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Rebel's Rest - A Romantic Getaway Houseboat w/ New Water Filtration System

Photo gallery for Rebel's Rest - A Romantic Getaway Houseboat w/ New Water Filtration System

Miscellaneous
Terrace/patio
Outdoor dining
Private kitchen
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2650 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Apalachicola, FL
  • Place, Riverfront Therapy & Spirit of the River Spa
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, St. George Island Beach
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Port St. Joe Beach
    ‪31 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Dining area

About this property

Rebel's Rest - A Romantic Getaway Houseboat w/ New Water Filtration System

Rebel’s Rest: A Unique Floating Home Stay in Historic Apalachicola, Florida


Welcome aboard Rebel’s Rest, a charming floating home permanently moored in the heart of downtown Apalachicola. Perfect for couples, or solo travelers, this one-of-a-kind waterfront retreat blends the comfort of a vacation rental with the romance and character of life on the water.


Whether you’re sipping coffee as the sun rises over the river or strolling to nearby shops and seafood restaurants, Rebel’s Rest offers a relaxing coastal escape with unbeatable access to everything Apalachicola has to offer.


The Experience


Rebel’s Rest is not a traditional boat, it’s a stationary floating home, securely moored and designed for comfort and stability. Guests enjoy the novelty of staying on the water while having all the conveniences of a land-based vacation rental.


Wake up to gentle water views, enjoy evenings with river breezes, and unwind in a peaceful setting just steps from downtown attractions.


Inside the Cozy Retreat (Sleeps 2)


+ Separate bedroom with comfortable queen bed and smart TV (all DISH channels)
+ Fully equipped kitchen with full-size appliances: refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, toaster, blender, Keurig coffee maker (coffee provided), dishes, utensils, and dining table
+ Spacious living area with smart TV and free Wi-Fi
+ Large bathroom with hair dryer, towels, and basics
+ Air conditioning & heating, office desk area, books & games
+ All linens, towels, toiletries, and a brand-new water filtration system provided


Prime Location – Walk to Everything


Just a 5-minute stroll from vibrant downtown Apalachicola, with its charming shops, art galleries, museums, and world-famous seafood restaurants.


A quick 15-minute drive takes you to the sugar-white sands and secluded beaches of St. George Island State Park, complete with hiking trails and a historic lighthouse.


Ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, or simply escaping together.


+ Maximum 2 adults. No pets.
+ 10% Military Discounts available with ID. Please bring your Military ID and we will credit you.
+ Minimum stay: 2 nights (varies by season).
+ No monthly rates available.
+ Rates are subject to change prior to reservation.
+ Cancelled bookings will not receive a refund but may be rescheduled based upon availability. Rescheduling fee is $200.00.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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Exterior
REELAXATION 'A comfortable Cabin on Apalachicola River.' New Water Filtration
Historic Downtown Apalachicola
  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (116 reviews)
REELAXATION 'A comfortable Cabin on Apalachicola River.' New Water Filtration

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
Quiet hours from 9PM to 9AM
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Quiet hours from 9PM to 9AM
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Apalachicola

Located on the waterfront, this houseboat is in Historic Downtown Apalachicola, a neighborhood in Apalachicola. Orman House Historic State Park and St. George Lighthouse are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Apalachicola Chocalate Company and Downtown Books & Purl. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Houseboats in ApalachicolaOpens in a new window
Map
Apalachicola, FL

What's nearby

  • Riverfront Therapy & Spirit of the River Spa - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • St. George Island Beach - 17 min drive - 24.2 km
  • Port St. Joe Beach - 31 min drive - 41.2 km
  • Saint Joe Beach - 40 min drive - 62.3 km
  • Mexico Beach - 45 min drive - 69.6 km

Getting around

  • Northwest Florida Beaches Intl. Airport (ECP) - 109 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Red Pirate - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪El Jalisco Mexican Restaurant - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Gibson Inn - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Oyster City Brewing Company - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Station - ‬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Rebel's Rest - A Romantic Getaway houseboat New Water Filtration System pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Rebel's Rest - A Romantic Getaway Houseboat w/ New Water Filtration System?

As of Apr 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rebel's Rest - A Romantic Getaway Houseboat w/ New Water Filtration System on Jun 15, 2026 start from $254, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rebel's Rest - A Romantic Getaway houseboat New Water Filtration System?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rebel's Rest - A Romantic Getaway houseboat New Water Filtration System?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Rebel's Rest - A Romantic Getaway houseboat New Water Filtration System located?

Located in Historic Downtown Apalachicola, this houseboat is within a 5-minute walk of Riverfront Therapy & Spirit of the River Spa, Dixie Theatre, and Apalachicola Chocalate Company. Orman House Historic State Park and Downtown Books & Purl are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 56 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This unit was so great, well suited for 2 people. It was great to fish off the deck and watch the boats go by. Sunrises were gorgeous!The owner was very accommodating, unit was well stocked and we would go back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sarah f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the best vacation I’ve ever had! Right on the water of Cipio Creek, best sleep I’ve had in a long time, and everybody was so friendly. Fishing off the deck was divine and the town is amazing with lots to do. Already planning our next trip!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ken W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a great stay only complaint was that we couldn’t stay long enough will definetly return again
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Connie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

See you next time!

