DELAND BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Wide-River Escape: A Full-Day Drift Through Hontoon and Blue Spring Aboard a 24' Pontoon
Full-day 24' pontoon rentals from Holly Bluff Marina let groups of up to 12 explore Hontoon Island State Park, Blue Spring State Park and nearby riverside stops.
Wide-River Escape: A Full-Day Drift Through Hontoon and Blue Spring Aboard a 24' Pontoon.
Adventure brief
Wide-River Escape: A Full-Day Drift Through Hontoon and Blue Spring Aboard a 24' Pontoon
Experience the beauty of Hontoon Island State Park and Blue Spring State Park aboard a spacious 24’ pontoon boat. Enjoy the freedom to explore local rivers, dine at riverside restaurants, or picnic amidst nature’s tranquility. With ample seating and safety gear provided, this full-day outing is designed for family groups and friends seeking a relaxed, on-water way to see DeLand’s riverine landscape.
Situated along the St. Johns River in DeLand, Florida, Holly Bluff Marina offers a distinct way to experience the nearby waterways with their full-day rental of spacious 24-foot pontoon boats. These vessels, powered by 50-horsepower outboard motors, comfortably accommodate up to twelve passengers—making them a perfect choice for groups seeking a blend of comfort and adventure on Florida’s iconic river systems.
The route commonly includes visits to Hontoon Island State Park and Blue Spring State Park, two natural reserves renowned for their lush hardwood forests, crystal-clear springs, and diverse wildlife. Hontoon Island’s slow-moving channels weave through ancient sandhills and sawgrass marshes, while Blue Spring is known for its large population of West Indian manatees during cooler months, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities directly from the boat.
With ample seating, safety gear, and a cruising map provided upon arrival, guests enjoy the freedom to chart their day on the water. Whether anchoring for a picnic on a secluded shoreline or docking at a local riverside restaurant, the experience marries accessibility with immersion in one of Florida’s most scenic aquatic landscapes. The gentle river currents and sheltered coves make it ideal for fishermen, families, or anyone looking to disconnect without straying far from civilization.
Holly Bluff Marina stands out in the region for its well-maintained fleet and attentive service, providing a safe yet flexible boating option that suits varied interests and skill levels. Its location near DeLand, a city steeped in history with charming downtown streets, makes it easy to combine outdoor adventure with urban amenities.
For those drawn to Florida’s waterways, this pontoon rental fulfills the promise of an intimate, customizable day on the river, framed by vibrant ecosystems and a welcoming local community.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Typical stops on a full-day cruise include protected state parks, riverside eateries and scenic anchorages where you can picnic or explore.
Hontoon Island State Park
Visit the park’s sheltered bays and shoreline—an ideal first stop for wildlife viewing and relaxed exploration of the island’s river habitats.
Blue Spring State Park
Cruise to Blue Spring to enjoy clear spring-fed water and the park’s natural atmosphere as part of the day’s route.
Riverside Restaurants & Picnic Spots
Drop in at local riverside restaurants or anchor in a quiet cove to picnic and listen to the sounds of nature—both are common, recommended stops on the route.
Boats seat up to 12 guests; operators provide personal flotation devices, a small anchor and dock lines—route and stops may be adjusted by the operator for safety or conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
River Quiet and Wildlife
Float past quiet shorelines and shaded tannin-stained water where abundant wildlife and the slow rhythm of the river define the day—ideal for spotting birds and finding a peaceful picnic anchorage.
Room for a Dozen
The 24' pontoon seats up to 12 guests and comes equipped with essential safety gear and basic anchoring equipment, letting groups spread out comfortably for a full day on the water.
Customize the Day—Dine or Picnic
Choose to tie up at a local riverside restaurant or drop the small anchor and picnic on a quiet bank—both are standard choices on this flexible, full-day route through nearby state parks and popular river stops.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
After a brief boat orientation and receipt of a cruising map on arrival, you slip the lines at Holly Bluff Marina and ease into a full day of slow cruising. The 50 horsepower outboard pushes the pontoon smoothly along the river as you move between Hontoon Island, Blue Spring and other nearby destinations, stopping as you wish to dine, swim, anchor for a picnic, or watch the shoreline life go by.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this boat suits best—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack sun protection, a picnic or plans for riverside dining, swimwear and dry bags for valuables; trips are full-day outings so plan accordingly.
The marina supplies a small anchor, dock lines and personal flotation devices for each guest; a cruising map and boat orientation are provided upon arrival.
Expect a brief orientation and receipt of a cruising map at check-in so you can plan stops at state parks and riverside restaurants during your full-day rental.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the rental?
The rental is a full-day outing.
How many people does the pontoon hold?
The 24' pontoon seats up to 12 guests.
Where do we meet to start the trip?
Meet at 2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720.
What safety and boating equipment is provided?
The marina provides personal flotation devices for each guest, a small anchor and dock lines; you also receive a cruising map and a boat orientation upon arrival.
What destinations can we visit on a typical day?
Typical visits include Hontoon Island State Park, Blue Spring State Park and other nearby popular river destinations; you can also stop at riverside restaurants or anchor to picnic.
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: 2026-09-12T12:12:46.561Z
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.