Along the inland waterways that thread north of Maitland, Florida, a handful of houseboats and luxury river yachts offer an alternative to hotel‑based weekends: multi‑stateroom vessels with top‑deck sunning, front‑deck grills and space for kayaks and toys.
These rentals, listed through the operators at Holly Bluff Resort Marina, range from compact river cruisers to full executive houseboats with four private staterooms and central air. Each boat is set up for overnight comfort— linens, galley appliances and life jackets are provided—so you can spend days anchored in quiet coves, exploring the St. Johns watershed or running north toward Silver Glen Springs within the published mileage limits.
Rates and available durations vary by model and season: operators list weekend, midweek and weeklong bookings. The meeting point for these departures is 2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720; liability coverage and operator terms apply, so check the provider page to confirm final details before you book.
The six experiences at a glance
| Experience | Format | Duration | Strongest fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60' Executive Silver GlenFour staterooms • Sleeps 10 | Private executive houseboat rental | Midweek, Week, and Weekend Options | Large groups or families seeking multiple private staterooms and a flybridge |
| 55' Executive Southern BelleThree staterooms • Granite galley | Private executive houseboat rental | Midweek, Week, and Weekend Options | Couples or small groups who want a luxury galley and refined interior finishes |
| 52' Feelin' NautiTwo queen staterooms • Top‑deck loungers | Private houseboat rental | Midweek, Week, and Weekend Options | Smaller groups wanting open decks and straightforward sleeping arrangements |
| 53' SerenityThree full beds • Relaxed salon | Private houseboat rental | Midweek, Week, and Weekend Options | Groups prioritizing comfortable salon space and easy water‑toy storage |
| 53' Song Of The SouthMaster king suite • Sleeps 10 | Private houseboat rental | Midweek, Week, and Weekend Options | Travelers who want a king master cabin and room for larger groups |
| 44' River RunnerWalk‑around deck • Bunk beds option | Private river cruiser rental | Midweek, Week, and Weekend Options | Budget-minded groups seeking compact sleeping capacity and easy deck access |
01 · Best for large groups
60' Executive Silver Glen — Four stateroom layout for ten
The 60' Executive Silver Glen is the largest vessel in this collection, configured with four private staterooms and room for ten guests. The main salon incorporates the helm, a large living area with flat‑screen TV and a dining table; the galley is fully equipped for multi‑course meals. Sleeping layouts include a spacious master with a queen mattress, two queen cabins, and an additional mid‑berth—plus a futon in the salon. The boat lists central air and heat, multiple bathrooms (one full, one half), and comprehensive kitchenware and linens, making it suitable for extended stays.
Externally the Silver Glen emphasizes decks: a front deck with a propane grill and dining furniture, a back deck with water‑toy storage and boarding stairs, and a top deck flybridge that offers panoramic sights and lay‑out loungers for sunbathing. Operational limits and safety requirements are published by the operator; renters should note the operator’s liability coverage requirement and the marina meeting point at 2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand.
View the full experience details02 · Best for refined interiors
55' Executive Southern Belle — Granite counters and maple woodwork
Southern Belle leans into interior finish and guest comfort: the listing calls out granite countertops, maple woodwork and raised‑panel doors in a galley meant for sustained cooking aboard. The boat sleeps up to eight between three private staterooms and a futon in the salon, and it includes two full bathrooms—useful for groups who plan longer overnight trips.
On deck you’ll find the familiar front‑deck grill and seating, a back deck for stowing kayaks and toys, and a top deck with loungers plus a small canopy over the flybridge. The vessel is equipped with central air and a Westerbeke generator, and the operator’s notes again reference the required liability coverage and the shared meeting point at Hontoon Road, DeLand.
View the full experience details03 · Best for intimate groups
52' Feelin' Nauti — Two queen staterooms and open decks
Feelin' Nauti is aimed at groups who prioritize deck time and a straightforward sleeping plan. The layout includes two queen staterooms and a sleeper sofa in the salon, with a single full bathroom and ceiling A/C units. The vessel’s top deck is a sunning spot rather than a drive bridge—the listing notes it is a false flybridge—so expect open‑air lounging rather than helm operations from the top.
