When you think of overwater bungalows, images of the Maldives, Bora Bora, or Tahiti likely spring to mind—those iconic thatched-roof huts perched on stilts above a crystalline lagoon.
Whether you’re a Floridian seeking a quick weekend escape or a traveler wanting to combine theme parks with a water-centric retreat, read on.
We’re covering everything from Disney’s playful bungalows to private island getaways off the Florida coast, plus a handful of Caribbean gems just a hop away.
Florida’s Coastal Landscape & “Overwater” Reality
Florida’s coastline features sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and coral reefs (particularly in the Keys).
However, building true stilted huts above shallow waters—like you see in the Maldives or Tahiti—comes with challenges:
- Environmental Regulations: Florida’s coral reefs and coastal habitats are heavily protected. Constructing huts directly over fragile seagrass beds or reefs is often restricted.
- Hurricane Risks: Structures on stilts can be more vulnerable to storm surge, prompting strict building codes.
- Property Development Patterns: Traditional resorts in Florida typically occupy beachfront real estate or marinas, not overwater footprints.
As a result, you’ll find only a small handful of properties that truly qualify as “overwater.”
Others get close—like waterfront villas, bungalows adjacent to docks, or perched at the water’s edge with wraparound views.
But if you’re set on that classic thatched-roof stilt experience, you may need to look to the nearby Caribbean.
Actual Overwater Bungalows in Florida
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows (Walt Disney World, Orlando)
Location: Lake Buena Vista, near the Magic Kingdom
Atmosphere: Whimsical Polynesian-themed getaway
Why It’s Overwater-ish
- These 20+ bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are built on stilts over the manmade Seven Seas Lagoon, just across the water from Magic Kingdom.
- Each bungalow features a private deck and plunge pool that juts out above the lagoon. You can even watch Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks right from your deck.
- Interiors are spacious, with 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen, and décor reminiscent of Polynesian island vibes—albeit with a playful Disney twist.
Estimated Price Range
- $2,000 – $3,500+ per night, depending on season, location, and how far in advance you book. DVC (Disney Vacation Club) members can use points, but availability can be tight.
Resort Highlights
- Boat Access to Magic Kingdom: A quick ride across the Seven Seas Lagoon or a short monorail hop.
- ‘Ohana Restaurant: Known for its family-style Polynesian meals and character breakfasts.
- Disney Touches: You’re at Walt Disney World, so don’t be surprised if you catch glimpses of Tiki torches, meet-and-greet characters, and music from Lilo & Stitch.
Who It’s For
- Families or Disney fans wanting a themed overwater retreat without flying across the world.
- Large groups seeking a unique way to experience Disney’s magic with lagoon-front fireworks views.
- Honeymooners combining theme park fun with a private “bungalow” vibe.
Almost Overwater: Florida Keys & Other Close Calls
While Disney’s Polynesian is technically over a lagoon, it’s nestled in the heart of Central Florida’s theme park hub.
If you prefer a tropical ocean setting, your next best bet is the Florida Keys.
Some resorts tout “bungalows” or “waterfront cottages,” though few (if any) are truly perched on stilts over the open ocean in the classic sense. Still, they can deliver a breezy, water-adjacent experience.
Bungalows Key Largo
Location: Key Largo, Upper Keys
Atmosphere: Adults-only, all-inclusive vibe
Why It Feels Overwater-ish
- While not built on stilts, each bungalow is close to the water, with private outdoor soaking tubs, decks, or gardens. Some have direct views of the bay, giving that near-lagoon immersion.
- The property capitalizes on Key Largo’s tranquil blue waters with a floating tiki boat, waterfront bars, and dining on the sea’s edge.
Estimated Price Range
- $1,000 – $1,800+ per night, often including meals, drinks, and select water activities.
Resort Highlights
- Adults-Only Policy: Peaceful atmosphere, ideal for couples or honeymooners.
- Water Activities: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing around Florida Bay.
- Spa & Wellness: Treatment rooms and a Zen Garden offering a calm retreat from daily stress.
Who It’s For
- Couples seeking an all-inclusive Florida Keys escape with a “bungalow” label, if not a true overwater scenario.
- Guests wanting to indulge in high-end dining, spa treatments, and private seaside corners.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa (Little Torch Key)
Location: Off Little Torch Key in the Lower Keys
Atmosphere: Exclusive, private-island retreat
Almost Overwater Vibe
- Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the thatched-roof bungalows here are oceanfront, with panoramic sea views. They’re built right at the water’s edge, though not perched above the waves on stilts.
