Pontoon Lake Tours Winter Haven: Wildlife & Waterski History

Three hours on the water, one restaurant stop, alligators and the lakes that made waterskiing famous

A narrated pontoon tour of Winter Haven Chain of Lakes near Orlando explores the historic waterways known as "The Capital of Waterskiing Worldwide." The boat passes through natural habitat where alligators sun themselves on shore, otters and birds move through the landscape, and the Legoland Waterski Show performs. A one-hour restaurant stop breaks the tour, with choices including Harborside, Tanners, Idle Zone, Old Man Franks or CaBay.

The experience

The Winter Haven Chain of Lakes holds a specific place in American waterskiing history (movie stars chose it as a destination long before the theme parks arrived), and this tour moves through that landscape at a pace that lets you take it in. A guide narrates the route, pointing out the wildlife that lives here year-round: alligators basking on the banks, otters moving through the water, and the variety of birds that nest and feed across the chain. The pontoon itself stays stable and open, so sightlines stay clear whether you're watching the shore or the water.

The restaurant stop anchors the middle of the tour. You pick your venue when you book: Harborside serves oysters and sea skins; Tanners offers lobster bites, shrimp and grits; Idle Zone, Old Man Franks and CaBay round out the options, each with their own menu of appetizers and small plates. An hour on solid ground breaks up the water time and gives you a chance to eat and move around before heading back out.

Private transportation gets you to the boat, and personal flotation devices are provided. The tour runs about four hours total, counting the restaurant time. All areas are wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the boat.
• personal flotation devices.
• narrated guide in English.
• one-hour restaurant stop with menu access at your choice of five venues.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Briscoe's Ride Center Inc.

Is this one for you?The tour departs from the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes with private transportation included, so you don't need a car or directions to find the dock. The boat and guide are your starting point. If you're staying in Orlando without a rental, this setup gets you out on the water without the logistics.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of wildlife will I actually see on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes?

Alligators sunning themselves on shore are common sightings, along with otters, various bird species, and other animals in their natural habitat. The guide points them out as the pontoon moves through the chain.

Can I watch the Legoland Waterski Show from the tour boat?

Yes, you may see the Legoland Waterski Show during the tour, though sightings depend on the show schedule and your route on the day you go.

How much time do I spend at the restaurant stop?

The restaurant stop lasts one hour, giving you time to order and eat from the menu at your chosen venue before returning to the boat.

Which restaurants are included in the tour, and what do they serve?

Five restaurants are available: Harborside (oysters, sea skins), Tanners (lobster bites, shrimp and grits), Idle Zone, Old Man Franks (oysters, fish tacos) and CaBay (rum run and other drinks). You choose your stop when you book.