Wonderful get-away! Great location-can walk to restaurants and shops.Short, very scenic drive to St. George Island beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was fresh and in good condition. I brought bottled water because others had complained about the water smelling and tasting like sulfur. But that is no longer the case. I was able to drink from the tap and it tasted just fine and no sulfur smell at all!!We had everything we needed for a lovely stay. Karen greeted us upon check in and Norma checked in later to see if everything was to our liking. We got up early each morning to watch the sun rise from our porch. We walked everywhere. The car stayed parked. The weather was a little chilly but we were super comfy sitting on the porch and watching the boats and the pelicans and reading. We ate at many of the local places, but found the best food right next door at Up the Creek!It was all so wonderful, we look foreword to the next time.Will recommend the houseboats to anyone who is going to Apalachicola for a quiet, restful time.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous setting

Highly recommend this as a stay to relax. Walking and shopping as well as amazing food all right out the front door.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jerry Q.

Have a great weekend caught lots of fish very cool place to stay

You have a great time every night restaurant right next-door fishing was great sitting out on the water all day all night was awesome !
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

House Boat Heaven

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. 4th of July weekend is definitely the time be there. Only issue was the sulfur smell of water. It’s Florida, what can you say. Food and shops can all be found within a short walk. Fishing was great. Just an awesome time!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Herbert H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay on Apalacheecola Houseboat

Our stay on the houseboat was great - plenty of wildlife (birds - alligators- dolphins- fish) Easy walking distance to everything Great boat layout - tv in living room and bedroom - great AC - great sunsets from the porch in the water Great appliances and utensils Easy check in and check out
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Authentic Houseboat!

Second time staying with Karen and we would highly recommend it for a relaxing time on the river, in walking distance to all the fun restaurants and bars of Apalachicola!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Paula D.

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy
It was very clean and well appointed but we were not prepared for the terrible smelling water in the houseboat. I couldn’t bring myself to bathe in it. I thought it had a new water filtration system but the water had a disgusting smell.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katharine S.

Relaxing

Great relaxing property. Property was clean and had everything we needed. Everything was in walking distance (shops, restaurants, bars, etc.). Karen was very welcoming and helpful with suggestions. Highly recommend this for a get-away!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gregory M.

A wonderful place to relax

Spent our anniversary at Rebel's Rest. This was our second trip to Apalachicola. The houseboat is easy walking distance to downtown and a wonderful getaway. Enjoyed seeing dolphin, alligators, turtles and pelicans from the deck. Check-in is super easy and Karen provided a great overview of the town.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tanya C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming waterfront accommodation

We truly enjoyed our stay. The house has everything you need and Karen was super friendly and available for any questions. Don’t worry about staying on the water because even the biggest boats passing by caused very little movement. We will definitely be back and plan to tell our friends and family about this little jewel.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kate H.

Perfect respite!

My husband and I recently stayed in this beautiful home. It was a perfect slice of paradise - even in December - to get away from the craziness of day-to-day. All of the shops and restaurants were within a short walking distance, the sunrises were breathtaking every morning, the house was the perfect size for just the two of us, and there were even dolphins right outside the back patio! We would recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet, gorgeous getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kathy h.

Comfy stay on this houseboat!

I enjoyed a March week vacationing on Rebel's Rest. Despite several days of cool and windy weather, the houseboat proved to be comfy and cozy. I felt comfortable there immediately as everything you might need is available and the layout is excellent. I will consider staying here again when visiting the area because I loved waking up to sunrises on the water and being so close to the shops and restaurants in Apalachicola.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Chill laxing

Sitting on the porch or just inside sliding doors really enjoyed just chillin and relaxing and watching all the boats going slowly by. Great spot to relax and recharge during this crazy time.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

debbie w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience!

We loved staying on your houseboat. It was so magical sitting on the deck watching the fish jump, the lily pads float by and the shrimp boats coming in surrounded by birds. The location was great, was able to walk right out the door and listen to some good music right around the corner, browse through the local shops and eat some great restaurants. Also, a quick drive to Cape San Blas, spent the day at the beach swimming in the Gulf. I can't wait to come back and share this experience with other friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Away from it all, but still close to everything

Staying on a houseboat is unlike anywhere else I've stayed--in a good way. Sitting on the deck or looking out the windows, you feel like you are off on a river adventure. Boats and birds are your only companions. All the pleasure of boating, without any of the work! Sometimes a larger boat going by may make a wake big enough to gently rock your floating home; just enough to remind you that you are on a boat. The houseboat was clean, thoughtfully equipped with all the necessities, and convenient to exploring Apalachicola. Karen is an exceptional host!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan5599

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a sweet comfy houseboat!

