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2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes
4.9
54 Ratings
Winter Haven
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:
1 day
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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 of what remains from the water side.
- Winter Haven - You will explore Winter Haven Florida’s famous Chain of Lakes. Home to over 50 lakes with over 24 connected and known as the Water Ski capital of the world! You will even visit the lakes where Elvis Presley, Johnny Carson and many more have skied!
What's Included
- Bottled water provided
- Lunch or Dinner reservations for lakeside dining available upon request
- Guests can bring their own food and drinks
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 adventure through the stunning beauty and rich history of 6 to 8 historic lakes in the renowned Chain of Lakes. Capture breathtaking photos of the abundant wildlife and lush tropical landscapes that line the shores of this valuable resource. Expect to see alligators, otters, blue herons, turtles, ospreys, anhingas, and much more! You’ll also learn about the history of Cypress Gardens and take a nostalgic look at the famous Florida pool as you glide by, peeking into a moment in history where southern belles once stood on the iconic Cypress Gardens bridge. This tour is perfect for both history buffs and nature enthusiasts!
- We can accomodate one non-transferrable wheelchair guest per tour. Pick up location would change to the boat launch next door to restaurant for wheelchair access
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
(54 Ratings)
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G4236tkdianam
Jul 13, 2024
Relaxing Saturday getaway! - Cap D was great and very knowledgeable. We were well informed. Kids ages 18 and 13 had a blast so did I! Very relaxing! The weather was excellent as well!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Re_r
Jul 12, 2024
Special time on vacation. - The tour guide knowledge about the lakes and the area was great. The experience is very me my grandkids will never forget. I as well enjoyed.
Review provided by Viator
Stay53152738509
Jul 5, 2024
FANTASTIC TIME! - Our Family did a two hour sunset/fourth of July fireworks pontoon cruise last night and it was Fantastic! Our Granddaughter Loved it! Our captain Saige was wonderful! We will definitely be going again as our Granddaughter can't stop talking about it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alison
Jul 4, 2024
Best water cruise in Florida - This is the best boat trip we have been on. Captain Rue was very knowledgeable about the area and spotted wildlife as we went along. A brilliant ride that we will definitely do again when we visit
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carolyn_k
Jul 2, 2024
Wonderful day trip - Captain David was excellent. Gave many historical facts that he shared. The four ladies enjoyed our day outing.
Review provided by Viator
772dianab
Jul 1, 2024
Delightful Tour of the Chain of Lakes with Captain David - Spent a most delightful time on the water today with Captain David on the 2 hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes. Captain David narrated the entire trip, sharing an amazing amount of facts about the lakes, the homes, the wildlife, activity on the lakes…everything really!! Was totally delightful!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annab1013
Jun 25, 2024
The Juliets of The Villages Winter Haven Cruise - The Juliets of The Villages, 33 ladies on June 24th occupied 4 boats for a 2-hour tour. The weather was beautiful, and all 4 boat captains were outstanding. My boat Captain was Rue Denton (owner) who is very knowledgeable about the history surrounding the Chain of Lakes, the homes, Lago Land, Cypress Gardens and he can spot wildlife like no other water trip I've been on. Actually, no matter which of the 4 boat captains you have, they have a wealth of knowledge to bestow on you. I highly recommend the 2-hour tour with lunch either before or after at the Harborside Restaurant where the boats depart and return to.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lucinthia_s
Jun 22, 2024
Great tour - Really enjoyed the whole trip. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and had pictures to help see the past.
Review provided by Viator
Frankwc1004nd
Jun 20, 2024
Fantastic experience! - Toured today with Captain David for the two hour tour. He was awesome! A local, (he even showed us the house he grew up in) he knows everything there is to know about the area. He was friendly and accommodating. Took us right up close and personal to watch the waterski show at Cypress Gardens/legoland. He knew a lot of the skiers and narrated the show for us lol! Skillfully dodged the raindrops and provided top notch service. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cherylri1884wn
Jun 2, 2024
Exciting and relaxing - What a perfect after noon the lakes were beautiful, the captain was very nice and informative the boat was very comfortable easy to get on and out and dinner afterwards was very good
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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