scenic tour winter park

Scenic Boat Tour

Hours updated over 3 months ago

Review Highlights

“ Our captain Tom was very knowledgeable and told us many interesting stores, that of Rollins College , Mr. ” in 26 reviews

“ Starting off in Lake Osceola , the boat goes over to Lake Virginia, back to Osceola and over to Lake Maitland. ” in 10 reviews

“ Very charming way to see one of Orlando 's hidden gems, the chain of lakes that sits in the middle of Winter Park. ” in 26 reviews

Location & Hours

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312 E Morse Blvd

Winter Park, FL 32789

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About the business.

Easy, Inexpensive and Exciting, Winter Park's Scenic Boat Tour in a Natural Attraction! We offer a 1 hour guided tour through the chain of lakes in Winter Park, FL. Tours leave every hour on the hour from 10 am until 4 pm. See beautiful homes, wildlife and learn some history of Winter Park. Adventuresome for the first time visitors seeking flora and fauna or savvy Orlando travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path vacation experience won't be disappointed when they discover the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. Every tour guarantees plenty of swaying palms, towering cypress trees, lush ferns and a variety of flourishing sub-tropical flowers. Breathtaking views of opulent private homes and exquisite estates sprawling along the shores are also a key feature of the scenic cruise. …

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Do you need to make reservations for the tour? Or is that just for parties of 10 or wheelchair access?

Large parties need reservations

How is the tour for kids, ages 11 and 9?

Well, it depends. It is fun because you are on a boat and the boat goes through some narrow canals and goes fast at times. I imagine the narration won't be too exciting to younger kids. It is only an hour, so it depends on their attention span I… more

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Overall rating

241 reviews

What a fun little adventure right in the middle of Winter Park. We were a group of four friends on a girls weekend looking for some local flavor. The boats leave every hour and for $20 you can't go wrong. Find out about the chain of lakes surrounding the area and see some amazing homes and scenery and Rollins College. Our driver was Wendell and he had the stories and jokes to make the hour go by fast and enjoyable. If you're wondering where the rich live this is a view into the backyards of gorgeous lakefront estates. The stories are interesting and the views are great. Depending on the temps it can windy or cooler on the water. Highly recommend!

Captain Tom "Cruise" made our Saturday so much fun! From telling the best dad jokes to giving us incredible history fun facts of the area, this is definitely a perfect activity for friends, couples or solo!

After a couple of days at Universal, my mom, stepdad, and I decided to spend a day in Winter Park. Our last activity before dinner was a scenic boat tour on the Winter Park chain of lakes. It was amazing, such a wonderful experience - especially on a beautiful day! I highly recommend it - but here are some details I think are important to share. All tours are first come, first serve. Tours leave every hour between 10am and 4pm. It's a popular thing to do on a weekend day when the weather is nice. We showed up twenty minutes before the tour we wanted to be told they only had tickets for the last two tours of the day. So we bought tickets for the last tour of the day, left did some other things, and came back later! Our boat driver was friendly and funny and shared a lot of great info about the lakes system! It was gorgeous out on the lakes and the narrow canals for the boats to pass through were amazing. What a great way to spend an hour in Winter Park!

See all photos from Alexis B. for Scenic Boat Tour

A must do if you are in the area! I have seen tons of "hidden Florida" videos and blogs and this Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park is ALWAYS on the list! A true gem. And hour tour through 3 lakes and 2 canals with wonderful local and historic facts to entertain. We happened to go on a gorgeous day! They can sell out for time slots and it's cash only- my advise, pick a time and go first thing in the morning to book your slot. Parking is limited, and a bear- so arrive early to secure a parking spot, especially if you are meeting other there- make sure your entire party arrives early to park. We had 2 groups get pushed because they weren't all present for boarding. This company has things down- they are smoothly running tours in and out between 10am and 4 pm. We had 4 boats going out when we toured. I think we could easily do this tour again in the future! Wonderful staff and great fun on the water!

