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Everglades National Park - Frequently Asked Questions

Presented below are frequently asked questions about houseboat rentals and houseboating in the Everglades National park. If you need additional assistance, please contact us toll-free at 888-454-8825 or click here to submit a request for more guidance. Our friendly and knowledgeable Houseboat Rental Agents are always happy to help.

The minimum age to rent is 25 years old.

*See licensing requirements


Unfortunately pets are not allowed for any reason


  • Please be aware that operation of a powered vessel in Everglades National Park requires ALL operators to have the Everglades Boater Education Program Certificate as per the National Park Service. We will need to see a copy of this Certificate (digital or printed) to record the certificate number prior to completion of your rental agreement and allowing the vessel to leave the dock.

    This certificate is free of charge and can be obtained at this link: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/boater-education-program.htm

    Additionally, Florida state law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to have a valid boater’s safety card or certificate. ttps://www.boatus.org/florida/  (not required for dockside rentals).

  This is not required for the Stay at the Dock rate

  • A captain must transport the houseboats through Buttonwood Canal to/from Coot Bay
  • Guests are limited to 1 captain escort to/from the marina through Buttonwood Canal per rental (this does not include the initial trip at the start of the rental or the trip to return the boat).

 


For 2020 the nightly price for a dockside houseboat vacation is $350 per night. For a driving houseboat vacation the nightly price is $400 per night.


Booking Policy (Per Houseboat)

  • 50% is due at the time of booking
  • The balance plus a $5,000 refundable security deposit is due on arrival
  • We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Checks are not accepted

Cancellation Policy (Per Houseboat)

  • Up to 21 days prior to departure: Can cancel for no penalty
  • 20 days or less: Forfeit full deposit

6 people maximum are allowed on the houseboat, however it is most comfortable for 2 - 4 adults and 2 children


Fuel is not included in your rental. You must pay for what you use. You start with 2 full tanks of gas which will last approximately 30 miles. Extended trips may require a refuel in the middle of your trip.


  • The standard check-in time is 3pm but the marina recommends checking in anywhere from 11am-2pm. The marina office hours are daily from 8am-4pm, if you know you will be arriving after these hours, please let them know so they can make proper accommodations to suit your reservation check-in time.
  • Check-out time to return the houseboat at the end of the rental is 10am

 


A generator is not included on the houseboat, however you can rent one for $50 per night plus tax.

If staying dockside, you will be hooked up to shore power.

If driving the houseboat your fridge, stove and water will be run by propane. There is a charge of $25 + tax for propane.


  • All houseboats are required to stay within the boundaries of Coot Bay and Whitewater Bay. 
  • Boats are not permitted to travel through the Shark River into the Gulf of Mexico.
  • A captain must transport the houseboats through Buttonwood Canal to/from Coot Bay
  • Guests are limited to 1 captain escort to/from the marina through Buttonwood Canal per rental (this does not include the initial trip at the start of the rental or the trip to return the boat).