Business Details
Castaways on the River: Premier Boat Rentals & Lodging in Astor, FL
Castaways on the River has been providing premier boat rentals and lodging experiences in Astor, Florida since our establishment. Located directly on the historic St. Johns River, we specialize in connecting visitors with Floridas natural beauty through full-day and half-day pontoon boat rentals, allowing guests to explore pristine waters, freshwater fishing, and unique wildlife. Our accommodations include fully equipped cottages, motel rooms, and RV sites, ensuring comfort for families and adventurers alike. We offer boat storage solutions with electrical access and 24/7 dry storage, catering to both short-term visitors and long-term needs. Our pet-friendly policy accommodates one leashed dog per unit, reflecting our commitment to inclusive outdoor experiences.Surrounded by the Ocala National Forest, we serve as a gateway to attractions like Silver Glen Springs and Lake George, combining convenience with immersive nature exploration. Our team maintains rigorous standards for equipment safety and property upkeep, ensuring every guest receives reliable service. With office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, we prioritize responsive communication and personalized assistance. Our strategic location - 45 minutes from Ocala and one hour from Orlando - positions us as a central hub for Central Florida river adventures. Through decades of operation, we have cultivated expertise in optimizing river access for recreational activities while preserving ecological integrity.
Services
Boat Rentals
Cottage Rentals
Motel Rooms
Boat Storage
RV Sites
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of local river expertise for optimal exploration routes
- Our fleet includes specialized fishing pontoon boats with modern amenities
- Pet-friendly accommodations with designated dog relief areas
- 24/7 boat storage access with electrical hookups available
- Direct riverfront location provides immediate access to St. Johns tributaries
Services
Boat Rentals
Castaways on the River provides full-day and half-day pontoon boat rentals for exploring St. Johns River. Our fleet accommodates fishing excursions, wildlife observation, and scenic tours through pristine freshwater ecosystems. Each rental includes safety equipment and river navigation guidance.
Cottage Rentals
Our fully equipped cottages feature kitchens with modern appliances, sleeping accommodations for families, and direct river access. Select units include dishwashers, washers, and dryers for extended stays. All cottages provide comfortable bases for outdoor adventures.
Boat Storage
We offer covered and uncovered boat slips with electrical access, plus 24/7 dry storage facilities. Our staff accommodates various boat sizes with personalized placement solutions. Storage customers receive priority booking for lodging and rental services.
Motel Rooms
Luxurious motel rooms feature microwave and mini-fridge amenities for smaller groups. Located steps from the river, these accommodations provide convenient access to boat rentals and recreational activities while maintaining comfortable overnight stays.
RV Sites
Equipped RV sites include water and electric hookups for recreational vehicles. Our shaded camping area connects guests to river activities while providing modern amenities. Sites accommodate various RV sizes with easy access to storage and rental services.
Questions
What boat rental options are available?
We offer full-day and half-day pontoon boat rentals equipped for fishing and sightseeing on St. Johns River.
Are pets allowed on the property?
Yes, we are pet-friendly with a daily fee. One leashed dog per unit is permitted.
What nearby attractions should I visit?
Explore Silver Glen Springs, Ocala National Forest, and Lake George within 45 minutes of our location.
What lodging options do you provide?
We offer cottages, motel rooms, and RV sites accommodating various group sizes and stay durations.
What are check-in requirements?
A credit card is required at check-in for all rentals and accommodations.
How are boat storage services structured?
We provide covered/uncovered boat slips with electrical access and 24/7 dry storage facilities.
Reviews (4)
Noel Cone
Jan 02, 2022
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We rented a boat for a day on the river. We showed up before the rest of our party and the parking situation was kind of confusing. Also, the day we were renting our boat there were no other boats rented and they gave us one of their older boats. The boat ran fine but the seats were all wore out with no padding and foam sticking out. Not sure why they didn't let us rent one of their newer nicer boats.
Deborah Kenny
Dec 20, 2021
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Recently we rented a new pontoon boat from this business, but when we arrived for our river/lake trip, the dock master said the boat we rented was still in dry dock because he wasn't told we had rented it. Needlessness to say, we ended up with an old dirty beat up , worn out pontoon boat. They didn't have gas pumps so we had to refuel down river, 30 minutes before we were due back, it was ridiculous!! We were instructed to call them when we arrived. What am I, in third grade..??? Courtney was sweet. I would never rent a boat here ever again .
Mary Barnes
Oct 21, 2021
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We were very fortunate to get reservations for a last minute weekend getaway at Castaways. This is our first time staying here, and it exceeded our expectations, we had a lovely weekend! We reserved a ground floor motel room with boat dockage. The room was clean, comfortable and well appointed. Our boat was docked near our room, which helped us to feel more comfortable as well. The Castaways management team is friendly, accommodating and made us feel welcome. The only feedback I have is that Castaways will be absolutely perfect when the nearby restaurant renovation is complete and it reopens!
Delia R.
Oct 04, 2021
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I had an amazing adventure at The Castaways on the River. They are dog friendly and don't have an charge extra. They make things so much easier by renting boats and pontoons, and convenient accommodations. They went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable. We originally booked room 100 (see photo of map). However they had a bad storm and they had to move us to cottage #3. It's perfect for a small group of 2-4. You can still see the lake from the balcony while you rock in your chairs. The cottage has everything from a coffee maker to toiletries. Check out their website. It&apos