See all photos from Crystal O. for Scenic Boat Tour

This boat tour has been around for quite a while (apparently the oldest attraction in FL) I remember doing this tour as a kid too. The tour takes you through the Winter Park Chain of lakes on a pontoon boat and points out some notable homes and architecture. We went with a group for the Holiday lights edition of this tour. Many of the homes on the various lakes are quite large and expensive, and naturally many of them do quite a nice holiday light decoration lakeside. Out group required 3 boats that went and followed one another through he tour. Our tour guide was fervently and personable. The whole tour was about and hour long and waste quite enjoyable to see some fantastic lights and large trees through huge windows. I recommend the boat tour for sure, but idk you are doing a night version for the lights - its is pretty nice!I he tour also visits Rollins. College front he lakeside and makes note of the architecture there too. t tends to be a little cooler on the water, so dress appropriately. It was a little windy the night we went....I was fine with Jeans and a long sleeve dress shirt, but honestly I could have stood to have another layer on heaven here in FL! Just be aware of the weather and dress appropriately.

See all photos from Steven H. for Scenic Boat Tour

5 Stars for a wonderful way to spend an hour in Winter Park! The Winter Park Boat Tour runs 364 days a year (all but Christmas day) and as the weather cools down, this is the time to enjoy it. What: This is a pontoon boat tour of the channel of lakes around Winter Park. It takes your through small, charming channels that are surrounded by boat houses and gorgeous homes, as well as the open lakes where you get to see how the 1% live. Besides gawking and picking your dream home, the guide will take you on a voyage through history to point out notable sites (ex: Mr. Rogers' home). The tour guides clearly love their jobs because they are always so funny and informative! How: You don't have to make a reservation for these tours, just show up by the small dock (plenty of parking) and go to the ticket window to purchase your $15 ticket to ride. From there they will call you up to join the next tour. My understanding is they can do private tours for groups, but I may be wrong about that. My suggestion? Don't go during the hot summer months. There is no covering and you will burn. I opted to go on a beautiful day (highs in the low 70s) and it could not have been more amazing. Also- hold on to your hats!

Great boat tour led by our boat driver and tour guide the Great Lee, the Magnificent...he's been a resident of Florida for over 20 yrs and had a wealth of knowledge about the history of the Lakes surrounding winter park located in Central Florida. Glad we came. Make sure to bring a hat for shade, hand towel, and a few bottled waters in a small storage bag to help keep them cool. You will need it due to the sun and heat.

Snap shot going through a canal

You've seen it on foot. You've seen it by car. Now experience Winter Park's undying charm aboard a water vessel led by expert tour guides who have resided here since the dawn of time. This is probably my most recommended activity in central Florida. I still remember my first time being introduced to this boat tour. I walked onto this boat a little tipsy from day drinking and was led on an hour excursion of every nook and cranny of Winter Park. Historical tidbits, weird Winter Park history, celebrity sightings, and dad jokes galore. Plus a new perspective of Winter Park's beauty. Super affordable. Departs every hour. Perfect in every season. Beautiful sunsets. If you're not sold yet there's something wrong with you. Respectfully.

A wonderful afternoon adventure. Found this place on Instagram, and I am so glad we did. Parking is a challenge. However, you can find parking once a boat returns from a tour. Getting there At the end of the road, there are plenty of small shops to explore as you wait for your tour. Once you arrive, if you can't find parking have one person go up and pay for the tour and then go park. Usually, the most recent one is sold out, and you have to wait 30 minutes to an hour for the next tour. Paying They do take cards. Straightforward payment options. I recommend wearing a hat as there is no cover on the boat, and on a sunny day or even overcast, it gets very warm on the boat. Waiting to go. There are seating areas around and a bathroom. I recommend walking around while waiting. You will be seated for an hour, so getting tired from walking before going is nice. Lucky for us, there was a farmers market that day. We were able to get some local food and juice before heading out. The boat is on time departure so don't be late coming back. The tour The boat tour guide is very knowledgeable and friendly. If you enjoy looking at multi-millionaire homes, you will enjoy this tour. Overall, we loved it and recommend you check it out.

