House boat

Experience the Original Key West Houseboat — Now Docked on Stock Island

Photo gallery for Experience the Original Key West Houseboat — Now Docked on Stock Island

A boat deck with two striped lounge chairs, a steering wheel, and a view of a calm water body with distant land.
A compact kitchen with wooden cabinets, a refrigerator, stove, and a sink.
A cabin with a wooden control panel, a sofa, and large windows offering a view of the water.
A cabin with a wooden interior, large windows, a captain's wheel, and a sofa.
A room with a bed, a wooden dresser, a chair, and a window overlooking a body of water.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Florida Keys Beaches

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Outdoor barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Pet-friendly
  • Refrigerator
  • Onsite parking available

Explore the area

View map
Key West, FL
  • Place, Key West Naval Station
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Florida Keys Beaches
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Smathers Beach
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Airport, Key West, FL (EYW-Key West Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen

Add dates for prices

Similar properties

Sip something tropical steps from the sparkling resort pool.
Key West Resort Room | Fun Dining, Pools, Music Nights & Free Shuttle to Town
New Town
  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (6 reviews)
Key West Resort Room | Fun Dining, Pools, Music Nights & Free Shuttle to Town

About the area

Key West

New Town, a neighbourhood in Key West, is home to this houseboat. Southernmost Point and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Florida Keys Beaches and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Ready for a night out? Consider The Key West Theater and Sloppy Joe's Bar.
View more Houseboats in Key WestOpens in a new window
Map
Key West, FL

What's nearby

  • Key West Naval Station - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Florida Keys Beaches - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Smathers Beach - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Regal Key West - 4 min drive - 1.7 km
  • Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park - 6 min drive - 2.4 km

Getting around

  • Key West, FL (EYW-Key West Intl.) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Denny's - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Circle K - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Tin Cup Chalice - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Experience the Original Key West Houseboat — Now Docked on Stock Island pet-friendly?

Yes, this houseboat allows pets (limit 1 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Experience the Original Key West Houseboat — Now Docked on Stock Island?

As of 5 Nov 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Experience the Original Key West Houseboat — Now Docked on Stock Island on 5 Jan 2027 start from AU$1,696, 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 at Experience the Original Key West Houseboat — Now Docked on Stock Island?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Experience the Original Key West Houseboat — Now Docked on Stock Island?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Experience the Original Key West Houseboat — Now Docked on Stock Island?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Experience the Original Key West Houseboat — Now Docked on Stock Island located?

Located in New Town, this houseboat is within 1 mi (2 km) of Regal Key West and Florida Keys Beaches. Duval Street and Mallory Square are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 23 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
The boat is very quaint, with a lot of charm. The location was beautiful. We had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, the generator was a from harbor freight that had seen its day in the sun. My husband is a mechanic and couldn’t keep it running enough to make coffee in the morning, much less meals in the evening.Fortunately, for future renters, from what I understand, he is moving it to a dock, so hopefully this will not be a problem if the dock is powered.Vaughn seemed to be a very pleasant and polite host to work with.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great boat, and great place to fish for sharks and snapper , brought our own boat to tie off and got to explore lots of the keys. Unique experience and love the camping style right on the water.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Different experience

We enjoyed the time there
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Highly recommended for quiet time

This was one of our best stays ever! This boat is not fancy but served us well. Key West is busy and full of people, we had our own little piece of paradise for 2 nights. Fished right off the boat, had a little skiff of our own to go back and forth and Vaughn treated us well. We would love to come back someday! Thank you:)
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Totally misinterpreted the house boat - it was not at a dock as we thought but moored out through a channel and only accessible by a skiff every time you needed to get off or on - absolutely impossible situation for my husband waiting for knee surgery using a brace and walking stick - notified owner and vrbo we could not do this - even drove to owners location in a very sketchy neighborhood - we were shocked. mislead and disappointed - we deserve at least a partial refund or may never use vrbo again and you better review your rentals better - Gretel Taylor 603 387 0605
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

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

Not for us

We are good with camping but we struggled. 1. It’s very hot in August and we were not able to be comfortable without AC running 2. We were not able to get the toilet to flush #2. 3. We were surprised by how far the boat was from the shore. Because of this, we never kayaked back to shore. 4. Bring plenty of water and food with you as you don’t want to have to bring more in.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Absolutely Wonderful

We had the best time aboard the houseboat. It was a unique way to experience the keys. The owner was super helpful and a seven generation native of the keys. He made sure we were taken care of for our whole stay. We even had some kayaks and were able to see a manatee while kayaking in the canals. Great experience. Thanks for sharing your boat with us!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect relaxing getaway

I can’t say enough about this great vacation experience! So relaxing under the stars but only 5 min to key West’. We loved watching the fish and even saw a dolphin swimming around the boat in the morning while we watched the Sunrise! We are repeat guests, just can’t say enough about this great vacation getaway in the Keys
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best Birthday for my hubby in quiet environment ❤️☀️👣 Our host Vaughn did an excellent job! No regrets we defy book again near the future
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great escape to Key West

This was our second time renting, it is nothing short of fabulous. This has turned out to be our secret place to escape and unwind. The host is very nice and very knowledgeable about the area and things to do, it’s a different and great way to experience the Keys. 5 min to Duvall street and everything you need. Just love it
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Quick island getaway

What a cute floating love shack!! Owner was super helpful and attentive. All questions were answered immediately and was super friendly. Super great for star gazing and super private! literally 5min from shore and Key West. Already planning gnext stay
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

The most unique vacation I’ve ever had.

