7 amazing Florida houseboats you can book now

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With more travelers searching for unique experiences when they travel—the kind that are not only memorable, but also Instagram-able—we’ve seen a proliferation of offbeat accommodation options popping up. One such option: the houseboat.

RELATED: Don’t miss the boat! Check out this complete list of houseboats.

Also known as a “boatel” (boat + hotel), these floating hotels range from tugboat to sailboat to yacht. They offer easy access to nearby attractions from their marina homes while boasting a unique perspective on the water. And while they don’t come cheap, getting a group together to split the cost is guaranteed to make the experience much more affordable and, of course, much more memorable.

Florida, with its famous boating culture, is an ideal setting in which to test-run this trend. Here are seven options to consider, all bookable on Orbitz.com.

Photo courtesy of Miami Beach Luxury Yacht Charters

Miami Beach:  Miami Beach Luxury Yacht Charters
Go ahead, be a baller. Stay on South Beach in a luxury yacht that includes a kitchen, bathroom with shower and some seriously tricked-out living and eating spaces—perfect for savoring the Miami skyline when you’re showboating across the water, day or night.

Photo courtesy of Key West Yacht Life

Stock Island: Key West Yacht Life
Anchor yourself aboard a yacht in Stock Island near Key West, once a tropical paradise to Ernest Hemingway. Key West Yacht Life features an air-conditioned houseboat with plenty of room to spread out between the bedroom, kitchen, living area and separate dining area. Plus, you’ll get access to an onsite restaurant, pool, fitness center and private beach.

RELATED: 11 incredible islands you haven’t visited—yet

Destin: Destin Harbor Houseboat
Situated away from the noisy Harborwalk Village in Destin, this cozy houseboat (that remains docked) has been described as a “motor home on water” by previous guests. It accommodates up to five people. Great fishing is possible right off the boat deck; let gentle waves lull you to sleep at night.

Photo courtesy of Le Secret Yacht

Key West: Le Secret Yacht
Ooh la la. This French-owned yacht won’t be a secret for long with all it has going for it: four air-conditioned cabins, four private bathrooms, massive living areas (both indoor and outdoor) and two crew members. Duvall Street, a beach-inspired version of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, is a one-minute walk away.

ALSO: Save on your trip using Orbitz Rewards. “Water” you waiting for?

Fort Walton Beach: Okaloosa Island Houseboat
Docked on Florida’s Emerald Coast, this houseboat puts the Gulf of Mexico—and all of its fishing and water sport adventures—at your literal doorstep. The 30-foot houseboat includes a top-floor “party deck,” where you can watch the Thursday night fireworks over the harbor or dolphins playing in the early morning. All bars, restaurants and shops are a two-minute walk away.

Photo courtesy of Mangrove Marina

Tavernier: Mangrove Marina and Resort Aqualodge Houseboat
One hour from Miami, Mangrove Marina is a 20-acre waterfront resort and the largest full-service marina in the upper keys. Its eight rentable houseboats offer modern conveniences against a backdrop of natural bliss.

Photo courtesy of Blue Sky Charter

Key West:  Blue Sky Charter Company LLC
Stay on a sailboat in Key West with charming, nautically themed touches. You’ll have your pick from “Spellbound” or Twilight” (those are the boats’ names) and have access to a pool, restaurant and private beach during your stay.

TIP: Orbitz offers a variety of unique and offbeat accommodations. To book, just got to Orbitz.com. After you select your destination and travel dates, check out the “Filter Properties By” column to the left of the resulting hotel selections. You can sort by “Property Type” and “Vacation Rentals” to uncover cool options such as villas, houseboats, tentalows, castles and more!

Tagged: Cruise, Florida