Lovely boat tour of lakes and canals in Winter Park. Skipper Mickey was very thorough on our tour, and gave us lots of history tidbits about the beautiful houses on the water. I loved hearing about Mr. Rogers and his history in the area. Fun for nature and history lovers alike.

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Scenic Boat Tour - Winter Park

• 312 East Morse Boulevard Winter Park, FL 32789
• (407) 644-4056

Relaxing, narrated, one-hour cruise through three of the seven lakes and two narrow manmade canals of historic Winter Park. The only 'true' way to see the beauty of Winter Park. The dock, less than 5 minutes from Park Avenue, Central Florida´s popular, upscale shopping district, is conveniently located on the East end of Morse Boulevard on Lake Osceola.

• On any given tour, participants may observe large cranes swooping waterside to snag a large fish or a lazy alligator languishing on a nearby bank.
• Every tour guarantees plenty of swaying palms, towering cypress trees, lush ferns and a variety of flourishing sub-tropical flowers.
• Breathtaking views of opulent private homes and exquisite estates sprawling along the shores are also a key feature of the scenic cruise.

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SCENIC BOAT TOUR (Winter Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Scenic Boat Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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WINTER PARK SCENIC BOAT TOUR

312 East Morse Boulevard Winter Park, Florida 32789 Tel: 407-644-4056

By   Mike Miller    Updated April 8, 2024

The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour is a one-hour tour you will enjoy whether it's your first time or hundredth time.

The attraction began its operation in 1938.  It's first trip was led by Captain Tom and dubbed the "Venice of America" tour.

Today it is one of Florida's most interesting off-the-beaten-path experiences.

What makes it unique is the route the tour boats take through Lakes Osceola, Virginia, and Maitland.

Although its location in Winter Park is only ten minutes north of downtown Orlando  in Central Florida, and a quick 5 minute walk from busy Park Avenue, the tour route feels like a completely different world. 

It's one of the best ways to enjoy a taste of both worlds.

You will see tropical trees such as large palm and beautiful cypress trees, lush ferns, tropical flowers and many tropical birds along the route.

You will also see some of the most spectacular mansions in the state along the route.

Some of these mansions have been owned by movie stars or other famous people and the guide will point them out.

The Winter Park chain of lakes includes seven lakes, with the larger five being connected to each other by narrow beautiful canals.

These canals were built by lumber interests in the late 19th century to float logs harvested from the surrounding forests to the sawmill locations.

WINTER PARK SCENIC BOAT TOUR: CELEBRITY HOMES

The scenic boat tour begins at their headquarters in Winter Park at the end of Morse Boulevard on Lake Osceola.  

The tour will have you relaxing in one of six 18-passenger pontoon boats.  Your tour guide will begin by showing you some famous structures in Winter Park history along the lake shore.

You will leave the boat house on Lake Osceola and head south into Lake Virginia through a beautiful narrow canal canopied by ancient oaks, banana, cypress, and palm trees, ferns and just about anything else that grows in this part of Florida.  

The northern shore of Lake Virginia is home to the picturesque campus of Rollins College.

After touring Lake Virginia, the boat heads back north through the same canal and into Lake Osceola for a leisurely cruise along the shoreline and a glimpse into the many historic mansions and exquisite estates.  

Another beautiful winding canal takes you north into Lake Maitland where you will see Kraft Azalea Gardens and the breathtaking views of opulent private homes.

Many of the grand homes are on the Isle of Sicily , a man made peninsula that juts into the center of the lake.

The tour guides are locals who know the area well and make the one hour cruise interesting.  

Along with the beautiful scenery, many times nature cooperates in the tour by showing you large cranes hunting for fish or a lazy alligator swimming along the shoreline.

WINTER PARK SCENIC BOAT TOURS FEES & HOURS

Tours leave every hour from 10 AM to 400 PM; current admission fees (2024) tax included are $20 for adults, $10 for children (ages 2 through 11) and kids under 2 ride free. 

The tour is open for business every day of the year except Christmas.

