100' House Boat - Salty Sams Marina at Fort Myers Beach

• Never again

  Never again

  • Guest Ron R.
  • Date of stay 06/05/11
  • Review Submitted 04/30/12
  We rented the houseboat for a week for a reunion for 12 adults. It was a get together that allowed us to come from all parts of the country to enjoy the water. We definitely enjoyed the water, but did have some difficulties with the house boat. The air conditioning only worked in the master and the next bedroom. We had to buy four fans for the bedrooms and the living area. I could understand if we were running off a generator, but this was plugged into the dock. Also, late one night the toilet in the master overflowed. My husband had to lift the king bed and crawl under into a very narrow space to turn off the water until it could be fixed the next day. Each time the boat goes out, it is an extra cost for the captain and the generator, so be sure to factor that into your cost. Also, the owner accused us of burning the carpet with the grill grate, but we weren't able to use it because there was no gas in the grill! Luckily we had our boat at the marina so we could grill on it. Later, we were told that the owner's son had a party after we left and failed to mention to his dad that he was the one to put the grill grate on the carpeting. We will be staying at a 6 bed/bath house on Captiva this year with a pool on the beach.

  Owner response: FYI. After their stay, these local people had refered us to other friends of theirs which have stayed aboard our boat and they all had a wonderful time. If you'd like to know the real reason for this persons lashing out almost a year after their stay, please ask me about it! It's actually a very funny story! PS The Pine Island Little League has black listed them from any fund raisers in the future!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/4

• Fantastic Getaway

  Fantastic Getaway

  • Guest Brandy M.
  • Date of stay 12/15/11
  • Review Submitted 12/24/11
  What a fantastic getaway! This was such a great way to just get away from the day to day and just relax and have a great time. Even the mother-in-law had a great time! Our kids enjoyed endless hours in the top deck hot tub spotting the sea life cruising in the waters. In the evenings we enjoyed the satellite t.v. I was happy that each room had a t.v. and that there was internet! On the day that we weren't out in the waters, the kids and I enjoyed combing the beach on bikes, while my mother-in-law enjoyed an afternoon on the local casino boat. I was so pleased to see that the kitchen was fully stocked and everything that we needed was on board. I was able to just relax and really enjoy my time with my family. Our Captain was Capt. Jon. What a great host! Very nice and personable. He knew where to go and what to do so that we could really have a great time. We really enjoyed our stay on this floating hotel and are looking foward to doing it again soon. Thanks Captain Jon for making this trip one to remember with a smile!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

• A weekend away!!!!!

  A weekend away!!!!!

  • Guest liana
  • Date of stay 12/03/11
  • Review Submitted 12/11/11
  What a nice getaway we had on this amazing 100 foot houseboat! It was just my wife and our 4 kids who took it out for a 36 hour cruise around the back waters off Ft. Myers Beach. Captain Jon, the owner, was a gracious host and knowledgeable Captain. I would recommend this trip for anyone!!!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

• Fantastic Vacation

  Fantastic Vacation

  • Guest Angela P.
  • Date of stay 11/28/11
  • Review Submitted 12/11/11
  I cannot say enough about our stay on board this fabulous floating hotel! My extended family and I rented the boat the week after Thanksgiving and were thrilled to find immaculate state rooms, spacious living room and fully equipped kitchen awaiting us. We had planned to do a 2 day cruise which was shortened to 1 due to the weather but had no problem enjoying the huge tv that day instead!! Cinemax, Starz, HBO and Showtime kept us happy in the movie department! I would highly recomend this as a venue for a medium to large group where everyone is under one roof! What's better, is this roof has an 1800 square foot deck above it!! Complete with hot tub and wet bar! The marina views and sunsets were fabulous too!!! Thank you Gulf Island Adventures! We will be back

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

• Fun for the whole family!

  Fun for the whole family!

  • Guest Heidi h.
  • Date of stay 07/10/11
  • Review Submitted 12/06/11
  As a repeat visitor on this wonderful boat, I cannot say enough good things about it. My family and I have spent several week long vacations on this boat and from the time you step on board you could not ask for a better time. Captain Jon and crew are the best at making you feel right at home, and even my teen boys have enjoyed their time on board. There is no better way to see everything that Florida has to offer than from the deck of this boat. We have seen just about every type of Florida wild life from dolphins and manatee to crocodiles and pelicans. We have pulled up on deserted beaches to swim and had great times just sitting on the top deck at the marina watching the sun set. I look forward to our next visit...thanks for all the good times...

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

• The Boat That Went Nowhere

  The Boat That Went Nowhere

  • Guest Dan O.
  • Date of stay 11/23/11
  • Review Submitted 12/05/11
  The owner waited until the day of check in to inform us that the boat was missing one of two engines. He admitted to us that he knew of this issue at least 3 days before our arrival. With 1 engine, the boat can not operate safely in even mild winds. So we went nowhere - in spite of the owner telling us "maybe tomorrow". He also mis represented the availability of Captains - essentially saying they were plentiful at time of reserving only to change his colors at time of check in to say "he did not let just anyone drive the boat". Several other minor inconveniences - or should I say owner lies. You are better off renting a home and a boat , that works, for a day or two. If you are going to rent this boat - buyer beware. At least hold some money back - this guy is a true "pitchman" and will say anything to get the rental - but has no issue changing his story as he desires. We asked for a credit, but he just went on spinning his tales!