- Private decks, plush lounge areas, and some have outdoor showers or soaking tubs just steps from the sea.
Estimated Price Range
- $1,500 – $3,000+ per night. The exclusivity factor often drives prices up.
Resort Highlights
- Adults-Only Seclusion: Perfect for special occasions—honeymoons, anniversaries, or vow renewals.
- SpaTerre: Highly-rated spa with signature treatments that incorporate tropical elements.
- Gourmet Dining: The Dining Room restaurant showcases fresh local seafood, with romantic tables set by the ocean.
Who It’s For
- Those craving a private island vibe close to the Florida mainland.
- Upscale travelers who appreciate the serenity of no kids, no crowds, and minimal outside noise.
Other Unique Waterside Stays in Florida
Florida’s scenic coastline and waterways host an array of floating homes, houseboat rentals, or quirky cottages near the water.
While they don’t always carry the official “overwater bungalow” label, they can deliver a reminiscent experience. Examples:
- Houseboat Rentals in the Keys or St. Johns River: Sleep on the water, moored in a marina or anchor out for real aquatic immersion.
- Cottages on Stilts (Cedar Key area): Some older fishing cottages or Airbnb properties stand partially over the water’s edge, though they’re not typically resort accommodations.
Check platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo for “waterfront” or “stilt house” searches in the Keys, Cedar Key, or Apalachicola areas. You might find hidden gems that replicate an “above-water” feel.
How Florida Compares to the Maldives or Bora Bora
Let’s be real: If you’re envisioning a turquoise lagoon with coral gardens and thatched huts a la Maldives, Florida can’t fully replicate that.
Here’s how it stacks up:
- Water Clarity & Marine Life: The Keys can be stunning for snorkeling, but Florida waters often differ from the hyper-lucid blues of the South Pacific or Indian Ocean.
- Infrastructure & Vibe: Florida’s bigger resorts have easy road access, local restaurants, and city conveniences. Maldives or Bora Bora’s overwater resorts often require speedboat or seaplane transfers, creating that “deserted island” feel.
- Price Point: Surprisingly, Florida’s overwater or near-water stays can still be expensive, often matching or exceeding some South Pacific entry-level bungalows.
If your heart is set on a South Pacific-style experience, Florida might feel more “taste of tropical” than truly exotic. But if you want something stateside without a lengthy flight, Florida is your best bet.
Overwater Bungalows Near Florida: Top Caribbean & Mexico Picks
For travelers open to a short international flight or cruise, the Caribbean and parts of Latin America host genuine overwater bungalows—some a mere hour’s flight from Miami.
Below are top picks if you’re looking for a truly stilted lodging experience that still qualifies as “near Florida.”
Sandals Royal Caribbean (Montego Bay, Jamaica)
Why It’s Overwater
- True stilted bungalows arranged in a heart shape around a private island just offshore. Each has direct ocean access, soaking tubs, and overwater hammocks.
Atmosphere & Highlights
- All-Inclusive Luxury: Gourmet meals, premium liquor, and water sports included.
- Overwater Bar & Restaurant: Savor cocktails while gazing at the Caribbean Sea beneath your feet.
- Romance Central: Caters heavily to couples, with personalized butler service and candlelit dinners.
Distance from Florida
- ~1.5-hour flight from Miami to Montego Bay (MBJ).
Sandals South Coast (White House, Jamaica)
Why It’s Overwater
- Overwater bungalows in a secluded portion of a 500-acre nature reserve. Each bungalow features see-through glass floors, tranquility soaking tubs, and expansive sun decks.
Resort Highlights
- All-Beachfront Layout: Virtually every room is beach-facing, but the overwater bungalows stand out for the stilted vantage.
- Nature & Seclusion: Surrounded by lush greenery, far from big crowds.
- All-Inclusive: Unlimited dining, drinks, and activities like snorkeling or kayaking.
Jamaica has two Sandals properties with overwater bungalows—Royal Caribbean is closer to the airport, while South Coast is more secluded.
El Dorado Maroma Palafitos (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
Why It’s Overwater
- Marketed as “Mexico’s first overwater bungalows,” the Palafitos stand on stilts in the sea along Maroma Beach, near Cancún.
Resort Atmosphere
- Adults-Only, Gourmet-Inclusive concept with 24-hour butler service, private plunge pools, and direct ladder access into the ocean.
- Spa & Wellness: Naay Spa’s overwater treatment rooms let you hear gentle waves as you relax.
