Orlando · SAILING, PONTOON & SCENIC CRUISES
19 reviewed
This is the shortlist we’d hand a friend flying in: the 15 sailing, pontoon & scenic cruises worth booking, each with its price, its traveller verdict, and the one thing to know before you commit.
Ride a covered riverboat on East Lake Toho in St. Cloud for an easy, family-friendly sunset cruise with onboard music and drinks for sale.
“Breath taking sun set accompanied by friends and family. Super friendly staff and great music. Definitely worth the price!”
Cruise Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes on a pontoon pub crawl, stopping at 5 lakeside bars for food, drinks, wildlife, and sunset views.
“Fantastic experience. A lovely way to learn about the history of the area while enjoying some drinks with the locals. The host is fantastic and easy to talk to. Definitely will be coming back in the future!”
Captain your own catamaran on Clermont’s lakes and rivers, with radio-guided wildlife commentary and a hammock stop at Cypress Cove.
“Excellent fun for family, fun little boats no experience need to drive. Nate was a great tour guide. Little bit of history and trivia. Fun for all!”
A private 2-hour sail on Lake Fairview from Orlando with a friendly captain, calm views, and a hands-on sailing lesson.
“It was very quiet and relaxing experience! Dan was very informative and knows sailing very well and very entertaining!!”
Private 2-hour sunset sail on Lake Fairview in Orlando with a licensed captain. Bring snacks and drinks for golden hour.
“Though it is a bit chilly, the sunset view is awesome. Dan is very nice and skillful. Overall experience is fantastic.”
Orlando to Clearwater Beach by shuttle, then a Sea Screamer speedboat ride with dolphin spotting, beach time, and optional lunch.
“We had a great time on the Sea Screamer! The crew was amazing and the experience was definitely worth it. We got to see so many dolphins on the trip and it was a good way to keep cool even in that Florida heat between the wind and the ocean mist. Would highly recommend!”
90-minute Everglades eco cruise from Big Toho Marina for $55: learn the ecosystem, spot alligators and birds, and grab lasting photos.
“captain Chris was fantastic had a great time very informative with everything well done everyone”
Cruise the St. Johns River from Sanford on the Barbara-Lee paddlewheeler with live entertainment and a made-to-order lunch or dinner.
“Wonderful cruise. Saw a beautiful sunset and the food and service was great. We highly recommend this cruise!”
Private 4-hour pontoon cruise in Winter Haven through the Chain of Lakes, wildlife spotting, history, and lunch options.
“This was a low-key, pleasant day on the water. We stopped for lunch and enjoyed motoring around the lakes and hearing its history and what is happening now.”
Sternwheeler lunch or dinner cruise from Sanford on Florida's St. Johns River. 3 hours, made-to-order entrees, live music, great views.
“The boat is very nice with a lot of great viewing on all decks. The menu had many great choices and the ones we picked were very good. The optional drinks were very good with many to choose from. We would take this cruise again.”
Orlando to Clearwater by bus, then a 1-hour Sea Screamer ride with dolphin sightings in the wake and free time on top beaches.
“Nice beautiful boat and then nice beach afternoon. Also saw dolphins”
Private 2-hour sunset sail on Lake Fairview near Orlando. Small group with Captain Dan, try the helm, bring snacks and music.
“Exceptional experience! I booked this tour for my fiance and he loved it. Dan was a well knowledgeable guide and the conversations we had with him was like talking to a long time friend. This is one tour that we will be booking again.”
1-hour Everglades-style pontoon cruise from Big Toho Marina in Kissimmee: English live guide, wildlife talk, scenic views, $40.
“Captain Chris and his wife Yvette provided us with a wonderful scenic tour. They went the extra mile to ensure our understanding of the native ecosystem. We highly recommend this tour.”
Private pontoon fishing on calm Lake Tohopekaliga with gear and lures included, lessons for all ages, and wildlife spotting.
“We had the best time. The guide was so much fun. He knew all the best spots. He baited and casted out for the grandkids. Then helped them on how to catch the fish.”
1-hour pontoon cruise on Lake Eloise near Orlando. Clear views, Bimini shade, and wildlife spotting for $48 per person.
“The view was nice. The host was nice and the best. He treated us good and I enjoy myself. I would definitely recommend you to try it aleast once”
