Winter Haven Chain of Lakes: 2-Hour Wildlife & History Pontoon Tour

Two Hours on Florida's Most Historic Lakes, With a Guide Who Knows Every Gator by Name

You spend two hours on a pontoon boat exploring five to seven connected lakes in Winter Haven with a guide who's been doing this for four decades. You'll see alligators, herons and otters, pass the historic Cypress Gardens site and the old movie pool, learn about the lakes where celebrities water-skied, and hear the real history of Florida's mid-century boom. Bottled water is included, and you can add a lakeside lunch or dinner reservation when you book.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Chain of Lakes history and wildlife

• Cruise by Chain of Lakes Park
• Pass historic Cypress Gardens and pool
• Explore Winter Haven's famous lakes

The experience

"You're gonna see things out here most people never get to," the guide said as we settled into the pontoon, and he wasn't overstating it. The Chain of Lakes tour runs 2 hours through Winter Haven, Florida: five to seven connected lakes that most visitors drive past without knowing what they're looking at. The boat is new, the guide has over 40 years on the water, and the whole thing has won the Certificate of Excellency and Travelers Choice awards every year since 2018. That's not marketing talk. That's what happens when someone knows a place that well and actually wants to show it to you.

The route takes you past the old Cypress Gardens site, where they filmed "Easy to Love" with Esther Williams back when Florida was still figuring out what it wanted to be. You see the famous pool from the water. It's shaped like Florida, which sounds corny until you're actually floating past it and your guide is telling you about the southern belles who posed on the bridge in the 1930s. Then there's the Chain of Lakes Park, where the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians used to hold spring training. The lakes themselves are where Elvis and Johnny Carson water-skied. You're not just looking at scenery. You're looking at the actual geography of mid-century Florida, and the guide walks you through it without making it feel like a history lesson.

Wildlife sightings depend on the day, but alligators, otters, blue herons, turtles, osprey and anhingas are all regular. The guide knows where to look and when to slow down. Bring a camera: the lush shoreline and the animals give you plenty to shoot. If you want to extend the day, lunch or dinner reservations at Harborside restaurant (a lakeside spot) can be arranged when you book. Bottled water is included. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks too. Arrive 15 minutes early: restrooms don't open until 11:30am, so plan around that if you need them.

Summer mornings (late May through September) are best if you're going then. Wildlife is more active and it's cooler before the afternoon rain rolls in. The boat accommodates all fitness levels, and infants can sit on a lap or in a stroller. If you need wheelchair access, call ahead: special arrangements are required to ensure the right boat and an alternate pickup location at the boat launch next door.

What’s included

• Your tour includes the two-hour pontoon boat ride, a local guide with over 40 years of experience, bottled water, and access to the Chain of Lakes' five to seven connected waterways.
• You'll pass historic sites like Cypress Gardens and the old movie pool, and you have the option to add a lunch or dinner reservation at Harborside restaurant when you book.
• Bring your own food and drinks if you prefer.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs Monday to Saturday, 5 start times, from US$ 46.01 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 11 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday to Saturday5 departure times: 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 11:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 111 private ›

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to1d before

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

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-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Living Water Boat Cruises LLC

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see real Florida wildlife and history without arranging your own boat or guide: the fixed two-hour window and the guide's 40 years of local knowledge mean you're seeing the lakes the way someone who actually lives here would show them to you.

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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 can I expect to see?

Alligators, otters, blue herons, turtles, osprey and anhingas are common sightings. Exact wildlife varies by day and season.

How long is the tour?

Two hours on the water.

What's included?

The pontoon boat, local guide, bottled water, and access to five to seven lakes on the Chain of Lakes. Lunch or dinner reservations at Harborside restaurant can be added when you book.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. Bottled water is provided, but you're welcome to bring anything else you'd like.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. Restrooms don't open until 11:30am, so plan accordingly.

When is the best time to book?

Summer mornings (late May through September) are ideal for wildlife activity and cooler temperatures. Afternoons in summer bring rain.

Is wheelchair access available?

Yes, but only one wheelchair guest per tour. Call ahead to arrange special accommodations, including an alternate pickup location at the boat launch.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

No. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can I make a lunch or dinner reservation?

Yes. Lakeside dining at Harborside restaurant is available upon request when you book the tour.