Distance from Florida
- ~1- to 2-hour flight from Miami to Cancún, plus a 30- to 45-minute transfer to Maroma Beach.
Thatch Caye Resort (Belize)
Why It’s Overwater
- Individual cabanas perched over turquoise waters on a private cay. Wooden walkways connect each bungalow to the main island area.
Highlights
- Rustic-Chic Vibe: Solar-powered, eco-friendly approach with thatched roofs and open-air breezes.
- Snorkeling & Diving: Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest in the world, offering top-tier underwater exploration.
- All-Inclusive: Meals, select drinks, and island-based activities included.
Travel Time
- ~2-hour flight from Miami to Belize City, then a short domestic flight or boat transfer to Dangriga, followed by a boat ride to Thatch Caye.
Cayo Espanto (Belize)
Why It’s Overwater
- One villa in particular—Casa Ventanas—sits on stilts over the sea, with a large glass floor section for marine life viewing.
Atmosphere & Amenities
- Private Island Luxury: Only 7 villas total, each with dedicated staff.
- Personalized Dining: Chef-curated meals based on your preferences.
- Water Sports: Fishing, snorkeling, or exploring the reef on a private boat.
Aruba Ocean Villas (Aruba)
Why It’s Overwater
- A small boutique property featuring a handful of stilted villas above the Caribbean Sea, complete with palm-thatch roofs and direct water entry.
Highlights
- Private Decks & Hammocks: Perfect for sunsets over the calm waters.
- Local Charm: Each villa is uniquely decorated with island flair, far from the bustle of Aruba’s high-rise hotel zone.
- Easy Access: A short distance from Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA).
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge (Bocas del Toro, Panama)
Why It’s Overwater
- Wooden cabanas perched on stilts over the shallow waters of the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
Resort Style
- Eco-Lodge: Solar-powered, minimal impact design.
- Tropical Seclusion: Surrounded by mangroves, coral reefs, and lush island terrain.
- Rustic Comfort: Don’t expect 5-star glam; it’s more about nature immersion.
Travel Distance
- ~2.5-hour flight from Miami to Panama City, then a domestic flight to Bocas del Toro (BOC).
Planning Your Overwater Bungalow Vacation
When deciding between Florida or a short hop to the Caribbean or Mexico, consider:
- Budget: Disney’s bungalows can rival or exceed nightly rates at Jamaican or Mexican overwater resorts—especially in peak travel season.
- Travel Time: Florida is obviously closer for many U.S. travelers, but reaching certain Caribbean spots might take only an hour or two by plane.
- Vacation Focus: If you want theme parks + lagoon living, Disney’s Polynesian is unique. If you crave a turquoise ocean + snorkeling, the Keys or the Caribbean are better.
- All-Inclusive vs. A La Carte: Florida rarely does all-inclusive. Many Caribbean overwater bungalows do, saving you meal and activity costs.
Always check hurricane season timelines, typically June to November in Florida and the Caribbean. Travel insurance is recommended.
Florida vs. Nearby Caribbean Overwater Escapes
Still torn? Here’s a quick head-to-head:
| Factor | Florida | Caribbean / Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Simplicity | Domestic flights or drives, no passport needed (for U.S.) | Short flights but requires passport for most countries (except Puerto Rico/USVI, but they lack classic overwater huts) |
| Classic Overwater | Limited (Disney’s Lagoon Bungalows, near-water in Keys) | Multiple stilted bungalows (Sandals, Mexico’s Palafitos, Belize cays) |
| Activities | Theme parks, Florida Keys diving, Everglades tours | Tropical diving, rainforest treks, cultural experiences (Caribbean vibe) |
| Costs | High nightly rates for bungalows; cheaper standard hotels | Ranges from moderate to ultra-luxury; all-inclusive perks can offset cost |
| Romantic Factor | Strong at boutique Keys resorts; can be family-focused at Disney | Extremely high for “adults-only” Jamaican or Mexican overwater enclaves |
Activities & Adventures in Florida & Beyond
Florida Highlights
- Orlando Theme Parks: Combine your overwater bungalow at Disney’s Polynesian with park-hopping at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and more.
- Florida Keys Water Sports: Snorkel John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, fish in Islamorada, or try kayaking through mangroves.
- Everglades Exploration: Spot alligators on an airboat tour, or walk boardwalk trails in Everglades National Park.
Caribbean & Mexico Highlights
- Jamaica: Reggae music, Dunn’s River Falls, rum distilleries, and jerk chicken feasts.