  Owner response: The boat had a minor last minute mechanical problem with one of the engines that now that Thanksgiving weekend is over has been repaired,however,the boat was still very operational. We offer our 100 foot houseboat to guest as an alternative to hotels and the normal vacation rental home and to live aboard a luxury houseboat in a beautiful marina setting with the option of taking the boat out for day cruises or overnight stays as well.Guests are responsible for fuel and a captain if needed.There are unfortunately times that the weather dictates whether or not the boat can be navigated safely,therefore,no one is charged for fuel or captains fee until after their outing.On the rare occasion that the winds are blowing 25 knots with gusts to 35 knots or more as it was for them,the boat can not be navigated safely and will not be allowed to leave the dock for the safety and comfort of the passengers aboard.Most people in the past have completely understood and agree with this policy.Arrangements were made for a captain for two days on this trip,unfortunately,the two days that they scheduled,the wind didn't cooperate.I felt that by renting the group two smaller bay boats from the marina and paying for them myself,it would allow the group to have the opportunity to get out on the less choppy back bay waters and take in some sites which they thanked me for.We do our best to make sure our guests enjoy themselves during their stay.I don't understand the poor review as during their stay several people in the group told me how much they were enjoying it.I do understand the disappointment about the windy weather though! I'm struggling to figure this one out! With the exception of not being able to take the boat out due to high winds,they enjoyed all 5 nights that they reserved aboard the boat,cooked, ate and drank aboard the boat,swam in the pool almost every day, used all of the amenities at the marina,used the hot tub,wet bar and all the amenities on the boat,I afford them a late check out and rented two boats for them to use during their stay.Nothing was said during their stay about a credit,but now that their vacation is over,they email me saying they will write a bad review if I don't give them a refund?I don't get it!We can try our best to make sure our guests are comfortable and have a great experience while staying aboard our boat,but we can't control the weather.Sorry!The good news is that for the past two and a half weeks the weather has been great! Capt. Jon

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/5

• 100' Feet of Incredible

  100' Feet of Incredible

  • Guest dm
  • Date of stay 08/17/11
  • Review Submitted 08/29/11
  The boat is amazing. It is almost criminal to label it just a "100' Houseboat." It is so much more than that. Take it out on the water and you'll see. People do not stop staring. It is like pulling a stretch Ferrari up to your senior prom. Granted, it is considerably slower, but no less of a thrill. We rented it for a few days for a bachelor party and the group could not have been more pleased. The look on each person's face when they stepped aboard was priceless. Guys were running from room to room like they were 12 years old again. Just thinking about the boat makes me grin. The rooms were clean and spacious. Captain Jon was an excellent host, knowledgeable and friendly. The kitchen/grill was suitable for putting together some really nice meals. You cannot measure how great a burger tastes when you are on the high seas, resting comfortably atop your own portable hotel, a Florida sunset creeping below the horizon. The fact that there is a Publix a few hundred yards away was a blessing and made restocking dangerously easy. Whether you just want to relax in the sun or you want to spend the day perfecting your Triple Lindy off the top deck, this "100' Houseboat" can accommodate any pace. It was a unique way to celebrate and I am grateful I stumbled across it. 5 stars from bow to stern. We will absolutely be back.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

• As Good As Expected

  As Good As Expected

  • Guest Capt. Craig
  • Date of stay 06/09/11
  • Review Submitted 06/13/11
  Four local couples rented this houseboat and anchored out in Matlacha pass for three nights. We ate like kings as the ability to cook anything with a fully equiped kitchen and BBQ grill was at our disposal. Each night was great as we sat on the upper deck and enjoyed the breezes, satellite radio, hot tub and cold drinks. We were able to easily tow two flats boats with us so that we could take advantage of the good back bay fishing nearby. We would recommend this trip to anyone who is up for a good time.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/3

• What an amazing boat!

  What an amazing boat!

  • Guest dewdad
  • Date of stay 05/14/11
  • Review Submitted 06/07/11
  There is no reason you will want to leave this boat, unless you need supplies, and with the Marina store right there and grocery store just a two minute walk away,it could not be situated better. The upper deck is massive and the wetbar and hottub just topped it off. While you are having your morning coffee, keep your eyes open for dolphins swimming by. The scenery was incredible and the boat was immaculate. The 6 sleeping quarters were incredible and the beds very comfortable. Satellite TV's in each of the quarters, which I never needed to turn on. We did rent a movie one nite and watched it on the big screen. A washer and dryer and showers in each and every room, full sized galley, larger than the one I have at home, a barbeque and everything you need made cooking alot of fun. Definetly give this rental a two thumbs up and we all decided we would do it again next year. Best vacation I have had in many years. Do it!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/4

• Spring Training

  Spring Training

  • Guest Peck
  • Date of stay 03/10/11
  • Review Submitted 03/27/11
  6 of us went down frm NC in March for baseball. Had we known what we know now we would have cancelled the games and just stayed on the boat.What a great experience and gracious host Jon is. Do not hesitate renting this boat. The pictures do not do it justice and the location is perfect.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/3

Peak Season .. Nov 15-Jun 01 .. $700/night 2-night min. $4200/week
Off Peak ..... Jun 01-Nov 14 .. $550/night 2-night min. $3500/week
Event Weeks ................... $6500/week
Due to the size of the boat, a USCG Licensed Captain is required to
operate the vessel away from the dock at the marina. A list of
approved captains will be supplied to guests.
Guests will be responsible for refueling the boat at the end of the rental.
6% tax additional.  Cleaning and Security Deposit Required.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.