Winter Haven Chain of Lakes tour: Wildlife and history by Pontoon

Spot alligators and otters while learning where Elvis once water-skied

A one-hour Pontoon boat tour of Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes, led by a guide with over 40 years of local knowledge, takes you past 3 to 4 connected lakes to watch wildlife and see the remains of the historic Cypress Gardens from the water. The tour covers the lakes where the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians held spring training, and where celebrities including Elvis Presley and Johnny Carson have skied.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes

• Cruise by Chain of Lakes Park
• Tour past historic Cypress Gardens
• Explore famous Chain of Lakes

The experience

The boat leaves from Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes Park, where you'll cruise past the site of historic spring training grounds and into the heart of a 50-lake system connected by water. Your guide points out alligators, otters, blue herons, turtles, osprey and anhingas as they appear along the shoreline, and you'll pass the famous Cypress Gardens with its iconic Florida-shaped pool: the one from the 1953 film "Easy to Love" with Esther Williams. From the water you get a glimpse of what remains of the gardens and the bridge where the southern belles once posed for photographs.

Winter Haven calls itself the Water Ski capital of the world, and the tour takes you past the lakes where that history was made: the same waters where Elvis Presley, Johnny Carson and other celebrities have skied. The Pontoon boat itself is built for comfort and sightseeing. You'll have room to move and clear sightlines for photos. Bottled water is provided. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks if you want to make a longer day of it.

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The boats do not wait. In summer months from late May through September, the morning departures are best. Wildlife is most active and the temperature is cooler before the afternoon rains typical of Florida's rainy season. Restrooms don't open until 11:30 a.m., so plan accordingly if you need them before boarding.

What’s included

• Bottled water is provided.
• you can bring your own food and drinks aboard the Pontoon boat.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (11 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 10

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Living Water Boat Cruises LLC

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so the commentary is straightforward to follow for any English speaker. The one-hour length and relaxed Pontoon pace suit families with children, history buffs curious about Cypress Gardens and the spring training era, and nature watchers who want to see Florida wildlife without a long time commitment.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 wildlife might I see on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes tour?

Alligators, otters, blue herons, turtles, osprey and anhingas are common sightings along the shoreline. Wildlife activity is highest in the morning, especially during summer months.

Will I see Cypress Gardens on this tour?

Yes, you'll cruise past the historic Cypress Gardens and see the famous Florida-shaped pool from the water. The tour gives you a water-side view of what remains of the gardens and the bridge where the southern belles once stood for photographs.

How long is the Chain of Lakes tour?

The tour is one hour long and covers 3 to 4 of Winter Haven's connected historical lakes.

What's included in the tour price?

Bottled water is provided. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks aboard the Pontoon boat.

When is the best time to book this tour?

Morning departures are recommended, especially from late May through September when wildlife is most active and temperatures are more comfortable before the afternoon rains typical of Florida's rainy season.

Do I need to arrive early?

Yes, all guests must arrive 15 minutes before departure time. The boats do not wait for late arrivals. Restrooms do not open until 11:30 a.m., so plan accordingly.