The boat’s exterior amenities include a front‑deck grill, ice chest and table, plus a back deck for water toys and an easy spiral staircase to the top. Standard inclusions across the fleet—life jackets, kitchenware, appliances and linens—are listed by the operator; verify liability coverage and route limits on the experience page before confirming your trip.
View the full experience details04 · Best for easy cruising
53' Serenity — Comfortable salon and water‑toy storage
Serenity pairs practical layout with livable onboard systems: three private staterooms with full‑size beds, a full bathroom and a half bath, and a salon sized for socializing. The back deck is configured for stowing kayaks and water toys, while the front deck includes a grill and seating—standard features across the marina fleet.
The boat’s mechanical and safety fit‑out includes a Westerbeke generator, central air and heating, and sufficient life jackets for the published maximum. Mileage specifications and night‑navigation rules are provided by the operator; confirm those operational limits when you book and plan your intended anchoring or day‑cruise stops accordingly.
View the full experience details05 · Best for a private master suite
53' Song Of The South — Master king and roomy common areas
Song Of The South advertises a king master suite alongside three guest staterooms and a salon futon, accommodating up to ten guests. The galley and salon support group dining; a single full bath and a half bath serve the accommodations. Exterior decks are arranged for grilling, lounging and water‑toy storage, while electronics and safety items—TV, VHF radio, life jackets and fire extinguishers—are standard equipment.
For groups seeking a mix of private sleeping and communal deck space, this model balances a substantial master cabin with the typical front‑ and top‑deck entertainment zones. As with all listings here, check the operator’s liability coverage requirement and route limits before departure.
View the full experience details06 · Best for practical value
44' River Runner — Compact cruiser with bunks
River Runner is the most compact option in the set, with a single private stateroom, two full bunk beds and a salon futon to sleep up to eight guests. It’s built around practicality: a walk‑around deck, front‑deck dining and a back deck for toys. The boat’s systems include ceiling air units, a small galley and the standard safety package listed by the operator.
If you prefer a lower nightly rate and a no‑frills cruising experience—while still keeping the option for overnight stays—this model is a solid choice. Be mindful of published mileage limits and the operator’s stated prohibition on night travel when plotting your route.
View the full experience detailsHow to choose
Match the trip to the story you want from the destination
Pick the model that reflects how you’ll spend time on the water—sleeping layout, deck space and onboard galley matter more than length if your plans are anchored around cookouts and lounging.
Before you go
Four practical planning checks
Operators list a required liability coverage (see provider notes). Confirm the included minimum and any options to increase coverage before you book.
All listings use the same marina meeting point: 2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720. Allow time for check‑in and an equipment walkthrough.
Each boat lists south and north mileage limits (e.g., Lake Monroe Bridge to Silver Glen Springs). Boats are not allowed to travel at night—plan daytime legs accordingly.
Linens and life jackets are provided; bring sun protection, swimwear, chargers and any specialty water toys you plan to use.
Frequently asked questions
Planning a luxury experience
Are life jackets included with the rental?+
Yes. Each boat listing specifies life jackets for the vessel's maximum party size are provided as part of the standard safety equipment.
Where is the meeting point for departures?+
The operator lists 2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720 as the marina meeting and check‑in location for all bookings.
Can I travel at night on these rentals?+
Operator information states boats are not allowed to travel at night; plan daytime itineraries within the published mileage limits.
Is liability coverage required?+
Yes. The operator notes that liability coverage is required for all rentals and a minimum is included with each booking; additional coverage options may be available.
How are rates structured?+
Rates vary by vessel and length of stay; the fleet offers weekend, midweek and weeklong pricing—confirm current rates on the provider booking page.
How this guide was prepared
This guide draws solely from the structured descriptions, pricing notes and booking embeds provided with each listed experience (Holly Bluff Resort Marina via FareHarbor). Specifications such as sleeping capacity, onboard amenities, route limits and meeting point were used verbatim where available; readers should verify live availability and operator terms on the provider's booking page.
Renting a houseboat from the DeLand/Holly Bluff listings is a distinct way to experience Central Florida waterways near Maitland—choose the layout and deck configuration that match your group's priorities, and confirm insurance and route details before you go.
For final logistics and booking, follow the provider links on each experience page to view availability, current pricing and the operator’s full terms.