"Houseboat vacation on the Saint Johns River

A March 2002 trip to Deland by jimvau

If you are in for a relaxing time away from it all, this is for you. You will enjoy doing absolutely nothing as you relax aboard your well accomodated houseboat sipping a cool drink and watching the birds, alligators and fish.

  • 2 reviews
Our houseboat was ready for departure when we arrived. We left the marina excited as we should be, for our voyage out on the water. We ventured out, we saw alligators and eagles and numerous fish. We traveled on the river and went to Blue Springs. There we swam and rented a canoe. A gator was within 5 feet of the canoe that was my daughters highlight. There is also a home to tour, but it was closed. There is scuba diving too. Manatees are there in colder months we missed seeing them by a week. Each day found a new adventure. We fished each day and my son caught a huge 10 pound catfish, I imagine that was the highlight of his trip. We returned to the dock and drove to Deleon Springs. It was nice it had a swimming area and the temperature stays 72 degrees year round, however in March it was still quite nippy. I guess my most enjoyable time on the trip was getting away from it all and seeing the rest of my family having so much fun. We all look forward to returning again.

Quick Tips:

There are fees incurred at the marina you have an orientation fee and a septic and water and electric fee. We enjoy nature and relaxation if you are use to a fast pace this may not be for you.

Should you want to visit around you are less than 1 hour from the beach and from Walt Disney World.

Do bring lots of food on the boat when you check in. The marinas do not carry a lot of groceries.

There are ample life jackets on board but if you have a small child you will want to bring a small life jacket.

Bring your sunscreen and swimsuit and have a relaxing time away from it all.

Best Way To Get Around:

You will need a car to travel to the grocery store and shopping.

Royal Host ClubBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "royal host club at holly bluff marina"

Best Things Nearby:
deleon springs, blue springs, less than 1 hour from beach and disney

Best Things About the Resort:
peace and relaxation with wonderful accomodations

Resort Experience:
You board a wonderful 2 bedroom houseboat and cruise down the Saint Johns River without one activity planned. As you go down the river you see numerous alligator in the water and on shore. There are all kinds of birds, ducks, eagles and fish to see. In cooler months manatee are in the river. You may even see a river boat or barge. You may stay at the marina overnight or you may tie up out on the river. While you are on the river you will want to visit Blue Springs Park. YOu may canoe, scuba dive, swim or go on a nature walk on the wooden walkway. If you canoe you may see an alligator up close as my family did, one was only 5 feet from the canoe. Thats too close for me. Fishing is really good on the river so be sure you bring your fishing pole. Our trip ended as all do but hopefully we will go back again someday.

  • Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
  • Activities: Excellent
  • Amenities: Excellent
  • Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
  • Family Friendliness: Excellent
  • Service: Excellent
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by jimvau on July 24, 2002

Royal Host Club
2280 Hontoon Road Deland, Florida 32720
(386) 822-9992

About the Writer

jimvau
jimvau
science hill, Kentucky

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