lake minnetonka private boat cruises

Lake Minnetonka Boat Cruise

Memories to last a lifetime.

Danielle Quistgaard

August 8, 2024

Nicole Facciotto

Shannon Rosenwinkel

Ashley Linnihan

Audrey Sable

Taylor Johnson

Johnnie Burns

Simply The Best Lake Minnetonka Boat Cruise

Explore beautiful Lake Minnetonka on a fantastic party cruise! We offer four unique party boats that are the perfect way to spend time with family and friends on the lake. We can also work closely with your company to plan fantastic small-group cruises and corporate events. We off no minimum on our public cruises which start at $55/per person. But our private cruises range from $35-49/person based on the time of day! If you want to book a private cruise, book for the minimum (10 tickets) and add more people later! Its that simple! The boat capacity is 18 people on most boats! All tours are BYOB! Which makes us the only charter boat on Lake Minnetonka!

Out PaddlePub downtown Excelsior is the best deal of the season. Currently 20% with code "Pub20". Savings can get this price under $35/person. Cruise out of downtown Excelsior and hit up local bars and restaurants before or after your cruise. #1 location on Lake Minnetonka. We now have two Paddle Tap boats. PaddlePub 2 is getting a bathroom installed, so if thats a must have, make sure to reserve that boat!

Our tiki-themed cruise boat is ready for fun! Bring your bachelor or bachelorette party, birthday bash, family trip, and neighborhood outings. The TikiTap can accommodate up to 18 partiers. For a truly great cruise in downtown Excelsior, we've got the RegularTap cruise for a group of up to 14 fun-loving people.

Meet LazyTap Party Pontoon, at 300 square feet, this is our largest party boat. This active tour boat offers the true laid back pontoon boating experience, which are great for active tour groups and team building. You are free to move around the boat as much or as little as you want. The LazyTap always impresses with its views of Lake Minnetonka, the 100 square feet on the upper deck is sure to give you the feeling that this boat never ends! Stretch out and enjoy this massive vessel for your private party.

The Best Excursions and Experiences

Explore our activities

Paddle Pub 1 and 2-Downtown Excelsior-2 Boats (20% Promo)

PaddleTap is proud to offer private tours on our only downtown Excelsior powered party boat! These one of a kind Pedal Taverns can be rented out on Excelsior Bay! Remember the "peddling" is 100% optional. You do not have to pedal if you don't want too!

Our Paddle Pub Party Boats, holds a maximum of 14 people! By combing both you have have up to 28 people. This is great for private cruises who want to depart out of the award winning downtown Excelsior which is only 20 minutes from Minneapolis! Our PaddlePub 1 and 2 boats both have gas motors, which makes peddling 100% optional! Only difference between the boats is PaddlePub 2 has a bathroom (recently added). If a bathroom is a must make sure to reserve that boat online!

Plenty of local bars and restaurant’s such as: -Maynards -Excelsior Brewing -Haskells (also a liquor store for any last minute items) -Lago Tacos or The Suburban that are walking distance from our pickup location!

This is definitely the spot on the lake with the most action. You can even see the famous “Big Island” on your cruise if you ask your captain! What to know:

100 minutes long Bluetooth music BYOB Bathroom on PaddlePub 2 only (no bathroom on PaddlePub 1) Departs out of Downtown Excelsior 250 square feet of usable room Holds up to 14 guests Pricing: $35-$49/person Private Cruise (10 or more required tickets to make it private) 25 HSP Gas Motor Peddling (optional) **20% OFF Promo on Private Paddle Pub Tours** (Code: Pub20) **Discounted price gets private tours down to $30/person Sunday-Thursday and $39/person Friday/Saturday)

TikiTap-Back Channel Brewing

Our 100 minute cruise our Tiki Pub (yes, its a Tiki Themed Party Pontoon Boat and has ZERO pedals) boat offer the perfect scenic escape! It's our #1 Boat Tour for Bachelorette Parties!

This is our newest boat on Lake Minnetonka for the season. This adventure is perfect for any corporate event, private birthday party or just for fun on a bachelorette or bachelor parties!

This is the newest and largest single boat we offer and is 26 feet long and almost 12 feet wide! This party boat includes comfortable bar stool seating around the custom tiki bar, and seating for maximum of 18 total guests with plenty of walking room around the almost 300 square foot deck.

Enjoy our one of a kind Tiki Themed bar to rest your beer, wine, or cocktails.

Do you have any worry about a bathroom? Don’t! this boat does come equipped with a full bathroom for you to use.

Worried about rain? Don’t! We have a large canopy that covers 70% of the TikiTap! If this boat is open, book it soon as this is for sure the first one to be reserved.

Things to Know: What to know:

100 minutes long Bluetooth music BYOB Bathroom on board Departs out of Back Channel Brewing in Spring Park 300 square feet of usable room Holds up to 18 guests Pricing: $35-$49/person Private Cruise (10 or more required tickets to make it private) 135 HSP Gas Motor

LazyTap Double Deck-Back Channel Brewing (18 person boat)

PaddleTap’s #1 boat tour! For the people who like to take it easy on the lake! Our LazyTap Party Boat ride has your name written all over it. This is our only double deck party boat that is massive! PaddleTap offers one boat for 2024. This boat can hold up to 18 guests!

Both boats offers two levels and covers at least 300 of deck space on the main level with an additional 100 square feet on the upper deck! This boat has zero pedals and is the true lazy experience that can hold up to 18 total guests!

These boats offer a private party bar down the middle for you to load up with your own drinks and bench seating all the way down on both sides.

We have a large wide open space in the front where people can move around and take in the views, or sit in our comfy seating all around.

This is our only boat that can allow swimming (on requests) which has a ZERO alcohol policy. If you want to swim no alcohol is allowed. but it still does only last 100 minutes. If you do choose to swim, we limit it to four people at one time and must wear a life jacket (provided) BUT ZERO ALCOHOL. Swimming on our LazyTap is only allowed out of Back Channel. We do not allow it out of Downtown Excelsior.

The LazyTap has a large 150 HSP motor, we can cover a fair amount of lake to enjoy everything that Lake Minnetonka offers! Our pickups are out of Back Channel Brewing, Lord Fletchers, Downtown Excelsior or Wayzata. What to know:

Private boat captain 100 minutes long Bluetooth music BYOB Bathroom on board Departs out of Back Channel Brewing in Spring Park 400 square feet of usable room (two levels) Holds up to 14-18 guests (depending on the boat you select) Pricing: $39-$45/person Private Cruise (10 or more required tickets to make it private) *$4/more a person from July 12th-August 4th 2024* 150 HSP Gas Motor Zero Pedals (not even an option here)

2.5 hour Private Tour-Private Tour Back Channel Brewing (18 max)

PaddleTaps longest tour of the season-2 hours and 30 minutes! This tour is new for 2024, and only being offered starting in June of 2024.

Explore Lake Minnetonka in the fall where the leaves start changing. Explore the channels and bays that the larger charter boats cannot offer. Bring your own beverages, some snacks and let us drive you around West Arm/Seaton Channel/Cooks Bay for 2.5 hour on the water, our longest cruises of the year! We will get up and close to some of the best fall colors Lake Minnetonka offers. This tour will have a bathroom on board as well with bluetooth music.

This tour will either be on our largest 30 foot LazyTap double deck boat, or the 25 foot TikiTap boat. Depending on boat availability with other tours being offered"

Pricing is $70/person for the 2.5 hours, and private bookings require 8 tickets to be purchased as a down-payments are utlizied before the season starts to reserve your boat. But you are more than welcome to book as many seats as you need up to the boat maximum of 18 guests.

Small Group/Public Tour (All Boats)

Do you have a smaller group? Or just don't want to rent the entire boat? Book our per seat boating option! Perfect for those smaller groups who still want to go out and celebrate that Birthday/Bachelorette or even just a night out! This option does have a requirement of of 6 guests to guarantee it will go out. But you only pay for as many seats as you want. This option is not guaranteed private, and it is very likely you will be paired with other people! (we offer private cruises that start with 8 ppl-18 ppl)

This public option is only available out of our Back Channel Brewing Location (LazyTap or TikiPubs) and downtown Excelsior on our original Pedal Tavern Boat Cruise.

Private Tours (All Boats) *20% off Sale for PaddlePub Boats Only*

PaddleTap is proud to offer private tours on all of our party boats! These one-of-a-kind Tiki Boats, Pedal Taverns, or Party Pontoons can be rented out on Excelsior Bay or Seaton Channel! Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka!

Take a peek at all our boating options and which locations they start from. You will truly love this experience for any Bachelorette, Birthday or Corporate outing!

All private tours are charged on a per person fee. Prices range from $35-$39/person Monday-Wednesday and $35-$45/person Thursday-Sunday with a $4/increase for prime summer on all tickets in July. 10 Tickets or more are required to reserve a private boat. We have a public option that is $55/person if you have less than 10.

Our Lowest cost boat is our Original PaddlePub out of downtown Excelsior ($35/person) the rest of our boats are closer to $39-45 most days

Electric Duffy Boat Rental (Downtown Excelsior)

Enjoy the newest boat rental on Lake Minnetonka. Departing daily out of downtown Excelsior. Walking distance from many local bars and restaurants. Enjoy the only eco friendly, battery operated Duffy boat rentals on Lake Minnetonka. Slowly cruise around Excelsior bay in style and enjoy the calm waters of the no wake areas of St. Albans and Excelsior Bay. This boat does not have a boat captain provided, and the renter is required to drive the boat. Don't worry about an agenda and drive at your own pace. Boat rentals are allowed for small groups and large groups. Large groups can hold up to 12 guests. As pricing is based off of the boat and if you want a small or large group rental. Rentals can last anywhere from 2-3 hour long, you decide when you book! For more information checkout our sister company www.Electricshores.co to learn more!

Looking to buy a tour for a gift? This is where that would happen!

Why choose us?

Fantastic Tour Boats On Lake Minnetonka

Our friendly service sets us apart from other boats offering private and public cruises on Minnetonka. Our private cruises have a friendly, knowledgeable captain at the helm guiding your cruise to some of the best spots in Minnetonka. All our cruises have Bluetooth speakers and coolers on board. For the true booze cruise party experience, most of our boats are ready for you to bring your choice of beverages to offer your personalized bar service. What also makes our cruises so unique is we charge a flat fee per person and all tours are bring your own beverage (BYOB). Private cruise you will only pay for the number of tickets you select!

Private boat tours have a flat per-person charge ranging from $39-$49/person. Private tours require at least 10 tickets to be purchased at the time of booking. You can always add more tickets as needed to boat capacity. Our small group/public seats combine smaller groups. Requiring our first booking to be at least 4 tickets, and then single tickets are allowed after!

Top Rated BYOB Private and Public Boat Cruises

We are the best party boats on Lake Minnetonka. The #1 Bachelorette Party boat in Minnesota and we've been rated 5 stars by our customers! We carry a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We are the only charter boat company on Lake Minnetonka to offer a flat per-person charge for private boat cruises!

Private Captains Every Tour

We have private captain on every tour. You will have a private captain to guide you through the tour and make sure you have a great time!

Private Tours: Per Person pricing on all cruises. 20% Promo for downtown Paddle Pubs currently. Use "Pub20" to save for PaddlePub in Excelsior only

Our private tours are fixed up to 10 guests! Per person charger for larger groups up to the boat maximum!

Discover Lake Minnetonka

In Minnesota, the land of lakes, Minnetonka is arguably the most popular. In early 1900 Big Island on Minnetonka was home to the Big Island Amusement Park. Visitors would take the ferry cruise out to the island during the summer to enjoy an afternoon with the family or a romantic Friday night for couples. The amusement park was eventually demolished, and the island is now a municipal nature park. Lake Minnetonka now is home to being the #1 Party lake in Minnesota, and ranking in the top 10 on most nationwide lists!

Beautiful historic mansions surround Minnetonka, many owned by celebrities. The largest was the former Pillsbury mansion, a 32,000-square-foot home that was demolished, and the land was divided to sell in smaller parcels. On a Minnetonka cruise, a knowledgeable local captain will point out some of the lovely homes around the lake. With more than 30 bays on the lake, cruises are a great way to explore all the nooks and crannies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum amount of people i need to reserve a private cruise.

Yes! Our private tours are priced per person ranging from $39-$49/person. 10 tickets are required to book privately. You can book up to the boat maximum if you have a larger party. If you don't have 10 tickets we do offer a $55/person on our public cruise.

How Long Does Each Boat Tour Last?

All of our standard tours last 100 minutes long. We do have a 2.5 hour cruise set to departure for 2024. This tour will only depart out of our Back Channel Brewing location and take aboard our LazyTap or TikiTap boats with limited availability.

What is your cancelation policy? Do you allow deposits to reserve?

Our cancelation policy is simple. 30 days out you can cancel and get a full refund. 0-29 days all sales are final. If we end up having bad weather (unsafe boating conditions), we allow rain checks. This decision is typically made on the day of your cruise. We do offer Trip Insurance which can be purchased at the time of checkout. That allows refunds 14 days out from the cruise and must purchase it at the time of checkout.

We do not allow deposits for online reservations currently. If you are still waiting for the final count before booking, we recommend just booking the minimum amount of 10 people for the lowest cost. You can always add more people later!

Are the Paddle Pubs BYOB food and drinks?

Our Lake Minnetonka Downtown Excelsior is BYOB and so is our Back Channel Pickup, and coolers are allowed. If you want our staple Lord Fletcher’s pickup on Lake Minnetonka, you must first purchase drinks from them (off sale). Coolers will not be allowed at all at Lord Fletcher’s pickup. When you book a boat ride, a link will be emailed to you, so you can easily place your order from Lord Fletcher’s. You are always able to bring your own food and snacks as well.

**Ice is not provided**

Is There Music on the Paddle Pub and the other Party Boats?

Yes, each tour boat offers Bluetooth connection, so you can sync your smartphone and start listening to your favorite tunes the moment we head out onto the lake.

What happens if we get sick on the boat?

While most people are fine on the boat, one in awhile someone gets sick. If that is the case we have the right to charge your credit card $100-250 per incident depending on the amount of cleanup needed

Is Swimming Allowed?

We do not allow swimming on our classic pedal tavern (PaddleTap Boat) tours or the TikiTap Tour. We do allow swimming on the Lazytap only. People who choose to swim must wear a life jacket (provided) and only 4 in the water at a time. This will only be available out of our Back Channel Location (Excelsior LazyTap doesn’t allow swimming)

Is Fishing Allowed on a Paddle Pub?

We don’t allow fishing on any of our boat tours. We leave that work up to the pros on Lake Minnetonka.

Are Bathrooms On Board Your Paddle Pub 1?

We do have a bathroom aboard our LazyTap and TikiTap. The only boat without a bathroom is our RegularTap out of Downtown Excelsior. The duration of the LazyTap is 2 hours long, and the other boats are 100 minutes. However, our pedal-powered RegularTap out of Excelsior does not include a bathroom. But don’t worry, we have many friends on the lakes, so we can stop as needed, if you need a break.

Can we Tip the Boat Tour Guides?

Yes! If you enjoy your trip, your paddle captain will appreciate it! Most also have Venmo! You can also pre tip online when you reserve your tour.

How Do I Book a PaddleTap Boat Tour?

Booking a boat ride on Lake Minnetonka is easy! Click Book Now and decide which boat and location options you like best to celebrate an upcoming event or team building outing. For questions about any of our boat rides, contact us today! We just have click "Book Now". Depending if your purchase is more date driven or experience driven.

If you notice one of the boats you wanted is booked, please look at the other boat options some boats are more popular than others. Or give us a call and we can also help plan your party!

How Many People Fit on Each Boat Tour?

3 of our boats (TikiTap and LazyTap boats) Can hold 18 guests. The RegularTap can hold 14 guests. You can reserve these boats as a Private Tour by purchasing 10 tickets or more. Pricing is flat per person ranging from $39-$49/person based on the time of the week.

Can You Accommodate Groups Bigger than 18?

Yes! We have multiple boats we can pair for large groups. We have had corporate events as large as 100 people before. Group sizes over 18 people isn’t an issue at all. Give us a call or email and we can help plan the details.

What Is The Minimum Amount of People to Book? Do You Have A Per Seat Option?

Our private tours require a minimum of 8 tickets to be purchased to reserve. We do offer small group/public cruises if you have less than 8 people. Private cruises during the week can get as low as $312/8 people on our Monday-Wednesday times. Most tours are $45/person on average.

If I book a private cruise now for only 10 guests, can I add more guests later onto my cruise?

Yes! You can always book a private cruise with less than 10. For us to reserve a private boat we require 10 tickets to be purchased. So book a private cruise and bring up to 10 guests! You can always add more people later

Can I reserve a private cruise If I have less than 10 people?

Do you offer any promos.

Yes, we are running a 20% off promo on our PaddlePub out of downtown Excelsior. Code "Pub20" to save today!

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A Luxury Entertainment Experience on Lake Minnetonka

A 51’ Classic Bluewater Yacht recently commissioned to provide all of the updated amenities you would expect! Enjoy a private cruise with your friends, family or colleagues. Licensed captain and attendants await to serve you and your guests. A full service bar and custom menu are available to complete your experience. Come sail away…

Public Cruises

Experience the beauty of lake minnetonka, al & alma's public cruises are the perfect way to take in the incredible sights and history of beautiful lake minnetonka..

Genuine Sunset Dinner Cruise

Our legendary cruise theme, the ORIGINAL Lake Minnetonka Dinner Cruise! Enjoy a great 2-hour tour and fabulous food, featuring delicious Al’s Slow Cooked BBQ Ribs and Southern fried chicken.

Signature Sunday Brunch Cruise

Enjoy our very best! Step aboard Lake Minnetonka’s finest yachts and take in the spectacular views as the shoreline passes you by. Your table will enjoy our delicious brunch buffet while the captain narrates a fun 2-hour tour of the sights. A full beverage selection is available for purchase on board.

BBQ Picnic Lunch Cruise

Holiday weekends just got more fun! Join in the lake atmosphere and set sail from any of the available ports and cruise times and enjoy Al’s Famous Slowed Cooked Ribs and Southern Fried Chicken with tableside service for a full selection of beverages!

Minnetonka Surf & Turf Signature Sunset Cruise

Fajitas & Margaritas Cruise

Sips & Sights Small Plates Cruise

Enjoy the beautiful sights as our decks deliver ever changing views of Lake Minnetonka’s spectacular shoreline.  Join us for happy hours on the water!  Attentive service, awesome small plates buffet featuring delicious appetizers.

Perfect gift for any occasion, anytime of year.

Al and Alma’s gift cards are the only gift that can deliver a sunset cruise on Lake Minnetonka, a cozy dinner in our Supper Club, and much more. 

Gift cards are not exclusively for cruising. All gift cards can be redeemed for any of Al and Alma’s excellent food or drink offerings on land or on water. 

Our Fleet Overview

Events List:

Signature Lake Minnetonka Sunset Dinner Cruise

Date & time: friday, august 30, 2024 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, fajita & margarita lunch cruise, date & time: saturday, august 31, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm, port of wayzata genuine lake minnetonka sunset dinner cruise, date & time: saturday, august 31, 2024 | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, port of excelsior signature lake minnetonka sunset dinner cruise, port of excelsior signature sunday brunch cruise aboard arabella, date & time: sunday, september 1, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.

Signature Sunday Brunch Cruise Aboard Bella Vista

Labor day weekend fireworks cruise from port of excelsior aboard arabella, date & time: sunday, september 1, 2024 | 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm, labor day weekend fireworks cruise from port of mound aboard bella vista, date & time: sunday, september 1, 2024 | 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm, port of excelsior labor day bbq lunch cruise, date & time: monday, september 2, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm, port of excelsior labor day genuine lake minnetonka sunset dinner cruise, date & time: monday, september 2, 2024 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, port of excelsior fajita & margarita cruise, date & time: saturday, september 7, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm, fajita & margarita cruise, date & time: sunday, september 8, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm, port of excelsior genuine lake minnetonka sunset dinner cruise, date & time: sunday, september 8, 2024 | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Outstanding Orlando Boat Tours (2024)

Orlando boat tours are a fantastic activity in Central Florida, no matter the type of boating adventure you choose.

Some of the suggestions below are full-day tours, and others take mere hours. But all are a great way to spend your time in order to enjoy the Sunshine State’s beautiful scenery. And that could mean a wild ride in the Everglades or sailing sunset cruises on one of the Orlando area's attractive lakes.

We are sharing the best Orlando boat tours – private and group options – including scenic pontoon boat tours, airboat rides, kayaking, canoeing, sunset sails, and even boat rentals at Walt Disney World.

Disclosure: This post has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase at no cost to you. We recommend experiences, hotels, products, and services we use and support. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Book a sunset sailing tour in Orlando . It's our favorite type of boat tour, and Florida sunsets often show off for an audience!
• Pin the image in this box or flip this post to Flipboard to save it for later.
• See what to bring for Orlando boat tours so you are prepared to deal with the Florida bugs!

Orlando Airboat Rides 

One of the things Florida is most known for is its famous airboat tours. Sign up for this fun adventure whether you’re in Fort Lauderdale or Miami, within Everglades National Park, or Orlando on Shingle Creek, on the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. 

You won’t soon forget an exciting airboat ride when you visit the Orlando area, with a chance to see Bald Eagles and other endemic tropical birds, alligators, and crocodiles (maybe even a baby alligator). 

Airboat rides are particularly popular amongst nature lovers. These special boats allow you to glide on the unique marshes and swampland of the Central Florida area. We thoroughly enjoyed our Florida airboat experience. 

Sign up for a 90-minute fun and educational Orlando airboat tour to encounter the real Florida with experienced captains. Alternatively, secure your spot for a 1-hour sunset airboat tour and hope for one of Florida’s famous colorful sunsets. 

Most airboat tours take place rain or shine. Just in case, we recommend traveling to Florida with a poncho or thin raincoat of some sort. Be sure to check in for your tour at least 30 minutes before the experience. 

Orlando Boat Tour on an Airboat with Transportation

This tour includes pick up and drop off in Central Florida (including designated Disney World and Universal hotels), a BBQ lunch, a printed photo, and admission to their animal rescue Wildlife Park, where you can see birds, big cats, and reptiles. 

The entire experience – from transportation to the boat ride – lasts around 7 hours, including the drive to and from the Everglades area. The Florida Everglades are approximately 45 minutes to an hour's drive each way from Orlando. Choose from a 30-minute or 60-minute airboat ride when you book your experience . 

Orlando Sailing Tours 

How about enjoying Orlando’s lakes with wind power? Sailing tours are the perfect way to glide on the water. And a sunset sail is incredibly romantic, to boot! 

Private Morning Sail 

Set sail on a 2-hour private sailing tour, starting at 10:00 am. Adventure awaits on Lake Fairview for up to four guests. 

This area is just north of College Park near downtown Orlando and 15 minutes from Orlando’s Lieu Gardens. Don’t forget to bring towels if you want, though water is provided (and lakes are calm anyway, so you shouldn’t really get wet!).

Advanced reservations are required.

Private Lake Sunset Sail 

Sail on Lake Fairview, approximately 10 minutes from downtown Orlando, 30-35 minutes from the Disney theme parks (including the Disney Springs area), and 25 minutes from Universal. 

This 2-hour private Orlando boat tour can fit up to four people, and they allow you to bring your own snacks and beverages onboard. We recommend bringing a bottle of wine or champagne! 

We recommend bringing along a wine tumbler set for your sailboat adventure! 

Kayaking Tours

Connect with nature from the comfort of a kayak and get in some exercise too. Orlando boat tour options for kayaking are plentiful. 

Kayak with Manatees

Head 45 minutes north of Orlando for your chance to kayak with manatees! These cute and friendly mammals are famous in the Sunshine State, where they come to enjoy the warm water for the winter. 

Whether you’re a novice kayaking trying it for the first time, or an experienced pro, this tour is for you if you want to see a plethora of wildlife. 

Check out this popular tour with 5-star reviews

Glass Bottom Boat Kayak Tours

If you want to see the fish below the water’s surface without snorkeling, sign up for a glass-bottom kayak tour. See through the bottom of the boat on this Orlando boat tour and have the chance to view the colorful fish and marine plant life beneath you. 

Try a Rock Springs guided kayak eco-tour as you glide on the crystal-clear water for two hours. You’ll learn about the local ecosystem, stop for photos, and have the opportunity to swim in the springs. Opt to jump into the water from a rope swing for a thrill during this adventure. 

You can also opt for a sunset tour in a glass-bottom kayak . Paddle through the Winter Park Chain of Lakes and canals in a peaceful setting. Your knowledgeable guide will point out interesting nature homes along the way and share some history of the area. You’ll also be able to stop for photos where you like! 

This tour is likely to sell out: Reserve Now

Winter Park Evening Clear Kayak Glow in the Dark Tour

If you want to add a fun element to your kayaking adventure, sign up for a Winter Park kayak tour at night with a glow-in-the-dark kayak. The boats are illuminated with nighttime lighting!

They will surely be a good photo opp and fun outing as the lights make the water beneath you glow. 

Another great option is this Neon Night Glow Paddleboard or Clear Kayak experience on Lake Ivanhoe.

This unique boat tour allows you to see Orlando’s skyline at night as you paddle along with the help of your guides, the moonlight, and the colorful lights beneath your kayak or paddleboard.  

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

One of our favorite Orlando boat tours is in Winter Park. It was established in the 1930s, decades before Walt Disney World opened in Lake Buena Vista.

This pontoon boat tour starts near the well-known Park Avenue area. Set out on your scenic cruise from Lake Osceola to the Winter Park Chain of Lakes as your guide takes you through the manmade canals.

Sail past stunning homes in Winter Park, where you will have breathtaking views of the opulent private homes in the area (which is one of the reasons we enjoy the boat tour).

You will have a chance to see wonderful some of Florida’s beautiful birds, like Blue Herons and large cranes, as you travel on several lakes. 

Each boat holds a maximum of 18 passengers. Be sure to bring cash or a check to buy your tickets because credit cards are not accepted. We advise purchasing tickets in the morning on weekends, even if you plan on going later in the day. It’s a very popular tour, and tickets often sell out quickly. 

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour is closed on Christmas Day. Otherwise, tours leave daily on the hour, starting at 10:00 am. The last tour is at 4:00 pm. 

Day Trip Boat Tours from Orlando

While the Orlando boat tours listed above are within 30 minutes, on average, from Orlando, it’s worth mentioning there are more boat tour options nearby within a 2-hour drive. Here are some additional Central Florida boat tour options. 

Mount Dora Lake Tours

One of our favorite destinations from Central Florida is 45 minutes north: the quaint town of Mount Dora . There’s so much to see and do there in the afternoon or morning; a boat tour is the best way to extend your trip to a whole day. 

Take a 2-hour pontoon boat tour with a departure point at the historic hotel, the Lakeside Inn. Enjoy your leisurely cruise around Lake Dora and The Harris Chain of Lakes, including the famed Dora Canal.

The all-weather 25’ boats can cruise rain or shine thanks to their retractable clear covers for the sides of the boat. Choose from one of two daytime tours, or their third option to cruise during sunset. 

Clearwater Beach with Dolphin Encounter Cruise

This 12-hour full-day tour begins with pick-up at 7:30 am. You’ll head west of Orlando to the popular Florida destination (Clearwater Beach), where you will take a cruise to encounter bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. 

While this means that you aren’t guaranteed to spot dolphins, your tour guide will do his or her very best to find them. You may see these beautiful mammals up close by the boat or further in the distance if they appear in the ocean. Part of the fun is the anticipation. 

A one-hour dolphin tour boat ride is sandwiched between hours of free time on a Gulf Coast beach. For only $10 more, you can purchase a wristband for the boat ride that allows you to have unlimited beer, wine, and vodka punch. 

Pickup and drop off are included at one of three major locations of your choice (Disney areas included). This means that all you have to do is sign up for the tour and be at that location for pick-up time. 

Choose from the three pick-up locations listed below:

• Walt Disney World area, on Epcot Resorts Blvd. (northern area of the parks) 
• Walt Disney World area, at Maingate Lakeside Resort in Kissimmee (area of the Disney World theme parks that is further south) 
• International Drive (close to Universal) at Senor Frogs

Clear Canoe Boat Tour Near Orlando at Silver Springs

This clear canoe boat tour is approximately halfway between Orlando and Gainesville at Silver Springs. The drive is approximately an hour and 45 minutes from downtown Orlando. 

You’ll do a self-guided tour after the kayak company representative meets you and gives you a laminated map and some brief instructions. Paddle near Cypress Trees and see turtles, ducks, birds, and a chance to see manatees during the winter season, when they swim to Florida’s warm waters.

Dan and I often like to explore an area freely, on our own. Maybe you’re the same way! If so, this is a great tour for you in the Orlando area, as long as you can rent a car to get to the meeting point or take a taxi/Uber or Lyft there. 

Orlando Boat Tours at Walt Disney World

Did you know that you can rent motorized boats at Disney World? It’s one of the best things to do at Walt Disney World, besides the parks. 

Rent a Sun Tracker® Pontoon boat by the half-hour for up to 10 people. You can also opt to kayak or canoe from Fort Wilderness by the hour. 

One of the most singular boat tours in Orlando, or perhaps anywhere, is an Amphicar boat tour. Be a passenger and the envy of all onlookers in a cool convertible car that drives right into the water. This experience is available at Disney Springs restaurant, The Boathouse.

Lastly, you can book a specialty cruise to see the fireworks. You don’t even have to be a hotel guest to do so! Snacks and soft drinks are included in a memorable cruise on a 25’ boat. 

You can also request ​​for a festive banner and/or balloons to be set up on the boat, which is included in the cost (request at the time of booking). It’s a great thing to do for you and your partner or up to 10 guests total, whether a proposal, anniversary treat, or family reunion. 

What to Bring for Orlando Boat Tours

Florida's heat can be brutal, depending on the time of year. No matter the month, you definitely need to protect your skin from the sun. The sun in FL is strong, year-round. 

Be sure to pack the following if you’ll be on the water in sunny Florida: 

• Refillable water bottle (the ice will stay intact for hours in the MiiR bottle, our favorite insulated wide-mouth bottle) 
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• SPF lip balm
• Eco-friendly bathing suit 
• Rash guard 

Conclusion for Best Orlando Boat Tours

Whether you want to captain a boat yourself, row your way through Florida’s waters in a kayak, see gators on an educational airboat ride, or go on a romantic sailboat cruise around one of Central Florida’s lakes, an Orlando boat is a wonderful Florida activity. 

It will connect you with nature, get you out in fresh air, and allow your body to absorb vitamin D in the Florida sunshine. Sign up for an Orlando boat tour and explore this southern state in a unique and adventurous way. 

Read this next:

• 40 Awesome Things Florida is Known For
• 30 Things to Do at Walt Disney World Besides the Parks
• Kennedy Space Center Tickets: Helpful Info for a Successful Visit

The post Outstanding Orlando Boat Tours (2024) appeared first on Sometimes Home: Couples Travel .

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