- Riviera Maya (Mexico): Explore Mayan ruins (Tulum, Cobá), swim in cenotes, or indulge in Cancún nightlife.
- Belize: Dive the Great Blue Hole, trek through jungle caves, or learn about ancient Mayan temples.
- Aruba: Steady sunshine, famed Eagle Beach, and a Dutch-Caribbean cultural twist.
- Panama (Bocas del Toro): Island-hopping in a biodiverse archipelago, plus coffee tours in the highlands if you venture to Boquete.
Wherever you go, weaving local culture and eco-friendly practices into your overwater stay elevates the experience beyond the bungalow’s four walls.
FAQ: Your Florida Overwater Bungalow Questions Answered
- Are there real, stilted overwater bungalows in Florida like in the Maldives?
- The only true stilted option recognized is Disney’s Polynesian Bungalows over Seven Seas Lagoon. The Florida Keys primarily offer waterfront or near-water cottages.
- How expensive are Disney’s Polynesian Bungalows?
- Nightly rates often start around $2,000 and can exceed $3,500 in peak season. Disney Vacation Club points can help if you’re a member or rent points from an owner.
- Do the Florida Keys have overwater resorts?
- Not in the classic “hut over the reef” sense. You’ll find waterfront bungalows at places like Bungalows Key Largo or Little Palm Island, but they’re built on land or piers, not fully stilted above open water.
- What about hurricane season?
- Hurricanes can affect Florida and the Caribbean from June to November. Purchasing travel insurance and staying updated on weather forecasts is wise.
- Is it cheaper to go to Florida or the Caribbean for an overwater experience?
- It varies. Florida can be more accessible if you’re nearby, but Disney’s bungalows can be pricier than some all-inclusive overwater suites in Jamaica or Mexico.
- Which Florida location is best for a tropical vibe?
- The Florida Keys provide the most tropical atmosphere, with palm-lined shores and coral reefs. Central Florida’s vibe (Disney) is more theme-park oriented, albeit with Polynesian theming.
- Do I need a passport for the Florida Keys?
- If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling domestically, no. International visitors typically need a valid passport to enter the U.S.
- Are any Florida overwater spots adults-only?
- Bungalows Key Largo is 21+. Disney’s bungalows are family-friendly. Little Palm Island also enforces an adults-only policy, though its bungalows are technically oceanfront, not stilted.
- What about day trips to real overwater bungalows?
- Not feasible from Florida—Caribbean resorts with stilted huts require flights or longer boat crossings.
- Can I find houseboat rentals that replicate overwater stays?
- Yes! Houseboat rentals in the Keys or around Florida’s waterways offer floating stays, though amenities vary widely. Check popular rental sites for “houseboat” or “floating home.”
Conclusion & Final Tips
When it comes to overwater bungalows in Florida, your options are admittedly limited, with Disney’s Polynesian Bungalows being the premier, true stilted example—albeit in a manmade lagoon and aimed at Disney aficionados.
Elsewhere, you’ll find a few near-water or waterfront cottages in the Florida Keys that approximate the feeling of living right by the sea.
If you’re seeking that Maldives-like experience—think crystal-clear water below your deck, ladders leading straight into the ocean, and colorful fish visible through glass floor panels—a short flight to the Caribbean or Mexico might be your best bet.
Options like Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica or El Dorado Maroma’s Palafitos in Riviera Maya deliver the archetypal stilted-hut aesthetic, often paired with all-inclusive luxury and a romantic adults-only vibe.
Final Packing Checklist
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Whether you’re in the Keys or Jamaica, protect coral reefs and your skin.
- Insect Repellent: Florida’s mosquitos, especially in summer, can be fierce. Caribbean islands can have them, too.
- Water Gear: Snorkel sets, water shoes (for rocky entries), and quick-dry swimsuits if you plan ocean adventures.
- Light, Breathable Clothing: Florida’s and the Caribbean’s climates are warm and humid year-round.
- Travel Documents: Passport if heading outside the U.S.; for Florida-based stays, a valid photo ID.
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, especially during hurricane season (June–November).
Wherever you land—an Orlando lagoon with nightly Disney fireworks or a genuine stilted bungalow in Belize—embrace the unique flavor of each destination.
Florida offers stateside convenience and theme-park thrills, while the broader Caribbean realm unlocks turquoise vistas and that “castaway” ambiance. Either way, you’ll be falling asleep to the soothing lull of water just beneath your feet.