LOCATION OF WINTER PARK SCENIC BOAT TOURS

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Everything You Need to Know About the Winter Park Boat Tour

One of Central Florida’s hidden gems has been tucked away in plain sight for years. We got the inside scoop on all the ins and outs of the Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park so you can make the most out of this unique experience.

by Erika Jeffrey | July 29, 2022

If you’re looking for a way to shake up your typical outing in Orlando, you don’t have to travel far or spend a lot of money. People love strolling through the charming town of Winter Park on any given day, but there’s a way to see it from another angle — by boat!

The Scenic Winter Park Boat Tour has always been a family-owned operation since its humble beginnings in 1938. They’ve come a long way from the wooden boats they started out with. Now they have a fleet of six 18-passenger pontoons that allow tourists and locals alike a different vantage point of popular Winter Park.

We ventured down to the docks to experience the ride and got all the tips from the friendly staff. Here’s what to expect:

• Where to find the Winter Park Boat Tour.
• How to book a ride and how much does the tour cost
• How long does it last and where do you cruise
• What kind of nature you can expect to see
• What to wear and what to bring
• When is the best time to visit

This relaxing boat one-hour ride is such a fun way to catch a glimpse of three of the seven Winter Park chain of lakes. The narrated cruise makes for a fun date, friend’s outing, or simply a fun excuse to get out on the water to get to know the town a little better.

Where exactly is the Winter Park Boat Tour?

The dock where you pay and check in is conveniently located just steps from the bustling Park Avenue of Downtown Winter Park. East Morse Road leads right up to Lake Osceola where the boats await. 

There is 3-hour street parking available — however, if you show up later in the day, parking tends to fill up so you may have to find a spot anywhere in the Park Avenue area and walk over.

How much does the Winter Park Boat Tour cost?

There are fun boutique shops and eateries close to the docks where you can grab a bite before or after your tour. If you’re shopping in the upscale district before your ride, be sure to save $16 for your boat fare. Children 2-11 years old are $8 , and kids under 2 are free. 

That said, there is no shade and you have to be seated throughout the entire one-hour ride. Also, kids under 5 must wear a life jacket the entire time so use your best judgment on whether your kid can handle those conditions.

They used to be cash-only, but now accept major credit cards and even Apple Pay.

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How do I book a ride on the Winter Park Boat Tour?

Tours leave the dock every hour on top of the hour starting at 10 am. The last ride is at 4 pm. They do not take reservations unless you have a group of 12 or more, in which case you’d call ahead to make arrangements at 407-644-4056. 

It is a first come, first serve basis. So, if you know you want to make a certain time slot, be sure to arrive nice and early to put your name down.

Tours are NOT rain or shine.

If there is lightning within 10 miles, the trip is canceled and you will be bumped to the next available boat, or will have to return another day. If you’re from Florida you understand that lightning is NO JOKE and they do this out of the safety of riders and their staff.

How long is the Winter Park boat tour and where does it go?

The hour-long boat ride is narrated by locals that really make the tour. They know who has lived where, the history of the area, and have some funny jokes up their sleeves. 

They cruise three of the seven Winter Park chain of lakes and squeeze through a couple IG worthy canals. It’s always a nail-biter when a kayaker or SUP boarder shares the canals, but the friendly guides always make sure to make room for their water-loving allies. 

What can you expect to see on the ride?

Florida is known for its swaying palms and sandy beaches, but there’s more to marvel at while cruising the shorelines of Winter Park. While you’ll see your fair share of palms and lakeshore beaches, you also get a hefty dose of towering cypress trees, grand oaks, lush ferns, and a variety of pretty sub-tropical flowers. 

It’s fun to imagine what it must be like to own one of the many opulent mansions and estates dotting the shores. Lusting over their expansive gardens and impressive architecture is a fan favorite on this tour.

Critter-wise you can expect to see anhingas, great blue herons, egrets, osprey, red-shouldered hawks, barred owls, ibis, other water-loving birds, and the occasional gator. Alligators are not big fans of the amount of action on the lake, so the chance of seeing one is slim.

What should you wear and bring with you?

There are quite a few bridges and low limbs to duck under throughout the tour, so the boats never put up a canopy. That means lots of sun. You should remember to:

• Wear a long sleeve shirt or sunscreen
• Put on sunscreen on your face and neck
• Wear sunglasses
• Wear breathable clothes and comfy shoes – sandals are fine
• Dress warm in the cooler months

You are welcome to bring a cooler along as long as it’s small. Please note that they do not allow alcohol on board. Water, other drinks, and hats are sold at the ticket window.

When is the best time to take the Winter Park Boat Tour?

As you might have guessed, winter is the busiest time of year for the Scenic Winter Park Boat Tour. Especially the time right before Christmas. 

The cooler months are popular among the snowbirds and people wanting to enjoy the lower temps, so be sure to show up early to claim your spots.

The least busy day of the week is typically Monday — unless it’s a holiday.

The busiest slots tend to be any time after lunch, so the early bird gets the worm!

Additional Details You Should Know Before You Go

The fine folks at the Scenic Winter Park Boat Tour are always looking out for their guests and put safety first. Their mantra “watch your step” followed by “no standing” echoes throughout the day. All boats have life jackets and guides are well versed in how to operate their pontoons.

If you’re on the hunt for a different way to spend some time with your friends or family, this is the ticket. It’s an affordable way to explore the natural side of Winter Park and get to know her from a fresh perspective. And just remember, watch your head as you pass under those fern-dressed branches!

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Winter Park’s Scenic Boat Tour full of surprises as oldest Orlando attraction

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood, one of the Orlando area’s finest.

Never expected to cross paths with the past of the celebrity who made the first part of that phrase famous, though, when we set out on the Scenic Boat Tour on the Winter Park chain of lakes.

It was just one of the surprises on a Mister Rogers sort of outing which falls into the category of fun for the whole family. Among the numerous extravagant and historic lakefront homes highlighted by the tour guide is one that Fred Rogers called home while a student at Rollins College before he became famous for his iconic children’s television program “Mister Rogers Neighborhood.”

Of the many attractions in Central Florida, the boat tour may be the most authentic. Whether or not it is the oldest in operation (according to our guide), it has maintained popularity across several generations since 1938.

It’s just a five-minute stroll downhill from the bistros and boutiques of Park Avenue to the 18-passenger pontoon boats that leave every hour (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) from the docks at the east end of Morse Boulevard on Lake Osceola.

Tour details : Price is $14 for adults, $7 for ages 2-11. They accept cash or checks only, no credit cards. They take reservations only for groups of 10 or more. Also, be aware that there is no covering on the boats, so hats and sun screen are recommended.

One of the best ways to experience Fort Lauderdale is by taking the water taxi.

They do run multiple boats as dictated by demand. Four were filled for the 3 o’clock tour on a Saturday in April 2018, and a similar gathering of passengers was packed around the boat house for the day’s last tour when we returned.

The 12-mile tour loops through the three largest of the five lakes in the Winter Park chain (Osceola, Lake Virginia and Lake Maitland), which are joined by narrow canals that wind past residents’ backyards and boathouses under canopies of giant trees – among them majestic oaks and cypress standing 500 years and longer.

The boat ride and scenery were pleasant enough, and the vastness of the chain was a surprise. It was the history lesson about Winter Park and entertaining commentary by our guide that made the outing memorable.

That seems to be the consensus of those who have reviewed the tour on social media travel sites. The guides who run the boats are retirees from varied backgrounds who seem to delight in telling tales of an area with a colorful past.

History abounds on Winter Park lakes

Many reviewers mention the Fred Rogers story, standing out as a recognizable personality from the industrialists and Rollins College presidents who have made their homes on the lake shores. It’s also unexpected.

Really, Mister Rogers lived here?!

As our guide told it, Rogers was from a wealthy family and his parents purchased a red-brick lakeside mansion for him while he studied music composition at Rollins College, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1951. The guide mused about the potential for wild college parties that were likely never held at Mister Rogers’ house.

It’s a curiosity, but there are better stories on the lake tour. Such as the historic Capen House, circa 1885, that was moved by barge from one side of Lake Osceola to the other to become part of the Albin Polasek Museum. They cut it in half and transported it in two parts, each weighing 100 tons.

There was an anecdote about a Venician-style house that was originally built abutting the lake as if on a Venice canal. That changed after the owner came home and saw his kids leaping out of second-story windows into the lake. He had a buffer of land filled in between the house and the water so that now it sits back slightly, out of jumping distance from the lake.

While the tour is a tourist attraction, the lakes are a playground for residents. Jet Skis are commonplace flitting about the waterways, and waterskiing is a popular activity here.

It turns out the Winter Park chain of lakes was the cradle of waterskiing in Florida beginning in the 1920s when skiing pioneer Dick Pope Sr. put on exhibitions to promote real estate sales. Pope went on to turn Cypress Gardens into the “Water Ski Capital of the World.” (Alas, the once-prominent Central Florida attraction, where Esther Williams once filmed a movie, is now Legoland).

Pope’s son, Dick Pope Jr., was a Rollins College student who became a four-time world champion, winning one of them on his home lake in Winter Park. Rollins College remains a national power in collegiate waterskiing, training on Lake Virginia as Pope did.

Mansions have stories to tell

The hour went quickly as the guide sprinkled fun-filled facts and humorous observations to enliven the scenery. He pointed out the solitary cypress tree that is an island to itself in Lake Maitland and is decorated with Christmas ornaments that the tour captains hang on it.

The guide pointed out the 17,000-square-foot manse that former NBA player Horace Grant had built on the Lake Maitland shore in 2000 when he played for the Orlando Magic. The house was constructed to fit a 6-foot-10 basketball player’s lifestyle and specifications. So after Grant moved on and sold it, the new owner had to have various fixtures lowered and also converted the basketball court into a ballroom.

There was a larger property, which at 30,000 square feet appears more like a resort than a residence. While the tour captains have their own ways of highlighting lake attractions, our guide noted that it was a passenger who put this one in perspective.

The passenger’s young son wanted to know what 30,000 square feet meant. The captain paused his commentary to wait for the reply.

It means, the father said, “that we could fit our house 15 times into that one.”

• Capen House
• Fred Rogers
• Lake Osceola
• Orlando attractions
• Rollins College
• Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

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• Join us for an 18 passenger boat tour on the pristine Winter Park chain of Lakes
• Tours Leave Every Hour from 10am-4pm
• Last Tour Leaves At 4:00 p.m.

Archive for the ‘Scenic Boat Tour’ Category.

• Scenic Boat Tour – A Lovely Form of Entertainment

Scenic Boat Tour of Winter Park Florida offers a unique, informative and relaxing experience for anyone looking for some entertainment while visiting Orlando or Winter Park. You can sit back and enjoy the views of large waterfront mansions and learn about some of the residents past and previous.

Scenic Boat Tour is a different pace from the popular Disney experience offering you culture, history an all around enjoyable experience. Winter Park is a fun town with plenty of exclusive shopping and the boat tour is just minutes away with tours leaving at every hour.

Enjoy and fun and affordable entertainment.

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Scenic Boat Tour of Winter Park Review: Exploring Orlando, Florida

• March 1, 2024

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If you find yourself in Orlando , Florida , chances are you are planning to visit one of its many famous theme parks. If you are looking for a more relaxing experience, you should check out the Scenic Boat Tour in nearby Winter Park . I recently experienced this tour and highly recommend it ! Keep reading to find out more about it.

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Where is Winter Park?

Winter Park  is a small city located near Orlando, Florida . It is only about 6 miles , or a 15-minute drive , from Orlando .

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Scenic Boat Tour has been offering boat rides around Winter Park for over 85 years !

These boat tours last an hour and include a “skipper” or captain who explains the history and attractions of the surrounding areas.

Cost of Tour

The cost of admission for adults is $20 each, whereas the cost for children (ages 2-11) is $10 each.

Admission is first come, first served .

Opening Hours

Scenic Boat Tour is open every day (except Christmas) from 10 AM to 4 PM . All boats depart every hour on the hour .

Scenic Boat Tour Points of Interest

Lake osceola.

You will start your journey on Lake Osceola. Here, you can admire the old historical buildings that line the shore, as well as some newer luxury homes. If you are lucky, you might see an alligator sunbathing on the shore.

Lake Virginia

Lake Virginia is smaller than Lake Osceola , but there is usually more activity on it. Rollins College , located right on the shore of the lake, offers a sailing class, so students are often seen paddling nearby.

Lake Maitland

Lake Maitland  is the final lake that you will explore on this trip. Like the other two lakes, Lake Maitland is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. It is also surrounded by several upper-class communities. As you traverse the lake, you will be able to admire the luxurious homes of the residents, which include famous athletes and celebrities .

Fern & Venetian Canals

In order to travel between the different lakes, the captain will guide your boat down two narrow canals . 

First, you will go down the Fern Canal to reach Lake Virginia . You will have to duck your head under a low-lying bridge in order to pass.

Later, you will pass through the Venetian Canal . Here, you will be able to admire the expensive real estate on either side of the canal, including small boat houses that have sold for $300,000!

Rollins College

Rollins College , located along Lake Virginia , is a private liberal arts college and one of the oldest colleges in Florida.  One of its most famous residents was Mr. Rogers , who is honored there to this day.

While on the tour, you will be able to appreciate the natural beauty of the campus and the architecture of the buildings. However, I also recommend visiting the campus after the tour is completed. Sitting along the lake shore there is a great way to wrap up your visit!

Best Day Trips From Winter Park

1. wekiwa springs.

Located about  30 minutes from Winter Park, Wekiwa Springs   is a popular place to relax and enjoy the unique fauna of Florida . You can canoe down a river, spot alligators and manatees , and swim in a warm pool formed from natural springs.

2. Orlando Theme Parks

Orlando  has several world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort , Universal World Resort , and SeaWorld Orlando . These parks draw visitors from all over the world, and are definitely worth checking out!

3. Clearwater Beach

Located about  2 hours west  of  Winter Park ,  Clearwater Beach  is a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing vacation. This white sandy beach is consistently voted as one of the best beaches in the United States .

4. Kennedy Space Center

The famous  Kennedy Space Center is located about  1 hour east  of  Winter Park . You will be amazed as you check out real space shuttles and rockets that were used by the United States over the past few decades!

Where to Stay Around Winter Park

The price and availability of hotels can vary dramatically depending on the time of year. Therefore, it’s best to book your hotel in advance .

The SpringHill Suites is a highly-rated hotel in Winter Park . It is located only a few minutes from the Scenic Boat Tour dock and Rollins College !

For more accommodation options, I recommend looking in Orlando . This is only a short drive away, but has plenty of options for places to stay. Check out the AC Hotel in downtown for luxury and convenience.

Check out the map below to see available accommodations.

Best Time to Visit Winter Park

Winter Park is beautiful all year round. However, it can get pretty hot in the summer. In addition, the cost of flights and hotels can increase during this time, as it is peak season.

The best time to visit Winter Park is in late winter or early spring . Not only will the warm weather be a welcome relief from the cold, but also hotels and flights will be relatively inexpensive .

Need help planning your trip? Click HERE to find a variety of tools and information that can help make your travel planning more enjoyable.

Resources for your trip.

Book A Cheap Flight The first place to look for cheap flights is Skyscanner . This website gathers information from different companies and websites around the world to find the best deals for you. One of their best features is the ability to see the cheapest day to fly each month. Google Flights is another excellent resource.

Book A Place To Stay Booking.com is my go-to website for booking accommodations. They consistently have some of the best prices for hotels and frequently have deals. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . If you specifically want to rent a home, check out AirBnB or Vrbo .

Looking For A Tour? The best resource for looking up tours is GetYourGuide . This company will make planning your itinerary a breeze. For budget travelers , I recommend looking up available tours here and trying to organize them yourself to save some money.

Use Your Phone Abroad Whenever I travel abroad, I use Airalo . This is a company that offers eSIM services via a phone app. It is very convenient and you won’t have to worry about swapping SIM cards out of your phone. You can pay a few dollars for plans that range from 1 week to 1 year. Use the Promo Code ANDREW9734 for $3 off your first purchase!

How To Travel On A Budget? Traveling on a budget is my specialty. Check out my post on Traveling Internationally With Only A Personal Item . For other ideas on saving money while traveling, check out my ebook The World Is Yours: How to Afford International Travel on a Budget .

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Winter Park Scenic Boat Ride, Shopping, & Trader Joe's

Trip Description:

Visit one of Orlando's best kept secrets - Winter Park!

First, join us on a scenic pontoon boat tide across Winter Park's pristine chain of lakes, learning about the rich history of the area, Rollin College, and more.

While on Park Ave, you'll find dozens of boutiques and specialty stores, then have lunch on your own at one of the amazing local restaurants.

Optionally, you may also visit the Morse Museum of Art, featuring the world's largest collection of Tiffany stained glass!

After our time on Park Ave, we'll stop at Trader Joe's before heading home.

Trip Details:

Pick Up Location:  Hope Lutheran Church On the corner of 466 & Morse

520 Avenida Los Angelos

The Villages, FL 32162 (Please Park On the Side Closest to Morse) 

Price: $75 Per Person (bus driver tip not included)

• 8:30am to 5:00pm
• Includes Scenic Boat Tour
• ​Lunch on your own
• ​Transportation

Call Us to Book Your Trip: (352) 753-0736

352-753-0736

OFFICE HOURS:

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY

10:00AM - 2:00PM

NOTE: DUE TO CONTINUED HIGH FUEL COSTS, THERE WILL BE AN AUTOMATIC 

$3.00 SURCHARGE PER PERSON ON EVERY TRIP UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

PAYMENT METHODS: CREDIT CARDS, CASH OR PERSONAL CHECK ACCEPTED FOR ALL TRIPS

TRIP CANCELLATION POLICY:

ALL TRIP CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE WITHIN 14  DAYS OF THE TRIP DATE TO CONSTITUTE A FULL REFUND ALL CHARTER CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE WITHIN 31 DAYS OF THE TRIP DATE TO CONSTITUTE A FULL REFUND

​JP TOURS © 2024

FLA SELLER OF TRAVEL NO. ST44704

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Scenic Boat Tour

Attractions & Tours Park Avenue Merchants

• 312 East Morse Boulevard Winter Park FL 32789
• (407) 644-4056
• (407) 695-9067
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Kristy hightower, kristy hightower owner scenic boat tour.

• Phone: (407) 644-4056
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Mr. Ron Hightower

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Home » Perfect Weather For The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Perfect Weather For The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

The weather in Orlando at this time of year is simply glorious, blue skies, a light breeze and lots of fall sunshine – the perfect conditions to go and treat yourself to the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour.

Located on Lake Osceola in the quiet suburb less than 10 minutes from downtown Orlando, the boat tour offers hour-long, guided cruises through three of the seven lakes and two, narrow manmade canals on the tranquil Winter Park chain.

On any given tour, participants may observe large cranes swooping waterside to snag a large fish or a lazy alligator languishing on a nearby bank. An occasional water skier or racing shell full of crew members from the areas private liberal arts college, Rollins, are also enjoyable sideshows for tour goers.

Every tour, however, guarantees plenty of swaying palms, towering cypress trees, lush ferns and a variety of flourishing sub-tropical flowers. Breathtaking views of opulent private homes and exquisite estates sprawling along the shores are also a key feature of the scenic cruise.

The dock, less than 5 minutes from Park Avenue, Central Florida´s popular, upscale shopping district, is conveniently located on the East end of Morse Boulevard on Lake Osceola.

The Scenic Boat Tour offers a fleet of  18 passenger pontoon boats. Admission is $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for children Taxes Incl.(ages 2 through 11) under 2 are free.

Cash or Check Only! Operating hours are 10am to 4pm daily except Christmas.W

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