At this houseboat you'll be 2.3 km (1.4 mi) from Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and 2.3 km (1.4 mi) from Black Bear Wilderness Area. Highlights at this houseboat include a kitchen, free WiFi and a balcony. .For a drink, you can stop by the houseboat's own poolside bar. Enjoy access to kayaking and motor boating. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a coffee shop/cafe and laundry facilities. .With a stay at this Sanford houseboat, you'll be 2.4 km (1.5 mi) from Lake Monroe and 2.8 km (1.7 mi) from Lake Monroe Park.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
Lake Monroe - 2 min drive - 1.7 km
Seminole County Sports Complex - 18 min drive - 20.3 km
Universal Studios Florida - 43 min drive - 55.9 km
Getting around
DeBary Station - 6 min drive
Sanford Station - 8 min drive
Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.) - 16 min drive
Restaurants
Wawa - 5 min drive
Chick-fil-A - 5 min drive
Starbucks - 6 min drive
RaceTrac - 5 min drive
McDonald's - 6 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire house boat to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River
Poised to delight, Floating Cottage provides a magical space to relax, replenish and explore. The sweet yellow cottage defines social distancing, afloat on the river. It is thoroughly cleaned and refreshed between guests, including being sanitized and disinfected.
Relax on the front porch, enjoy the warm breeze while watching turtles swim to the porch to beg for a treat. Refresh in the peaceful comfort of the fully equipped small home.
The cathedral ceilinged living room is bathed in natural light, has hardwood floors, and embraces the outside. Its French doors expand the living area to include the protected front porch. A full size sofa bed, electric potbelly stove, TV and versatile work/dining table grace the homey Floating Cottage.
No ordinary boat galley, the fully equipped kitchen meets the needs of the casual to the gourmet chef with an electric stove, full size side by side refrigerator with door ice dispenser, dishwasher, granite counter tops and tile back splashes. Microwave, toaster, utensils and dinnerware are included.
Walk up the stairs to the carpeted loft bedroom with queen size bed, walk-in closet and be surprised by the stained glass window. The loft is air-conditioned. Open the shades and screened windows to enjoy the gentle river breeze.
The cleverly outfitted bath has a full size shower, flush comfort toilet and stocked closet for linens and toiletries, plus a view-catching window.
The cottage is approached from the dock through the back porch.
The French doors to the front porch open the cottage to a full view of the marina surrounded by local forests. With four comfortable chairs, guests of the cottage may choose to sit for hours simply enjoying the quiet peace of the marina. Watch boaters come and go from trips up the lazy St. Johns River or to Lake Monroe to visit Sanford. Turtles swim to the cottage to greet the guests An occasional manatee can be seen from the porch. Herons and egrets are common sights as guests share the lovely outdoors with feathered friends.
Floating Cottage is designed with comfort and efficiency built into the 550 square feet of living space. The movement of the water beneath the hull is barely perceptible while relaxing those who experience a stay in the cottage.
Floating Cottage is berthed in the rural Boat Tree Marina, just north of Lake Monroe on the scenic St. Johns River, a river of abundant wildlife and scenic vistas. The marina offers a casual deli and restaurant, bait shop, laundry and pool. The restaurant, Cabana Live, offers a significant discount to cottage guests. There is a pool-side bar associated with the restaurant. Cottage guests may use the pool from morning until the restaurant closes! Stroll to the deli for breakfast and lunch served by the friendly staff. Yes, beer is available for thirsty patrons. Guests of Floating Cottage enjoy a 15% discount on boat rentals for half and full days. The friendly staff at the office will assist with boat reservations as well as with local information on fishing.
Don't miss visiting quaint Old-town Sanford, home to cobblestone streets and brick-lined store fronts, restored nineteenth-century Victorian homes, lovely towering oaks draped with Spanish moss, numerous art galleries, unique shops, pubs and great restaurants. Catch the open market with crafts and produce at the square.
Follow Sanford365.com to explore local events and discover what is happening in the Sanford area.
The Riverwalk on Lake Monroe, over a mile long, has shady places aplenty to watch lake activity or beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Water dispenser
Dining
A coffee shop/cafe
A poolside bar
A restaurant
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Premium bedding
Sofa bed
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Dock
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Comfort
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Accessible parking space
Area rugs in public areas
Front entrance ramp
Handrails in stairways
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Thin carpet in public areas
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping on request
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a train station
Near a zoo
Near the airport
Near the boardwalk/promenade
Near the marina
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Boat
Kayaking
Motor boating
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Sailing nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
1 building
2 floors
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Built in 2014
Double-glazed windows
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Eco-friendly toiletries
Housekeeping (on request)
Unit size: 550 square feet
Water dispenser
Water-efficient showers
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
Guests will receive an email with check-in information
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Host will email simple check-out hints the day before guest departure.
