House boat

Wake up ON the lake aboard Island King

Photo gallery for Wake up ON the lake aboard Island King

A kitchen with a large window, a sink, a coffee maker, and a microwave.
Room
A boat with a covered deck, metal railings, and a ladder leading to the upper deck.
A kitchen counter with a microwave, a coffee maker, and a basket with items.
A cozy seating area with two chairs and a patterned rug on a boat deck.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Highlights

  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the beach and sea.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Lake Erie

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Port Clinton, OH
  • Place, Fisherman's Wharf
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Waterworks Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, African Safari Wildlife Park
    ‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Common area 1

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Dining area

Add dates for prices

Similar properties

Marina
Wake up on the Lake! … Eclipse
Port Clinton
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Microwave
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (8 reviews)
Wake up on the Lake! … Eclipse

About the area

Port Clinton

Located in Port Clinton, this houseboat is in the city centre and on the beach. The Keeper’s House and South Bass Island Lighthouse are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Jet Express and Fisherman's Wharf. Island Adventures Family Fun Center and The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark are also worth visiting. Jet skiing, scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
View more Houseboats in Port ClintonOpens in a new window
Map
Port Clinton, OH

What's nearby

  • Fisherman's Wharf - 1 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Waterworks Park - 2 min drive - 2.2 km
  • African Safari Wildlife Park - 9 min drive - 11.4 km
  • Kalahari Waterpark Resort - 22 min drive - 39.3 km
  • Cedar Point - 30 min drive - 42.3 km

Getting around

  • Sandusky Station - 22 min drive
  • Toledo, OH (TOL-Toledo Express) - 64 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Jolly Roger's Seafood House - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Three Legged Dog - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Ala Carte Cafe - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Wake up ON the lake aboard Island King pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Wake up ON the lake aboard Island King?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Wake up ON the lake aboard Island King?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Wake up ON the lake aboard Island King?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Wake up ON the lake aboard Island King located?

Located in Port Clinton, this beachfront houseboat is in the city centre and within 1 mi (2 km) of Lake Erie, Jet Express and Fisherman's Wharf. Waterworks Park and Port Clinton Lighthouse are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

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. 11 out of 19 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 19 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 19 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 19 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 19 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

8.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Listing accuracy
The setting was beautiful and the shops and beach in Port Clinton was great
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique experience. Quiet and comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tried this houseboat for the heck of it. It was pretty cool. Location is great. Property was comfortable. A bit rustic but I would recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Two years in a row , same week, same boat , same experience! We wouldn’t change a thing! The only thing we would change if the owner would sell it to us so we can enjoy more (now both retired) ! We wouldn’t change love to bring our kids up all grown and if not still accepted here! Everything is so close! Management responds to questions very quickly! Next year we will be here much more with friends and family because they are all jealous! Rightfully so! Marina is peaceful, people are friendly and it’s always clean! PSA! Treat it as if it were your own! So we all can continue to spend quality time with our loved ones in this little peace of heaven on earth! See ya next year if not before
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Some of nicest and friendliest people who own and take care of property.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Short Family Trip

Nice clean property with great views. Relaxing unique experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Our visit

We enjoyed our visit and the hosts were very friendly and accommodating. The boathouse was exactly as described, no surprises, clean and comfortable. Sunrise and sunset views were beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Weekend getaway

Scott and I enjoyed our weekend. The location was within walking distance to everything. Relaxing and great views. Everyone was friendly. Great experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Awesome host!

Help the boys Ana I out a lot ! Ty for your hospitality !!we will be back again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Live music and party time!!

The owners were very nice and helpful. This was our first visit to the area. The weather was not cooperative and we still enjoyed a unique experience in staying on the houseboat. Family owned and they stay on the property so it’s convenient. Live music and opportunity to party or set on one of the 2 decks and relax. Thanks for the hospitality!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 July 2023
We are glad you enjoyed!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great weekend get away

I read the reviews and after I saw the owners responses I decided to book it. So glad I did! It's a fun place to stay, everyone was so helpful and friendly. The dock becomes like a small neighborhood were everybody says hi. It really is like camping on the water. If you are looking for something different and fun, I would recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Jenifer

Clean and suppplied as advertised. Owner responded quickly to our queries
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Never Again

We arrived and it was about 120 degrees on the boat. There was something wrong with the toilet and it smelled worse than a portapot. There was a used worm container in the fridge. The windows were broken and the screens were torn. Roof leaked onto the bed during rain shower. We could only stay one night even though we paid for two nights. Sheets and towels seemed clean. Bath house was suitable, as advertised. We were sorry to have rented this and that our vacation getaway was cut short.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 August 2025
Hello, We are very sorry you experienced an unpleasant arrival. We did not hear from you at all during your stay to correct or address any issues. This is not a normal experience for our guests. We would love to make it up to you. My direct contact info is in your message from us. Please reach out. Josh & Michelle
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A GUARANTEED Good Time

