Orlando Activities for the Whole Family!
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

312 East Morse Blvd.
Winter Park, FL 32789

Scenic Boat Tour Website (opens a new page)

Orlando activities are not hard to find. But, if you’re looking for Orlando activities that are fun and inexpensive then you need to take a look at the scenic boat tour in Winter Park, Florida.

Take an hour long boat ride around 3 lakes surrounding some of the most prestigious homes, schools and museums in Winter Park.

I took my Mom with me to check out the scenic boat tour in Winter Park, Florida. A little town just outside of Orlando, Florida.

The boats go out everyday (except Christamas) from 10am to 4pm. You just have to show up about 10 mins before the hour you want to go. It’s on a first come first serve basis. So if all the boats are full you will have to wait for the next one.

The last boat goes out at 4pm. Keep in mind the boats do not go out if it’s raining. So if there’s rain in the forecast the day you plan to go just make sure you go early enough so you’ll get the chance.

They had three boats ready to take out the first group of the morning the day we arrived for our boat tour. What a relief that I didn’t have to find something to do for an hour.

If you do show up and there aren’t enough boats to accommodate everyone, you can kill some time on Park Ave. There’s a bunch of trendy little shops that’ll be sure to hold your interest for awhile.

Once the captains are ready they pack you in the boats and head out. The ride is very easy and calm. I sometimes get motion sickness but I had no trouble on the boat. They took it easy. It’s just a nice, leisurely trip.

Unlike some of the other Orlando activities the kids and hard to please teenagers should enjoy themselves on this fun and entertaining ride around the lakes.

Tips that’ll make your Winter Park Boat tour more enjoyable:

*Eat breakfast first and give yourself a little time before you get on the boat to digest.

*As with all outdoor Orlando activities make sure you wear sun screen. If you forget it you can buy it there. Better to just apply it before you go. One less thing to drag around.

*Bring a hat or sunglasses so you don’t have to squint due to the sun.

* Make sure to bring along a drink so that you’ll have it. The sun can be brutal and you’re going to want that. The ride is only and hour long but you’re on the water and a typical day in Florida is sunny so expect to get thirsty. They sell bottled water there too.

*A camera. There’s some really pretty shots.

I don’t always take my own advice so now I have red shoulders and a red back. Not the best look in the world and just a little painful...thank you very much.

So I’d recommend you avoid it all together and get yourself some decent sun screen. With so many outdoor Orlando activities you’d think I would have learned my lesson by now!

On a sunny day you’re sure to get some color with sun screen, it just will not look as noticeable as those of us that choose to go without.

The boats are uncovered so you’re a sitting duck for the sun to nip at you. If you want to avoid a sunburn wear long sleeves and a hat. Along with the sun screen.

Our boat wasn’t too full which was nice. We were in the third boat in the back. The caboose if you will. But that was okay with me because we had plenty of room to stretch out.

The other two boats were full and people had to sit two to a seat. It’s only and hour though so there really isn’t much chance of getting too uncomfortable.

If you get a nice Florida day like we did you’re sure to enjoy yourself.

The houses alone are enough to make you’re months drop. Most cost in the millions! Plus, you get to check out the beautiful landscapes of the Polasek Museum.

And, you’ll get to see the back of Rollins College ( my alma mater.) The campus is just so beautiful. If you have time I suggest you go and take a walk on Campus. It would be a great addition to your Orlando activities check list.

You could even go to the back where you can see the boat tour and get a different perspective.

*UPDATE*Rollins College is going through major renovations as of summer 2012. You can still walk around but it may not be as leisurely.

You go around three lakes in total. You get to each lake through a canal that goes through the back yards of some of these houses. I really liked going through the canales. They were well shaded and had lots of pretty trees and plants.

Plus you get to be a little nosy and check out the backs of the houses and also some of the boat houses had some pretty cool boats in them.

Our boat captain told us about some of the people that live in the houses. He said that a basketball player used to live in one. And on occasion when he was out and about on his jet ski he would swing by the tour boats to talk to the people on it.

He also told us of a time when they were having a Scottish wedding at one of the estates that lined the water.

He said that some of the drunken men that were wearing quilts gave them a friendly hello....uh um.....from behind. He said the boat was filled with church ladies no less!

So along with your ride you’re sure to get a few colorful stories as well. If you sit in the back of the boat you may not be able to hear what the captain is saying about the homes and surrounding attractions.

The cost for the scenic Winter Park, Florida boat tour is $12 per adult and $6 for kids under 12 years old. They only accept cash so be sure to bring enough for your whole group.

The pontoon boats hold up to 18 people. If you have a large group you can get a better rate, but you have to call for information.

The parking is free and there usually plenty of it.

Be sure to check out Go Orlando Card which normally covers this tour as part of their deal. If you’re looking some Orlando activities that offer fun and leisure, look no farther than the Winter Park scenic boat tour.

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