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Houseboats

Embark on a relaxing journey through Whitewater Bay while enjoying the comfort of these aquatic accommodations

The 42-foot houseboats sleep a maximum of 6 guests (due to a cozy fit, we strongly recommend only 4 adults maximum at one time!) and are fully equipped with all the necessities as well as essential amenities.

All houseboats are located in the backcountry marina at Flamingo, located 38 miles from the entrance to Everglades National Park.

Unique Bay Views

Perfect for a Group

Excellent Amenities

Wildlife Watching

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Houseboat Information

All houseboats have 1 Bedroom and 1 Shower Bathroom:

Ibis Houseboat

  • 1 bunk bed (full size mattresses)
  • 1 full size bed
  • 1 sleeper sofa (bed size larger than twin, but smaller than full)

Osprey Houseboat

  • 1 queen size bed
  • 1 full bed
  • 1 small sleeper sofa (bed size larger than twin, but smaller than full)

Manatee Houseboat

  • 1 queen size bed
  • 1 full bed
  • 1 small sleeper sofa (bed size larger than twin, but smaller than full)

Dolphin Houseboat

  • 1 queen size bed
  • 1 full bed
  • 1 small sleeper sofa (bed size larger than twin, but smaller than full)

All houseboats also include:

  • Living space
  • Galley with:
    • 3 burner stove
    • gas-electric refrigerator (8.5 cu ft) with a freezer
    • microwave that will work at the dock
    • small coffee maker with filters
    • a basic set of cooking utensils
    • glasses, dishes, silverware
    • pots/pans
  • The fridge & hot water will automatically switch from shore power (electric) to propane once the boat departs from the dock
  • Houseboats have A/C while at the dock or with the generator
  • 70-gallon water tank
  • Screened Windows
  • Propane grill & fish cutting table (both mounted to back)
  • Linen for beds and bathroom
  • Generator
  • Dish soap
  • Hand soap
  • Paper towels
  • Marine toilet paper
  • A/C while at the dock or with the generator
  • 70-gallon water tank
  • Propane grill & fish cutting table
  • microwave that will work at the dock
  • small coffee maker with filters
  • a basic set of cooking utensils, glasses, dishes, silverware
  • pots/pans

A two-night minimum rental is required year-round  for all off the dock rentals

  • All boats are smoke-free
  • No pets allowed onboard
  • Check-in is available after 3:00 PM. No night operation. Flamingo Marina will contact the guest to arrange an arrival time.

In compliance with Florida state law, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 , must have a valid boater’s safety card or certificate to operate the boat.

  • All operators must possess a valid Everglades Boater Education card.
  • The minimum age to rent is 25.

All houseboat rentals will depart with full tanks of fuel.

  • Refueling costs will be charged upon the return of the boat. (2) 12-gallon tanks and (2) 5-gallon tanks.

Houseboats will be piloted by one of our Captains from the Flamingo Marina, up the Buttonwood canal, and into Coot Bay.

  • The guest will then operate the houseboat until the return trip from Coot Bay back to Flamingo Marina.
  • The boat operator will be required to demonstrate adequate hands-on boating experience and proper use of the marine radio. If the guest has no prior experience, they will be a floating cottage for the duration of their stay.
  • Rentals will be limited to the boundaries of Whitewater Bay and will not be allowed to travel out of  Oyster Bay into the Gulf of Mexico.

Water levels can rise in the Backcountry Marina basin at any given time. If the water level becomes too high, we are unable to accommodate off-dock reservations as we need to pass under a bridge. Last-minute decisions could be made as late as the hours before arrival.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Each 42-foot houseboat sleeps up to 6 guests, though 4 adults are recommended for comfort.

All houseboats include beds, a shower bathroom, living space, a galley kitchen, cookware, dishes, a propane grill, a generator, air conditioning at the dock or with the generator, and a 70-gallon water tank.

Yes. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must have a valid boater safety card. All operators must also have an Everglades Boater Education card.

Yes. The boat operator will be required to demonstrate adequate hands-on boating experience and proper use of the marine radio. If the guest has no prior experience, they will be a floating cottage for the duration of their stay.

No. Rentals are limited to Whitewater Bay and cannot travel into Oyster Bay or the Gulf of Mexico.

No. All boats are smoke-free and pets are not permitted.

Check-in is after 3 pm. A captain will pilot the boat out of the marina into Coot Bay, after which the guest takes control. Note: Hours may vary seasonally or on holidays. We recommend calling the lodge for the most current schedule.

Want to see what life would be like if you took an adventure on a houseboat? Take a look at our NEW Flamingo Adventures How-to Houseboat Blog

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We're Blushing...

“Nothing better than waking up early and seeing the sunrise over the Everglades!”

TONY H.

“The best part was the floating cottage. It was close to the parking, close to the activities booth, and close to the store. We were also able to see alligators from our house boat.”

DIEGO S.

“The stars at night were spellbinding, the quietness was just what we were looking for and seeing alligators, birds and manatee made the trip and adventure.”

JODI S.

“A peaceful getaway with nature all around. A beautiful houseboat to have to ourselves…oh and the crocodile that likes to swim by to check out the neighbors. Incredible customer service to assist us with any question we had. We will definitely return.”

STACIE S.
Please Note

Water levels can rise in the Backcountry Marina basin at any given time. If the water level becomes too high, we are unable to accommodate off-dock reservations as we need to pass under a bridge. Last-minute decisions could be made as late as the hours before arrival.

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