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Spend a full day cruising the St. Johns aboard an 18' pontoon from Holly Bluff Resort Marina. Ideal for families, anglers, and anyone seeking quiet river scenery near Hontoon Island and Blue Spring.
Spend a full day cruising the St. Johns aboard an 18' pontoon from Holly Bluff Resort Marina. Ideal for families, anglers, and anyone seeking quiet river scenery near Hontoon Island and Blue Spring.
Book with Holly Bluff Marina
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322 ratings
Operated by Holly Bluff Marina · DeLand, Florida
Pulling away from the dock at 2280 Hontoon Road in DeLand, Florida, the day opens on a river that moves slow enough to hear: the St. Johns. Renting the 18' Pontoon Boat from Holly Bluff Resort Marina is a quick, friendly way to claim a slice of that water—an 18-foot platform that seats up to eight, with twin front casting seats, a live well, rod storage and a fish finder that turns hidden structure into catches. It’s built for easy afternoons: picnics, quiet wildlife runs, or a first-timer’s fishing trip. Routes radiate from the meeting point. You can make a lazy loop around Hontoon Island State Park or head upriver to Blue Spring State Park, where clear spring runs and manatee gatherings define winter months. Along the way there are mangrove-lined cutoffs, sandbars that show at low tide, and a handful of riverside restaurants where you tie off for cold drinks and fried seafood. The landscape here is not dramatic—no granite peaks or thundering falls—but the St. Johns is geologically interesting as one of the few north-flowing rivers in the continental U.S., carving broad floodplains lined with live oaks and cabbage palms. This boat is practical: it leaves the dock with a full tank and you pay for fuel used, so plan your route and time. The rental includes basic vessel features for anglers—rod stowage and a fish finder—so bring light tackle and local knowledge and you’ll be set. The operator requires liability coverage for all rentals, and a strict late-return policy applies: fees start at $50 past the agreed time and grow hourly, so factor that into your schedule. The 18' Pontoon is a gentle way to sample Florida river country without boating experience. Families can spread out, photographers can angle for low sun over glassy water, and anglers can punch into eddies for bass and bluegill. Wildlife is the real prize: herons stand like carved wood on exposed limbs, turtles sun on half-submerged logs, and osprey wheel where the current narrows. Practicalities: the boat is available as a full-day rental with weekday and weekend pricing; taxes and fees are additional. Pack sunscreen, a cooler, and a leash if you bring a dog. Bring cash or card for restaurant stops. This is a simple, effective platform for exploring Hontoon Island, Blue Spring, and the quieter reaches of the St. Johns—ideal if you want a low-friction, high-reward day on Florida water. Booking through the provided reservation link simplifies pickup and confirms liability coverage; check weekday availability for the best rates and arrive early to load coolers and go over the fish finder with staff to make the most of your day. Bring binoculars and extra water for long runs today.
easy.
Full day (6–8 hours).
Light activity level: able to step on/off a low dock and move around the deck; no heavy hiking required.
Meet at 2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720 to board the pontoon.
The 18' Pontoon Boat seats up to 8 people.
Yes—the boat leaves with a full tank and guests are responsible for the fuel used during the trip, charged at check-out.
Yes, liability coverage is required for all rentals; minimum coverage is automatically included but you may choose higher limits.
A $50 late fee applies if returned later than 4:45pm, plus $50 at the top of every hour starting at 5pm; fees accumulate hourly.
Yes—the boat includes two front casting seats, a live well, rod storage and a fish finder, making it suitable for casual fishing.
The St. Johns River flows north and has shaped local floodplains and early settlement patterns; Blue Spring is a protected manatee refuge during winter months.
Respect posted no-wake zones, avoid approaching manatees, and pack out all trash; shallow springs and marsh banks are sensitive to anchors and prop wash.
Holly Bluff Marina in DeLand, Florida, operates as a local watercraft rental and houseboat provider serving visitors to nearby Blue Spring State Park and Hontoon Island State Park. The marina offers a diverse fleet that includes 22' and 24' pontoon boats, 14' aluminum fishing boats, multiple houseboats, and a range of kayaks and paddleboards for full-day, weekend, midweek, and week-long rentals. The marina's pontoon options feature spacious seating and safety gear provided for guests, enabling relaxed exploration of local rivers, riverside dining, and picnics in scenic spots. Several houseboats and larger vessels include private staterooms, salons, galley areas, and outdoor decks with grilling and sunbathing space, accommodating groups for multi-day stays. Smaller fishing boats and paddlecraft provide options for anglers and paddlers who prefer a simpler outing. Holly Bluff Marina lists specific vessels by name and size, from compact 14' fishing boats to larger 60' executive houseboats, giving renters clear choices based on group size and trip type. The marina’s location in DeLand positions it as a convenient launch point for visits to Blue Spring and Hontoon Island, both noted destinations for river and wildlife viewing. All descriptions and rental choices are presented to help visitors select the right boat for fishing, family outings, or extended river vacations.
Book with Holly Bluff Marina