We ( family of 3 with a teenager) stayed over the Fourth of July weekend and had a FANTASTIC time!! The owners are so hospitable, go above and beyond and definitely take pride in their boats. They had live music, karaoke and provided food 2 of the nights we stayed. The listing is accurate- it’s truly like RV camping on the water. The boat had everything we needed and were very comfortable to sleep on. The bathhouse was very clean and stocked with pretty much anything you could need. We took advantage of using the kayaks they have for guests to use and paddled around for a good 2 hours as well as fished off of the end of our boat. We were already trying to think of when we could come back before we even left. If you’re looking at staying on any of their boats… just book it! You will not be disappointed!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Camping on the water

This was a truly unique experience which is exactly what we were looking for. The marina is very quiet and totally has the boating/camping vibe with super friendly neighbors and the sharing of advice on fishing and offering up of leftover bait. We didn’t contact the owners much but the little communication we did have went well. There were super awesome things such as free water and k cups available. We should’ve asked but couldn’t figure out the pullout bed or the sleep number mattress (super comfy) remote. The only real complaint I have is the head (bathroom). We were warned that it was sensitive and for emergencies only, but this really is rough when you have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. The bathroom boat was very clean and the water was hot and had good pressure, but the head in the houseboat was extremely smelly making it difficult to even open the door to use the mirror. We truly enjoyed the environment and atmosphere, but for “camping” it was possibly a little more expensive than I would’ve liked for having to leave the boat to go to the bathroom but we were warned. It probably isn’t that bad for anyone who doesn’t have kids that have to pee every 15 min 😊
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

New listing

The owners are very friendly. The bed was comfortable. The houseboat was clean. There were snacks provided and bottled water. The bad, no curtains near the bed the sun was beating in and it was very hot the air conditioner couldn't keep up. No curtains by the door so zero privacy until we hung sheets and blankets. The listing did not specify that there was only a toilet for urine and that we had to walk about 5 minutes to a bathroom to shower. The head on the boat smelled badly. There were only paper cups for the coffee. no plates, no silverware. Seating inside the boat was very uncomfortable. Outside seating was nice! Overall I know this is a new listing so I definitely want to give them some slack but the listing definitely needs to be more telling about what you're walking into. I would not have booked if there was full disclosure about the bathrooms and the lack of privacy and the temperature inside the boat. The location was great. Within walking distance of some very awesome bars and very close to the jet express that takes you over to Put-in-Bay. The owners even offered to stay up and wait to give us a ride home and a ride into town which I thought was very nice of them.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 April 2023
Thank you for leaving us so many details! We work hard to make sure you are comfortable and I am so sorry you experienced some issues. I am resolving some of these things right now with the listing, as some details did not come through clearly. I greatly appreciate your honestly and would love to have you two back for a visit on us! 4/2023 Hi Ginger, Just and update from us, as we appreciate your input! New ac units have been installed and new curtains added as well. We hope this drastically changes that situation for the better!
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Being able to stay on the water…amazing. The boat itself….eh. Do you love spiders? Then this is the place for you. Yes, the listing warns of lakeside insects. But spiders literally dropping from the ceiling on you from dusk til dawn…? Meh. This can be controlled with proper pest control. The cleanliness and lack of care in the boat was less than impressive. Curtain rods bent and hanging down over the bed (with notable cobwebs behind said curtains). The back window was beautiful, if it was cleaned. I cleaned it myself so I could enjoy. Just take pride in your investments. I’m sure your home doesn’t look like that. Neither does mine nor does my rental properties. Yes, the bathroom was recommended not for use. Which we did not. However, you couldn’t even use the sink or mirror because the smell of the toilet was so awful. With a little care and attention, this could be resolved. There were kids on the boat across from us the first night partying it up and shining lights in our boat from 11pm-1am, “assuming” from previous reviews, this is the owners children. The wash house and restroom on site was very clean and convenient. It was a nice, quick stay with Port Clinton, Marblehead and the like; amazing as always. Will we return to this particular rental? No.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Was older and smaller than expected. Couldn’t use shower (which we knew) but wasn’t clean looking. Blinds in bathroom would not roll down for privacy. Would be nice to have broom to wipe out spiders. TV didn’t work well at all. Price seemed high for what we got.. all in all weather was great, area was nice and clean and close to town. We had a good time !! Great idea!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Not very private

We love the water and boats and everything about lake life. The owners of the boat also own the pier and many other houseboats on it. They have a nice spot there and we enjoyed our place. It was a unique spot to sleep in. Lots of chairs outside on the front and back of the boat, although we didnt spend as much time outside as we would have liked. The owners ended up docking their giant boat right out side our front door and we felt we were intruding on a family trip as many people were up and down the dock. This is their spot and it is lovely, I would just be prepared to be very social. Michelle and Josh were very friendly and helpful. We were getting away for a birthday/anniversary trip so it was not ideal to be on top of people like we were.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 April 2023
Hi Kristin, I apologize for just responding to your review. We have made some adjustments for this upcoming year with placements of the houseboats, based on your review. We appreciate your input and we hope to see you again!
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback