E
Relaxing and fun
We had a wonderful time with Sage. She was very knowledgeable and very friendly. The boat was clean and very comfortable and shaded. I recommend asking for Sage. It was worth the trip.
2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes
+7 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $46 / person
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 429 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 11
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Meeting point
- ALL GUESTS MUST ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME. Please meet the captain at The Living Water Cruises sign at dock 15 MIN PRIOR to departure time. BOATS DO NOT WAIT. Restrooms do not open until 11:30am; please plan accordingly. Lunch or dinner reservations are available upon request.
- Confirmation
- Instant
Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Orlando
Description
Take an award winning tour of the Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven! Awarded the Certificate of Excellency & Travelers Choice awards every year since 2018. Experience true southern hospitality as you explore real Florida aboard a brand new Pontoon boat with a local guide with over 40 years experience. Your guide will take you on adventure like no other through the incredible beauty and rich history of 5 to 7 historical lakes of the famous Chain of Lakes. You will be able to capture amazing photos of the wildlife and lush tropical landscaping that line the shores of this rich resource. Possible sitings include alligators, otters, blue heron, turtles, osprey, anhingas and more! You will also learn about the history of Cypress Gardens and take a nostalgic look at the famous Florida pool as you glide by and peek into a moment in history where the southern bells once stood on the famous Cypress Gardens bridge. This tour is perfect for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike!
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will cruise by the famous Chain of Lakes Park where the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians once held their spring training.
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.
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!
Highlights
Lunch or Dinner reservations for lakeside dining at Harborside restaurant available upon request.
Bottled water
We provide bottled water. Guests are welcome to bing anything they woud like to eat or drink.
What's included
Included
Lunch or Dinner reservations for lakeside dining at Harborside restaurant available upon request.
Bottled water
We provide bottled water. Guests are welcome to bing anything they woud like to eat or drink.
Traveller Ratings
4.9
429 reviews
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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. YOU MUST CALL TO BOOK A WHEELCHAIR GUEST BECAUSE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE MADE WHICH INCLUDES ENSURING AVAILABILTY OF A SPECIFIC BOAT AND AN ALTERNATE PICK UP LOCATION. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILTY CANNOT BE BOOKED DIRECT WITHOUT CONTACTING US TO ENSURE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE.
- Traveller tip: In the summer months from late May to September it is recommended to book in the morning when the wildlife is most active and the temperature is more comfortable. Summer is rainy season for Florida and rains are more likely in the afternoon.
- ALL GUESTS MUST ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME. .Restrooms do not open until 11:30am; please plan accordingly. Lunch or dinner reservations are available upon request.
Frequently asked questions
How long does 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes take?
2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes cost?
Prices start at $46 per person for this Orlando experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is ALL GUESTS MUST ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME. Please meet the captain at The Living Water Cruises sign at dock 15 MIN PRIOR to departure time. BOATS DO NOT WAIT. Restrooms do not open until 11:30am; please plan accordingly. Lunch or dinner reservations are available upon request. . Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 11 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
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. YOU MUST CALL TO BOOK A WHEELCHAIR GUEST BECAUSE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE MADE WHICH INCLUDES ENSURING AVAILABILTY OF A SPECIFIC BOAT AND AN ALTERNATE PICK UP LOCATION. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILTY CANNOT BE BOOKED DIRECT WITHOUT CONTACTING US TO ENSURE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE.
Reviews(429)
3
Great time!!!
Sage was great!! She was experienced, knowledgeable, and entertaining!!!! We had a great time with her!!!
Operator response
Wow!!! Thanks so much Renee J, It was our pleasure having you guys aboard The Living Water Cruise. Sharlene and I are so happy that you guys enjoyed your tour of our beautiful Chain of Lakes with Saige. She said she thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship and you guys were so much fun. Thank you for the wonderful review and we look forward to hosting you and your family again soon. God Bless! Rue and Sharlene Denton, Owners 😎🚤⚓️
R
Great time!!!
Sage was a wonderful guide! She was very knowledgeable, experienced, and entertaining!! We loved our experience!
Operator response
Dear Renee J, It was our pleasure having you guys aboard The Living Water Cruise. Sharlene and I are so happy that you guys enjoyed your tour of our beautiful Chain of Lakes with Saige. She said you guys were awesome and throughly enjoyed the fellowship out on the lakes. Thank you for the wonderful review and we look forward to hosting you and your family again soon. God Bless! Rue and Sharlene, Owners 😎🚤⚓️
R
Great water tour with a great guide also a company with great customer service
I booked the 2 Hour Historical wildlife tour of the chain of lakes in Winter Haven. Some how on the date of the tour I made a mistake on the tour time. I received a phone call as well as a text from Sharlene that I was about to miss my tour. After speaking to Sharlene, (who was very friendly and professional) She contacted the tour guide and made arrangements for my party to join the tour at a different location. Our tour guide, Sade was excellent, very informative and caring, as it was a very hot day, she offered us water, towels and hats to help us stay cool. I would differently recommend this tour and this company, ask for tour guide Sade !!!!!!