The houseboat was everything the listing said and more. We absolutely loved sitting on the deck in the morning watching the fishing boats go by and the sun come up over the water while enjoying our tea and coffee. This houseboat is located within walking distance of old town Apalachicola with all its restaurants and shopping. Walk across the street in the morning for the most delicious biscuits from The Biscuit Factory or walk next door to Up The Creek Seafood Restaurant for an amazing dinner. No fishing poles? No problem! The owner has provided two! We intend to return!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

DIANE M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Truly Restful, much nicer than pictures show

We were pleasantly surprised with this gem on the water. The pictures make the interior look a little dated and dowdy. That is FAR from the actual experience. We thoroughly enjoyed this place with high ceilings, a lot of natural light, and a fantastic A/C system. While the bedroom was small, the mattress was very good and extra pillows were provided. There is a LOT of storage so you can tuck your suitcases out of site and ample room to cook in the kitchen. The ONLY downfall is the weird sulfer smell of the water - many the hot water, from the faucets. The water is clean and it didn't provide a bad showering experience but we did get bottled water for our coffee. Plus, if you like to fish - this is the place. My husband actually got tired of catching fish off the houseboat - mainly sail cats and other smaller catfish. But it seemed that every cast resulted in a catch.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxation week

We found the houseboat just as described in the listing. The photos were very accurate. We met Karen one day while walking the dock & had a very nice conversation with her. She gave us a little history of the town & her boat rentals. If you are looking for a small town to go & relax, then this is the place for you. We spent alot of our time just relaxing on the back deck enjoying the water. This town is a no-frills, laid back, friendly , quite place. The stores / restaurants close pretty early & some places are closed on Sunday / Monday. It is worth the drive to take the bridge over to St. George. The beach at the State Park there was absolutely perfect. No crowds & the softest sand ever. We went into this vacation looking for relaxation in a non-tourist trap atmosphere and that is exactly what we got. Everything was GREAT! Thank you Karen for offering such an awesome rental.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Janet H.

Kickin' Back

What a truly relaxing, fun, walking, eating time. Did I mention eating? Wow. This most comfortable houseboat is in a perfect location (right next door to a great seafood restaurant) to do anything you would like. Apalachicola is a great little village to knock around in and the Rebel Rest is a great place to stay while you do that. Plenty of room, very comfortable and everything works. If it doesn't, Karen will fix it for you. What a wonderful host! (The wi-fi, which we need due to work is quite sufficient). The Rebel Rest is right on Scipio Creek which runs off of the Apalachicola River and you have a beautiful view of the bay on your back porch. It's so much fun to watch all the boats as they go by and to enjoy the pelicans as they dive for their food right in front of you. There's also a flock of white herons that come to roost every evening in the marsh reeds right across from the houseboat. If you have binoculars, bring them. There is much to see. Karen will make great recommendations depending on what you are hoping to experience. If you are looking for a great place to stay with out the noisy attractions and traffic, then the Rebel Rest is for you. We will be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

Sheila W.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication

Perfect Location

Rebel rest is a cute little house boat. It was very clean & comfortable! It’s location is perfect! You can walk anywhere around the town from its location. The view is beautiful and even on a hot summer day the breeze off the water makes it pleasant for sitting on the front patio & watching all the boats go by. Although we cooked nothing while there the kitchen is adequate for preparing a meal. We throughly enjoyed our stay and we give the place 5 stars all the way but, we were a little amused that we had to wait 30 minutes to get into the houseboat and communication was very slow. When you travel upon arrival you just want to get out of the car & relax. I notified Karan shortly after 4 that the houseboat was not open but did not hear back until the next day. Luckily someone showed up about 4:30 to open it because we were concerned that there had been a mix up. We would still highly recommend the Rebels Rest with its full view into a small fishing villages life style, off the beaten path of the touristy town but don’t by any means miss the cute shops & wonderful restaurants. Our favorite restaurant was The Station. It’s a short drive to Carrabelle, MX Beach, Pt St Joe and even Tyndall if you happen to be military which we are & we enjoyed visiting several friends along the Panhandle stretch. Book with confidence that you will enjoy your stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

3 day birthday weekend

We loved our stay at the houseboat and had so much fun. The water view is beautiful and the boat barely moved at all. I will say it was not very private and was odd to have some harmless patrons from the restaurant next door and the host board and come around to the back porch while we were still inside.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by Karen Hoff

Host profile image
I purchased the houseboat marina in 2013 and moved to Apalachicola to manage Florida Houseboat Vacation Rentals in 2014 after retiring from my career as a Commercial Lending Officer. Since then, I have added 3 houseboats along with the 2 additional houseboats which were moored in the marina already. I decided to move to Apalachicola for the "Old Florida" charm of the city with it's historic homes and easy lifestyle.

Why they chose this property

The location makes it easy to walk to all of the restaurants, bars, shops and historic homes in downtown Apalachicola.

What makes this property unique

These 4 houseboat rentals are moored in downtown Apalachicola and offer an unique waterfront stay while located in a quiet and comfortable locale. The Rebel's Rest (one of 4 houseboats) offers a covered waterfront porch with space to enjoy a meal or just watch the boat traffic and a very upscale interior.

Languages:

English

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