visiting during the winter months may experience:
Manatee season at nearby Blue Spring State Park
Overnight houseboat stays at Silver Glen Springs
Bald eagles, osprey, herons, and other Florida wildlife
Foggy river mornings and golden sunsets
Fewer crowds on the water
Comfortable daytime cruising weather
⬇️ Watch this video to see what a houseboat trip during the Winter is really like! ⬇️
What’s Included With Your Houseboat Rental
Houseboat guests can cruise up to 50 miles along the St. Johns River, anchor beneath the stars, visit nearby springs, or simply relax aboard a fully furnished floating getaway. Guests are not required to drive the boat. You can enjoy your trip right at our full-service marina.
Every houseboat rental includes:
Full kitchens
Bedrooms and bathrooms
Rooftop decks
Heating and air conditioning
Thorough boating orientation
Cruising guide and houseboat handbook
Rentals come fully fueled and guests pay for the gas they use at check-out. You just bring you, your food, and personal hygiene items! Most guests forget salt, pepper, and butter.
Which Rental Package Is Right for You?
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend escape or a full week exploring the St. Johns River, there’s a package designed for every type of adventure.
Packages You’ll Choose From:
🕐 Weekend (Friday-Sunday)
🕐 Midweek (Monday-Thursday)
🕐 Full Week (Monday-Sunday or Friday-Thursday)
Our weekend packages are a great option for first-time houseboaters looking to experience life on the river. A weekend trip offers the perfect introduction to the unique adventure of houseboating.
Guests looking for additional time on the water often enjoy our midweek packages. Traveling during the middle of the week can offer a quieter experience on the river and at popular destinations, allowing guests to enjoy a slower pace while exploring scenic stretches of the St. Johns River.
For guests wanting the full adventure, our full week packages allow travelers to explore the entire 50-mile cruising boundary — including approximately 20 miles south and 30 miles north of the marina. For full week stays, we often recommend guests spend the first few days exploring southbound destinations before returning to the marina around day four to refuel and refill water tanks. From there, guests can continue north to discover even more of the wild and beautiful St. Johns River.
Ready For Adventure?
Whether you’re planning your first houseboat trip or returning for another adventure on the St. Johns River, winter is one of the most peaceful and memorable times to get out on the water.
If you need help planning your trip or have questions, call our office at 386-822-9992 and our staff will assist you.