Operator response
Thanks so much for your excellent review and kind words about our company. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your cruise out on the chain of lakes. The captain, Saige said you guys were awesome and she thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship. Our guest satisfaction is paramount to us and the success of our company, we cannot do what we love without your support, and for that we are eternally grateful. Please keep in touch, you will receive a 15% discount because you are now officially frequent floaters, on any tours going forward, and your third tour you get one free ticket. We look forward to having you on board again soon. Thanks again and God bless! Rue and Sharlene Denton, Owners 😎🚤⚓️🐊
P
Excellent low stress water tour with a great guide
Excellent low stress 2-hour tour a sage. The captain did an excellent job with her enthusiasm and knowledge of the lakes and the attractions such as this past ski attractions, the wildlife and it was wonderful seeing the sunset
Operator response
Wow!!! Pilot D, Thanks so much for your excellent review and kind words about our company. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your cruise out on the chain of lakes. The captain, Saige said you guys were awesome and she thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship. You were blessed to see so much wildlife. Our guest satisfaction is paramount to us and the success of our company, we cannot do what we love without your support, and for that we are eternally grateful. Please keep in touch, you will receive a 15% discount because you are now officially frequent floaters, on any tours going forward, and your third tour you get one free ticket. We look forward to having you on board again soon. Thanks again and God bless! Rue and Sharlene Denton, Owners 😎🚤⚓️🐊
B
An Enjoying boat ride with Captain Bryce
Bryce was an excellent navigator and guide. He worked hard to keep us out of the hot sun by constantly raising and lowering the canopy which was necessitated by the low bridges we went under. Being from Florida, we were familiar with the different species of birds. We did enjoy seeing the homes built around each lake.
Operator response
Dear Bob K, Thanks so much for your excellent review and kind words about our company. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your cruise out on the chain of lakes. The captain, Bryce said you guys were awesome and he thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship. The best time to book is November thru April, it’s cooler, it never rains and the snowbirds fly down and the Gators and wildlife are more active and abundant. Our guest satisfaction is paramount to us and the success of our company, we cannot do what we love without your support, and for that we are eternally grateful. Please keep in touch, you will receive a 15% discount because you are now officially frequent floaters, on any tours going forward, and your third tour you get one free ticket. We look forward to having you on board again soon. Thanks again and God bless! Rue and Sharlene Denton, Owners 😎🚤⚓️🐊
I
We had a great time!
Great experience for us. If you are looking for a relaxing time on the water, learn some local history and see some wildlife then this is the tour for you. Our captain - Sage - was so friendly and knew her stuff. Appreciated the map and the water. Looking forward to planning another tour of the northern lakes
Operator response
Wow!!! Thanks so much for your excellent review and kind words about our company. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your cruise out on the chain of lakes. The captain, Saige said you guys were awesome and she thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship. You were blessed to see so much wildlife. Our guest satisfaction is paramount to us and the success of our company, we cannot do what we love without your support, and for that we are eternally grateful. Please keep in touch, you will receive a 15% discount because you are now officially frequent floaters, on any tours going forward, and your third tour you get one free ticket. We look forward to having you on board again soon. Thanks again and God bless! Rue and Sharlene Denton, Owners 😎🚤⚓️🐊
K
Sunset cruise
We had a wonderful 2 hour sunset cruise around several lakes in Winter Haven. It was a perfect evening, especially weather-wise, and the cruise did not disappoint. Sage was our driver and she was friendly, engaging, and entertaining as she told us about the lakes, any wildlife we saw, and history in the area. She answered our questions and gladly took pictures. I would recommend this tour with Sage as the driver!! Dinner at Harborside prior to our cruise was delicious as always.
Operator response
Wow!!! It was our pleasure having you guys aboard The Living Water Cruises. Sharlene and I are so happy that you guys enjoyed your tour of our beautiful Chain of Lakes. Captain Saige said you guys were awesome and she throughly enjoyed the fellowship. Don’t forget, you are frequent floaters now, that means you get 15% off of every cruise going forward and on your third ride you get one free ticket. Thank you for the wonderful review and we look forward to hosting you and your family again soon. God Bless! Rue and Sharlene Denton, Owners 😎🚤⚓️
2
Good boat trip
A really good trip with Rue Denton which was good at telling about the area and finding birds. Can warmly recommend
Operator response
Dear Annette V, Thanks so much for your excellent review and kind words about our company. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your cruise out on the chain of lakes. The captain, Rue said you guys were awesome and he thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship. You were blessed to see so much wildlife. Our guest satisfaction is paramount to us and the success of our company, we cannot do what we love without your support, and for that we are eternally grateful. Please keep in touch, you will receive a 15% discount because you are now officially frequent floaters, on any tours going forward, and your third tour you get one free ticket. We look forward to having you on board again soon. Thanks again and God bless! Rue and Sharlene Denton, Owners 😎🚤⚓️🐊
P
Perfect Evening
We actually took the 2 hour sunset cruise. It was an excellent cruise through at least five of the lakes. Sage was an amazing captain and tour guide. It was an informative, scenic, and tranquil evening. A perfect way to escape the craziness of Orlando. We also enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Harborside restaurant before the cruise.
Operator response
Thanks so much for your excellent review and kind words about our company. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your cruise out on the chain of lakes. The captain, Saige said you guys were awesome and she thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship. You were blessed to see so much wildlife. Our guest satisfaction is paramount to us and the success of our company, we cannot do what we love without your support, and for that we are eternally grateful. Please keep in touch, you will receive a 15% discount because you are now officially frequent floaters, on any tours going forward, and your third tour you get one free ticket. We look forward to having you on board again soon. Thanks again and God bless! Rue and Sharlene Denton, Owners 😎🚤⚓️🐊
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