Entire house boat

Happy’s Houseboat Key West

Photo gallery for Happy’s Houseboat Key West

Exterior
Property grounds
1 bedroom
View from property
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.2 out of 10

Wonderful

Entire house boat

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

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.

Happy’s Houseboat Key West

This beautiful houseboat is the best way to stay in Key West. Recently Featured in Old Dominion‘s music video “I was on a boat that day”, it has a sleep number bed, hot water and full-size fridge. The Boat is nestled in a very calm bay protected from waves. The beautiful sites surround you as you wake up on the water and the sunsets and stars give you great experiences as you relax on the top deck in the evening. Included in the rental is use of a 13 foot motor boat to get to and from the houseboat.

You have 360° ocean views sunsets sunrises stargazing. You can jump right off the boat into the golf of Mexico. Rental of the houseboat includes use of a 13 foot skiff to get yourself to and from land as well as plenty of parking.

Boating experience is required as you will be out on the water and get yourself to and from the boat. It is important that you are aware that this is a houseboat. Your electric is coming to the form of solar or generator power. There is a water heater and For size shower. There’s also a fridge and microwave. The bed is a sleep number which is adjustable on either side of the bed. There is AC in the bedroom. However the rest of the boat is called with the Ocean breeze in box fans. The top deck is beautiful place to watch sunsets or gaze at the stars. An extra cleaning fee will be charged if dishes are left in the sink or the house is left in very unclean conditions.


This is the best place to stay in The Fl Keys great location beautiful views and an amazing experience, hosted by a six generation local. This is on a houseboat so basic knowledge of the water is recommended. You will have to get yourself to and from the houseboat on a 13 foot skiff. I’ll meet you to check you in and show you the way out to the boat as well as how everything on the boat works like the generator and solar power. The boat does have a full-size fridge, microwave oven, stove top, hot water full size shower, sleep number queen size bed, top deck for sunsets and star gazing , everything you’ll need to be more that comfortable.

I am a six generation local to Key West. And also a licensed captain. I will be available during your stay to take you out to secluded islands in sandbars for snorkeling dolphin watching light tackle fishing or to just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. If you are interested in booking one of these charters during your stay I will be available weather permitting

Plenty of free safe parking is available at the check-in location where the dock is that you will use to get to and from the houseboat. That being said there is not a captain on this boat and I will not be there to assist you with everything so it is important that you can start a generator and the motor on the boat to get you to and from the house boat. They are in perfect working condition however this can be an issue for some people.

This is a houseboat in the Caribbean. It can get hot. you will be using a generator and solar for power. If you check into this house boat and then realize that it is not a hotel room you will not be refunded. This is similar to camping however on a boat that has the amenities however you will have to use a generator and solar for any electrical needs.

This boat is not for complainers nor land lovers. This is a boat I repeat this is a boat.

Check in

I will meet you at the check-in location at a time we scheduled prior to your arrival to show you where to park in the Skiff you will use to get to and from the houseboat. You’ll then follow me out to the houseboat so I can show you have everything on the houseboat works. I’m available if you need assistance during your stay. But everything is very simple to use as long as you do have basic knowledge and our somewhat familiar with the water.

Guest access

The entire boat is yours and your nearest neighbors are far away in the bay. So you’ll feel very private and secluded as you enjoy this unique experience. Access to and from the boat is made to use of a 13 foot kayak provided with the use of the rental. As well as one ride in when you check in and out. Water taxi is available however it is a very short kayak trip.

Other things to note

There is a full-size fridge. There is AC in the bed room however the rest of the boat is cooled with the ocean breeze. Most people don’t use the AC as the breeze and a fan make it very comfortable. However this is a boat in the Caribbean so on some days it can be hot. The toilet is a little different than yours at home main difference being that you won’t put toilet paper down the head it will go into a trashcan. An extra cleaning fee will be charged if dishes are left in the sink or the house is left in very unclean conditions. If you plan to do a lot of barhopping or partying on Duval this may not be the place for you either although you can get to and from land very easily and quickly this boat is special because it offers the other side of Key West like peaceful calm ocean views sunsets snorkeling.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach sun loungers

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Coffee/tea maker

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 1 total pets

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:30 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
1 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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

About the neighborhood

Map
Key West, FL

What's nearby

  • Smathers Beach - 3 min drive
  • Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park - 4 min drive
  • Duval Street - 6 min drive
  • Southernmost Point - 6 min drive
  • Mallory Square - 8 min drive

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Key Plaza Creperie - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Outback Steakhouse - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Stoned Crab - ‬18 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Happy’s Houseboat Key West pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at Happy’s Houseboat Key West?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Happy’s Houseboat Key West?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Happy’s Houseboat Key West located?

Located in New Town, this houseboat is 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from Florida Keys Beaches and within 3 mi (5 km) of Duval Street and Mallory Square. Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park and Key West AIDS Memorial are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Happy’s Houseboat Key West Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 19 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jodi E.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

4/10 Poor

Kristy T.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Stacy W., McComb, Mississippi

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

cynthia s., Cornelius, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Leland

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

cynthia s., Cornelius, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

cynthia s., Cornelius, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Jay S.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Bianca D.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

6/10 Okay

Marie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Clem K.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

4/10 Poor

Dmitriy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Morgan C., Chapin SC

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Host
Our honeymoon was made perfect by this stay and our going above and beyond host!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sherry G., Minnetonka, MN USA

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Carrie H.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

DD P.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Luus R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Different experience
We enjoyed the time there
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020