DELAND BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
A Slow-Going Escape: Piloting a 22' Pontoon Through DeLand’s River Parks
A full-day rental from Holly Bluff Marina that puts a 22' pontoon (60 HP, seating for 10) at your command to visit Hontoon Island, Blue Spring, riverside restaurants or a quiet picnic anchorage.
A Slow-Going Escape: Piloting a 22' Pontoon Through DeLand’s River Parks.
Adventure brief
A Slow-Going Escape: Piloting a 22' Pontoon Through DeLand’s River Parks
Board at Holly Bluff Marina and spend a full day drifting between Hontoon Island State Park, Blue Spring State Park and other nearby river destinations aboard a roomy 22' pontoon; ample seating, provided safety gear and a cruising map let small groups explore wildlife-lined waterways, stop at riverside restaurants or pull over for a picnic amid the sounds of nature.
Situated along the St. Johns River near DeLand, Florida, Holly Bluff Marina offers a unique way to experience this lush waterway with their 22-foot pontoon boat rentals. These boats provide a relaxed but spacious platform to navigate the winding rivers surrounding Hontoon Island State Park and Blue Spring State Park, two standout destinations known for their rich biodiversity and crystal-clear springs. With room for up to ten passengers, Hampton Bluff’s pontoon boats deliver both comfort and safety, powered by a reliable 60 horsepower motor, making it easy to cover distance without strain.
Hontoon Island State Park is a serene refuge from city life, offering untouched natural landscapes including coastal hardwood forests and river swamps where native birds and alligators thrive. Blue Spring State Park, famous for its turquoise waters, is a seasonal gathering site for manatees, attracting wildlife viewers and nature lovers throughout much of the year. Cruising these waterways aboard a pontoon allows visitors to pause at riverside eateries or find a quiet spot for a riverside picnic, enhancing the day with local flavor and peaceful views.
Holly Bluff Marina stands apart as a gateway for those seeking waterborne access to these protected parks without the noise and hassle of larger boats. Their on-site expertise and thorough orientation help newcomers feel confident on the water, whether stopping to fish or simply drifting through nature’s edge. Equipped with safety gear, dock lines, and anchors, each trip balances adventure with ease.
For travelers staying in or near DeLand, this pontoon boat experience offers both the feeling of a private river expedition and an introduction to Florida’s subtropical ecosystems. The combination of accessible boating, prime wildlife habitats, and nearby amenities make Holly Bluff Marina an excellent choice for anyone wanting to connect with Florida's river wilderness on their own terms.
Route Schematic
Typical Route Schematic
Common stops on a full-day pontoon outing from Holly Bluff Marina.
Holly Bluff Marina (Departure)
Meet at the marina, receive a boat orientation and cruising map, then depart onto the river system.
Hontoon Island State Park
Cruise to Hontoon Island for shoreline scenery, wildlife viewing and the option to pull ashore for a picnic or short walk.
Blue Spring State Park
Visit Blue Spring for its spring-run environment and abundant wildlife along the river.
Riverside Restaurants / Picnic Stops
Choose to tie up at a local riverside restaurant for lunch or anchor in a quiet cove to enjoy a packed picnic on the water.
Maximum capacity is 10 persons; personal flotation devices are provided and a basic anchoring kit and dock lines are supplied—operators may orient you to safe routes and tie-up procedures at check-in.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Roomy 22' pontoon with a 60 HP outboard
These pontoons seat up to 10 guests and are powered by a 60-horsepower outboard, offering stable, comfortable cruising for small groups over a full-day rental.
Hontoon Island, Blue Spring and riverside stops
The typical day visits Hontoon Island State Park and Blue Spring State Park with options to tie up at local riverside restaurants or pick a quiet spot to picnic and watch for wildlife.
Orientation, map and safety kit provided on arrival
On arrival guests receive a cruising map and boat orientation; the marina supplies a small anchor, dock lines and a personal flotation device for each guest.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
After check-in at Holly Bluff Marina and a brief boat orientation with the provided cruising map, you cast off on a full-day circuit of local rivers and parks—skimming slow channels toward Hontoon Island or Blue Spring, dropping anchor for a picnic or maneuvering to a riverside dock for lunch, with space for up to ten on board and life jackets provided for every guest.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full-day rental.
Meet at 2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720 (Holly Bluff Marina).
You can pack food for a picnic or plan to visit riverside restaurants; the marina provides a small anchor, dock lines and a personal flotation device for each guest.
The pontoons seat up to 10 guests and are equipped with a 60-horsepower outboard; a cruising map and boat orientation are provided upon arrival.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many people can ride on a 22' pontoon?
The boats seat up to 10 guests (maximum 10 persons).
How long is the rental?
This offering is a full-day rental.
Where do I meet the operator?
Meet at Holly Bluff Marina, 2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720.
What safety gear and equipment come with the boat?
A small anchor, dock lines and a personal flotation device for each guest are provided by the marina; a cruising map and boat orientation are also provided on arrival.
Where can we go during the day?
Typical destinations include Hontoon Island State Park and Blue Spring State Park, with options to visit other nearby river spots or stop at riverside restaurants or picnic anchors.
What size engine does the pontoon have?
The pontoon is equipped with a 60-horsepower outboard motor.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:12:46.540Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.