I’m not even sure where to start. Everything about this rental is as unique and genuine of an experience you can get. Vaughn was an exceptional host and just a nice genuine person. This is a Boat. I repeat this is a boat. I will say this stay is not for everyone but if you love the water, Have a little boating experience and like to experience life outside of cookie cutter experiences there is no better option in key west. The boat was super clean and perfect for a couple. The sunsets are magnificent and the skiff ride to and from the boat was one of my favorite parts. I cannot comment on the AC as we never even turned it on. We Just opened all of the windows and there was tons of breeze which made for perfect sleep. In response to some of the previous reviews that mentioned some issues. I can honestly say that those are exaggerated unless you have unreal expectations about what staying on a boat is about. Seriously I cannot say enough good things about this stay we WILL be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Stay On The Water!

My husband and I stayed on the houseboat for 4 nights and loved every minute of it! Other than the grocery store, we didn't leave the boats for the first 2 1/2 days. The views are unparalleled! The water is crystal clear and the sunsets are some of the most spectacular we have ever seen! It was the epitome of relaxing!! There is a skiff you need to take back and forth to land and the trip through the mangroves is mesmerizing. With that being said, we are also avid boaters and felt completely comfortable using the skiff to get in and out. Vaughn is very knowledgeable about everything Key West related, having been born and raised there. Great guy! We cannot wait to come back and stay on the boat again! Thanks for a fantastic vacation!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location

Camping on the water

If your looking for a camping on the water experience, this is it. This is not for relaxation due to the location of the boat. It’s a 10 minute ride from where you park your car, through a canal and to the boat. Due to this inconvenience, you can’t enjoy the night life down town of key west. You will have to go before night fall because it is Pitch black going throw the canal to get back to the boat. Once on board, the window AC unit is meant just for sleeping which you have to mount your self. The unit is very Noisy at night in addition to the generator. Bring Non-perishable food, because even though they have a refrigerator, it will not stay on all day, unless the Generator is on which the owner told us to shut off everything when leaving for the day. There is no stove but a gas grill and no where to eat. Again, this is not for relaxing this is meant for camping on the water.the owner was very nice, he did explain everything. I was expecting another experience, I didn’t enjoy key west at it full potential due to having to leave before night fall.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Staying on Happy's Houseboat

My wife and I chose a 2 week house boat vacation as another adventure to celebrate our 40th year together. We understood the limitations of these accommodations and accepted the challenge. As a result, we had one of the best vacations to date and plan to do it again in the future. Vaughn Willis did his best to make our stay enjoyable and was patient with all our questions. We expect the best from our host and he met that expectation.
Stayed 13 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy

So many hopes

We had so many hopes for this trip. It didn’t live to our expectations. 1. Communications were unpredictable and often problematic. At times the owner responded within hours just to disappear for days, apologize and disappear again. It became especially problematic after we departed. I forgot my wallet at the property. Notified the owner from the airport; he responded fast, stated that he would overnight the wallet, just to disappear yet again. The item has not been returned after 2 weeks. No communication from owner with any updates. Notified VRBO. 2. I maybe wrong, but I think I overpaid for this rental. Summer nights are hot in Key West. Night breeze doesn’t cut it. The air conditioning is useless as it only works in one place. That had been mentioned in the listing. What wasn’t mentioned- musty smell in that room. If you have allergies or asthma- beware. 3. No one’s fault, but low tides are really low. To the point that you can’t jump off the boat. And that was a major reason to rent one. 4. Kayaks are not available. 5. Stairs to get to the water are absent. You have to improvise to get on and off. 6. Toilet - I do not recommend to use it for #2. Go to the shore and find a bathroom. 7. We won’t be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Awesome!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful Host

Our honeymoon was made perfect by this stay and our going above and beyond host!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Quiet time getaway!

Great place with no people around. It's an RV on the water, nothing fancy but worth the view. Vaughn was great and took care of us well!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing Getaway

From the moment we met Vaughn at the skiff and took a beautiful trip through the mangroves to the boat we were hooked. This was a true getaway while at Key West. The views from the boat were a perfect way to rejuvenate. The boat was as advertised and we thoroughly loved this experience. You have the freedom to come and go as you please with the skiff. Vaughn was happy to help/answer questions and took great care of us. Not a better way to enjoy Key West!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

We had a great time. Was so nice to get out of the chaos of the city and have some peace and quiet.

Great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Unforgettable experience!!!

My husband and I celebrated our 30th anniversary on this boat, and it was one of the most memorable experiences we have ever had!! The water was crystal clear, the sunsets were glorious and the boat was spacious and comfortable. It was a fun filled camping experience on the water. Amazing location in the middle of the bay, very private with great views on every side. We will definitely come back for this one of a kind adventure. Vaughn was a super nice host and we had good communication with him before the trip and during our stay. Looking forward to our return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback