Chain of Lakes Tour: Explore Historic Lakes and Wildlife

Explore Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes on a 2-hour pontoon tour. Capture wildlife photos, learn local history, and enjoy true southern hospitality.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Chain of Lakes Park - We will cruise by the famous Chain of Lakes Park where the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians once held their spring training.
  • Cypress Gardens - Take a tour past the historic Cypress Gardens and famous Florida shaped pool from the movie “Easy to Love” with Esther Williams. You will get the history and catch a glimpse…
What's Included
  • Bottled water provided
  • Guests can bring their own food and drinks
  • Lunch or Dinner reservations at Harborside restaurant available upon request
Additional Information

Take an award-winning tour of Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes! Honored with the Certificate of Excellence and Travelers’ Choice awards every year since 2018. Experience genuine southern hospitality as you explore authentic Florida on a brand-new pontoon boat guided by a local expert with over 40 years of experience. Your guide will lead you on a unique…

Location
Harborside
7th Street Southwest
Your tour will depart from the dock at Harborside restaurant. Please proceed to the dock. DO NOT check in w/restaurant as they will not have any information about your tour. Restrooms do not open until 11:30am so please plan accordingly. Lunch or dinner reservations are available upon request.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(168 Ratings)
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1 star
Chateau_w
Apr 27, 2025
Fun Experience - Did cruise with friends. Wanted an activity that was outdoors but due to limited mobility something that was comfortable. There is a wheelchair accessible ramp and Captain Darrell was wonderful making sure got on boat safely. The tour was awesome and bottled water was supplied. Getting the historical background of the lakes from Captain Darrell enhanced the tour greatly. Would do this again if in area and highly recommend for a relaxing activity. Bring a hat but make you can tie it down due to breeze.
Review provided by Viator
Gregorysh3678ux
Apr 25, 2025
Definitely worth the time and money.... - What a lovely way to spend a couple of hours on a weekday afternoon. Our Captain/Tour Guide was excellent and gave us lots of information on the lakes as well as some history of the region. Not much water live to see, but lots of birds identified. The sun is definitely something to watch out for...make sure you use sunscreen and have a hat and sunglasses handy...
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kyleh1936
Apr 24, 2025
Awesome - Sage was wonderful. Such a beautiful night for a cruise. Do the 2 hours totally worth it. It was wonderful night for a cruise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shellyt24
Apr 20, 2025
Beautiful sunset cruise - Saige was our wonderful tour guide. She was fun and we learned so much about Winterhaven and the lakes. My husband’s hat flew into the lake, Saige not only retrieved it but let him borrow a dry hat! Way to go above and beyond! We learned so much about our new home. We will be bringing family and friends again as this tour is fun and informative! Thanks again Saige!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N9559qukarend
Apr 9, 2025
2 Hour tour of enjoyment - This truly was an amazing cruise on the chain of lakes. We had Captain Sage. I definitely will be doing this again. Captain Sage is knowledgeable about all the birds and the history of the area. Extremely relaxing and all around enjoyable cruise. Thank you Karen DeWitte
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diana_p
Apr 9, 2025
An especially positive,... - An especially positive, fun and educational experience for all ages. The tour guide , an expert captain was significantly knowledgeable, kind and accommodating. The history of the lakes and Their presence in old Hollywood films was an interesting bit of info ; our guide was particularly connoisseur in marsh birds and answered all our questions.
Review provided by Viator
Traveler67408165707
Apr 8, 2025
Chain of Lakes Boat Tour - We went on a 2 hr boat tour at 9.30 am , it was a lovely peaceful time out on the lakes, we saw 4 alligators 2 in the water and 2 sunning themselves, one on a ski ramp and the other camouflaged among water lilies. We saw lots of birds nesting along the banks , eagles, pelicans ,anhingas, herons , egrets and cranes. Captain Darrell was friendly and very informative. I would highly recommend this tour .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_l
Apr 6, 2025
A Wonderful relaxing and informative boat tour of the lakes! - The tour was great! There were only the four of us with another couple who joined us on the fabulous relaxing pontoon boat tour of the lakes! The boat captain was very knowledgeable and courteous. My wife is handicapped and uses a rollator, and the tour was fine for her. We like that complimentary bottled water was offered and you can bring your own beverage of choice! I highly recommend this tour!!
Review provided by Viator
Sabina
Apr 4, 2025
A great relaxing way to enjoy the nature of Central Florida Lakes. - We were not able To take the two hour ride because of high winds. We rescheduled the trip to a Saturday for a one hour trip. It worked out because I wasn’t feeling too good. We enjoyed it so much. We saw lots of alligators and beautiful birds. It was a lovely time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathycooley_c
Apr 1, 2025
Interesting! - Rich was a great captain. We saw several alligators and many birds and nests. Interesting hx. of area.
Review provided by Viator
From $42
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).