Please leave overhead fan in living room on at high speed.
Please leave AC on "cool" setting at 70 degrees.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Floating Cottage is a smoke free environment.
Minimum two day stay required.
Pets
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available.
Note from host: Please contact owner to discuss toddler safety
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
Fees
Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:
Cleaning fee: USD 100.00 per accommodation, per stay.
We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock in all accommodation.
Property is also known as
Welcome Floating Cottage . . . Florida's Scenic St. Johns River
Floating Gently On The River
Welcome Floating Cottage . . . Florida's Scenic St. Johns River
Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the River Sanford
Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the River Houseboat
Floating Cottage . . . Gently on the River Houseboat Sanford
Frequently asked questions
Does Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River have a pool?
Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River has a pool and a communal pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying with a coldie from the bar.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River?
No, Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River does not offer an airport shuttle service.
Is there a bar or restaurant at Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River?
Yep, they've got a poolside bar and an onsite restaurant.
What time are check-in & check-out at Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Are pets allowed at Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River?
No, pets are not allowed.
Experience the Magic - Floating Cottage on St Johns River Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 155 out of 164 reviews
10 - Excellent
155
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 164 reviews
8 - Good
7
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 164 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 164 reviews
4 - Poor
1
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 164 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Staff & service
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Tony M.
30 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
What can I say. Cute, Clean and Cozy.
Tony M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Shilo T.
29 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was amazing and the host was very accommodating!!
Shilo T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
CORRINA i.
11 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place, amazing host and would 100% stay again
CORRINA i.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Brandy W.
31 Dec 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent location and views
Brandy W.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Keith B.
2 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic stay a the floating cottage! Kim was fantastic in her communication, providing timely updates and very fast answers to our questions. The cottage was spotless and exactly as described. And it was located in the right spot for us, as we spent the weekend in nature. Turtles were fun, and the visiting gator was super cool (but no feeding the gators!).
Keith B.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Constance E.
23 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
I don't even know where to begin. From the moment I reserved it, Kim was in contact with me. She stayed in contact throughout the time we were there. She answered texts immediately even though she is in a way different time zone. The cottage is BEAUTIFUL!! Very clean and kept up. The kitchen is fantastic and very well stocked. The bed was comfortable and I love the loft. The front porch is very relaxing and as soon as you come out, here come the turtles. They are a joy to watch. The pool is attached to a restaurant which was a lot of fun. The food was good and reasonably priced. Make sure you go to Connie''s Deli for breakfast. It's cheap and good. The people who run the marina store are great people and they get to know you while you are there. We rented a pontoon from them and they give you a nice discount. Don't miss going to Blue Springs State park. They have a spring there where the manatees are swimming in there with you. Beware though, the water is 72 degrees all year round. I can't wait to go back the cottage!
Constance E.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
8/10 Good
June M.
2 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The place was very neat clean and a lot of very thought touches. It is super unique and cute! The turtles didn’t disappoint. It is the ideal location for the things we were looking to do. Only draw back was the view of FPL plant. And it felt a little box in with the other floating house boat and the big boat on the other. We did enjoy our time there!
June M.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Barbara F.
9 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This place is amazing! Kim was super responsive and informative. We had no issues checking in. There wasn't a thing that we needed that we didnt have. Watching the turtles and all of the sea life was a highlight. The floating cottage is a MUST! We'll definitely be back!
Barbara F.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Margaret M.
26 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Memorial Day stay
Floating Cottage was prefect for our long weekend stay. Cottage was so cute, clean and very well equipped with everything we needed. It was a beautiful spot to sit in the evening and watch to different wild life swim by. The host was super friendly and checking in and out was a breeze. I would definitely recommend and will go back again.
Margaret M.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
mary ann k.
8 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Floating Cottage
Beautiful floating cottage with everything you need provided. The host, Kim, went well above the call of duty. Very informative and answered any questions I had immediately! Connie’s deli behind cottage had great food and super nice servers. But the most amazing part of this vaca was the turtles that greeted us from day 1 and being able to feed them. Also, we were fortunate to see manatees every day we were there!! I highly recommend staying at the Floating Cottage. You will not regret staying here. Thanks again Kim for the hospitality
mary ann k.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jeremy P.
27 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful cottage and scenery
Very clean and i loved the porch.
Jeremy P.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Debra D.
20 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Idyllic Retreat
We continue to return year after year because of how much we enjoy everything about this cottage. The setting, the creature comforts and the excellent attention from our host and her associates assures that we will be shortly planning our next stay.
Debra D.
Stayed 27 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Rebecca V.
11 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent
The cottage was very clean (except the outdoor grill) and had everything we needed. Kitchen was well stocked with cookware, dishes, utensils, spices and food storage. The location was not ideal, but not terribly bad. We had to drive everywhere but the well equipped cottage made up for it.
Rebecca V.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Mary M.
3 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The wee floating cottage
We were delighted to find the Floating Cottage just as we thought it should look/offer, based on the information on the website. The host was extraordinarily organized and helpful in preparing for our visit...as well as checking out. We found this cottage to be relaxing, charming, cozy and cheerful!
Mary M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jim K.
1 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous Getaway
Our stay at the floating cottage was perfect! It is a beautiful and quiet location! We enjoyed the turtles and were extremely pleased with Connie's Deli! Such wonderful people! We hope to book with Kim again at this cute-as-a-bug cottage!
Jim K.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
28 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Christmas at The Cotts
We had a wonderful stay over the Christmas holiday in The Floating Cottage. Everything from the booking to checkout was smooth and simple. Communication with hostess before during and after the stay was phenomenal and the cottage is exactly as pictured. It has a stcked kitchen that is absolutely topnotch. Feedi g the sea turtles was a fun timeand we even saw a manatee right off the back porch area and watched as he floated along grazing on the greerry. Both restaurants on tye propety were very good. It was a wonderful time. .
Verified traveller
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
8/10 Good
Thomas K.
5 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Floating cottage
Nice cottage, as expected.
Thomas K.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rosie P.
30 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Cottage
This houseboat was spectacular! Our little family of 4 stayed very comfortably and managed to even cook our Thanksgiving dinner in its full-size kitchen with every utensil imaginable. Kim’s communication is superior and like no other. It was comforting to know that she has thought of everything. Our daughter absolutely loved feeding the turtles too. Many beautiful memories were created and we’re grateful for the experience.
Rosie P.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Christine F.
31 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A Beautiful And Unique Experience
Kim was an excellent hostess. My son and I loved the little cottage as well as all of the wild life that surrounds it. Thank you for the wonderful accommodations.
Christine F.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Edward W.
6 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Making great memories staying on the floating cottage
The floating cottage exceeded our expectations...kim is a wonderful host..best host ive ever dealt with on a vrbo rental..the floating cottage was very clean and stocked with everything a guest could want..feeding the 🐢 was such a neat thing to do! We brought our boat and was able to keep it 2 slips away which made it very convenient to use..we will definitely be booking this cottage again...it made such great memories for my fiancée and I. !!
Edward W.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lori C.
17 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Most serene setting!!
Beautifully maintained and well-prepared property! The host is SUPER, ready at all times to answer questions and assist in any way! We are already planning our next visit!
Lori C.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Debra D.
16 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Winter Respite
This was our second winter stay at this charming cottage, having had such a wonderful first experience.
The cottage continued to delight as we became even more familiar with what the area had to offer.
Kim was an excellent hostess as were her on-site assistants. We were well taken care of and appreciated their attention to our needs.
We look forward to when we have an opportunity to return.
Debra D.
Stayed 41 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
judy s.
27 Jan 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic
The floating cottage is wonderful. You walk in and you instantly feel at home and that you could spend a lot of time here. Out host was great - she gave us detailed information and made sure that our stay was a great experience. The turtles were fun watch. We will definitely return.
judy s.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
James B., Mint Hill, United States of America
22 Jan 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Very Relaxing
Another great stay on the "floating cottage". From our first trip many years ago to now it has remained our home away from home. The yellow boat is always neat and clean, with most anything you need aboard. Kim, the host, is very informative and responds quickly whenever we have contacted her. The boat is within walking distance to two places for food and drink and many activities are available by a short drive. The full-size kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and a grill on the rear deck, make it great for extended stays. We love staying on the floating cottage and look forward to another trip.
James B.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Joe G.
11 Jan 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Little Gem
This was the 1st time that my wife and I stayed in a boathouse. The owner keeps the property meticulously clean and provides crystal clear communication throughout the process.
Everything was done remotely and there was no need for any direct interaction.
The accommodations were very comfortable and the owner made everything you can think of available, including a couple of small fishing poles that we used to fish off the patio and dock.
It was very peaceful just sitting on the patio and watching the friendly turtles hover for food.
Right off the dock is Connie’s Deli which serves breakfast and lunch. Connie and her staff are very friendly and the food was great.
In the evening, you can just walk across the parking lot to Cabana’s which is basically a sports bar with tons of TVs and a pool area. People were very nice and we really liked their food.
If you drive into Sanford, it’s a cute little town with a bunch of shops and restaurants. We had lunch in the German restaurant which was a lot of fun and had live music in the middle of the day.
Will definitely consider renting here again!!