Louisiana's serene landscapes and laissez-faire culture make it a go-to destination for outdoor activities. Whether you’re exploring the Atchafalaya Basin or catching your next trophy redfish on the Gulf, why not get closer to the action by renting a houseboat?

Best Places to Rent Houseboats in Louisiana

If you want to rent a houseboat in Louisiana, the waters of the Atchafalaya Basin and around Lafayette and Morgan City are excellent places to start. The Atchafalaya, with more than a million acres of wetlands created by the Mississippi River, is teeming with far-flung bayous that boaters have been exploring for hundreds of years. Now you can explore this area in the air-conditioned comfort of your own floating castle.

In Southeast Louisiana, the Mississippi River meets the Gulf at Venice, making it an angler’s paradise for kayak fishing or saltwater adventures — not to mention exceptional offshore charters. Rent a houseboat in Venice for the fishing trip of a lifetime.

Houseboat Rentals in Henderson

On Henderson Lake, you’ll find lodging at Cypress Cove Landing. Their houseboats sleep up to six, with decor ranging from cozy and rustic to modern and luxurious. Boats with names like Atchafalaya Queen and Cocodrie feature all the trappings of home, and the views of Spanish moss-draped cypresses can't be beat. Book the Push Out Experience to sleep under the stars and explore the Atchafalaya Basin from the water.

Houseboat Rentals in Morgan City

The owners of Cajun Houseboats & Rentals in Morgan City were born and raised on a houseboat in the Atchafalaya Basin, towing it wherever they could make a living. The marina also has a knowledgeable staff that can tell you about the history and ecology of the area. Please note that their houseboats are currently under renovation. Visit their website or call for more information. 

Bayou Houseboats hosts visitors on its 56-foot Summertime, which is permanently moored in the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. In addition to incredible views from the stern — and the fact that it sleeps up to 10 — Summertime is the perfect location for fishing, birding and paddling.

Houseboat Rentals in Venice

Venice Houseboat Rentals maintains five houseboats at the Venice Marina, at the mouth of the Mississippi River. The boats sleep 6-8 each, with washer and dryer units, fish cleaning stations, barbecue pits and ice machines. They’re perfect for a fishing trip or a relaxing weekend getaway.

Voodoo Fishing Charters operates three houseboats in Venice, as well as offshore and inland fishing charters. The Tuna Town, a four-bedroom houseboat, can accommodate 12 and includes a fully stocked kitchen. The Marlin has three bedrooms with twin bunk beds, sleeping up to 12 guests, and the Minnow is a cozy one-bedroom with a full-size pull-out couch, sleeping up to six.