Do you like the idea of going on a cruise but don’t want to be stuck on a huge boat packed with tourists? Boat and breakfasts are bed and breakfasts on small boats, but landlubbers rejoice: most afloat B&Bs remain docked in a harbor, allowing guests the experience of living on a boat but the convenience of being able to walk around the local city. Some of the boat and breakfasts can take you on sunset cruises to really get a taste of life aboard a vessel, but the boats remain parked in no-wake zones overnight. While you may feel gentle rocking, you won’t experience rough waters as you're trying to sleep. Here is a sampling of some of our B&Bs on boats.
Making Waves Boatel: Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
Come stay on this 65-foot private trawler and enjoy life on a large boat. It stays parked in Toronto’s Harbourfront, giving guests a beautiful view of the city. The dockside accommodations are roomy and air-conditioned, with three guest rooms (one with a private bathroom). The boat also has a sun deck. The breakfast specialty here is fresh-baked Belgian waffles with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Golden Slipper, Boston's B & B Afloat: Boston, MA
This 1984 40-foot Classic Catalina Chris Craft is a private party boat that accommodates up to six people. It is docked in Boston’s North End, but they can take you on day or sunset cruises. There are three guest rooms, and the innkeepers can serve a formal dinner for four to six people upon request. When docked, you’re a quick 10-minute walk to the North End’s famous Italian restaurants, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and The Freedom Trail.
Sea Suites Boat & Breakfast: Saugatuck, MI
This luxurious B&B on the water in Michigan features four guest staterooms with queen-sized beds and private bathrooms. The 105-foot yacht stays parked at the marina, but offers a taste of life on the water. There are three decks, a hot tub under the stars, a sky deck bar, and a 50-inch HD television in a roomy lounge area.
A Bed and Breakfast Afloat: Oak Bluffs, MA:
Come aboard the MS Resolute, a classic 1978 40-foot Cutter docked at the picturesque Oak Bluffs Marina. It is Martha's Vineyard's only afloat B&B. With just one guest room with its own bath, you have incredible privacy—when you stay here, you rent the entire yacht. The great location of the harbor leaves guests close to ferries, beaches, two vintage movie theaters, restaurants, shops, and the oldest working carousel in the country.
Schooner Liberty Clipper: Boston, MA
This 125-foot replica of John Hancock's ship is a working historic tall ship. There are six guest cabins, all of which have a skylight, with three shared bathrooms. Because it is a working schooner, the ship goes out sailing during the day, leaving guests to explore Boston by foot. It docks by the North End and Faneuil Hall area. Guests can choose to go on a Boston Harbor sailing cruise while the boat is out and about.
Boat & Breakfast on the Pintita: Baltimore, MD
Located in Baltimore Harbor, this 45-foot sailing Ketch is home to two guest rooms with private bathrooms. A two-hour sunset cruise each evening is included with your stay. The boat operates from April through October. When it’s docked, the B&B is within walking distance of many stores and restaurants.
Have you ever stayed on a boat B&B? If not, would you consider it?