sunset boat cruise cocoa beach

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321-978-5479 [email protected]

Sunset Cruise

• Tour Duration: 2 Hours
• Monday – Sunday 5:30 pm
• Min Age: All ages welcome
• Max People: 6 maximum

Experience the natural beauty of a Florida sunset as its vivid colors reflect upon the water. You’ll be lulled into relaxation with soothing music and a sense of serenity that can only be felt in nature.

Your private captain will cruise through the lagoon for breathtaking views, searching for dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds. Enjoy a perfect opportunity to share that special moment with a loved one, or wind down the day with family and friends. Bring your dinner and beverages aboard our cozy pontoon boat for an evening to remember. We look forward to seeing you in paradise!

To book a tour press the “book” button. Questions? Call us at (321) 978-5479 .

Tour Highlights

• Be enveloped in the beauty of calm blue waters of th eIndian River Lagoon and astonishing views of the endless sunset sky.
• Have close encounters with local wildlife : dolphins, manatees, birds and some large cranes!
• Be on the lookout for swinging dolphins and relaxing manatees.
• Comfortable seats & warm blankets.
• Highly Knowledgeable Captains.
• Small Group Size

2550 N Banana River Dr Merritt Island, FL 32952

Opening Hours

Monday – Sunday Departure: 5:30 PM

Important Notes

Alcohol is permitted for guests that are 21 years of age and up. The maximum number of seats on our pontoon boat is 6 people, including infants (this means passengers from 0 to 100 years old), not counting the captain. Tip for the Captain. 18-20% is customary

Prohibitions & Limitations

Unfortunately, we can only bring six passengers per vessel. This is a strictly enforced coast guard regulation, so legally we cannot go over that limit regardless of age or participation in activities.

Sometimes we can arrange multiple boats to go out at the same time. Please call us for availability at (321) 978-5479 during office hours from 8 am to 6 pm EST.

What’s Included?

• Life Jackets

What to Bring?

• Water Shoes
• Polarize Sunglasses

Cancellation Policy

NON REFUNDABLE TICKETS

TERMS AND CONDITIONS : Then you purchase your tickets YOU AGREE BY CHECKING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS BOX OF OUR COMPANY POLICY THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED NON REFUNDABLE TICKETS. All passengers will need a ticket regardless of age or participation of activities Payment details: Reservations are required and all payments must be made in advance so we can secure your spot and send your tickets. Most major credit cards accepted. Weather: This is a weather permitting activity. Being that we are outside on the water we must always consider safety first! If your trip is cancelled due to weather related issues we will notify you asap with a Captain cancel by email or phone. There is no fee to reschedule if we issue a Captain cancellation. No call, no show – Forfeit your payments If you don’t show up at departure time, your tickets will be considered a NO Show and forfeit your reservation (this includes vouchers). 

Customer photos

What are the age restrictions for passengers?

There is no age limit for our tour. Anyone who boards the boat will need a ticket regardless of age or participation in activities. We also provide coast guard approved life jackets from infant size to adult. Look forward to seeing you in paradise!

Can we bring a dog?

Yes, we are pet friendly and love to have our furry friends join for the fun! Please remember to bring “doggy bags” to clean any pet waste.

Also please note that we operate in brackish water, which contains salt water, that can quickly dehydrate animals if they drink it so be sure to bring a bowl and fresh water as well.

When should we arrive?

We ask guests to please arrive 10-15 minutes before your departure time.

What kind of boat?

Our tours are done on pontoon boats.

Are tours done all year?

Yes we offer tours year round and feel that each season has something different to offer.

Can we take pictures?

Yes you are welcome to take photos throughout the trip.

What kind of animals might we see?

There are hundreds of species of animals here in the lagoon such as dolphins, Manatees, coastal birds, bottom dwellers like stingrays and horseshoe crabs, alligators, river otters, and more.

Are there restrooms on the boat?

There is no restroom on the boat so recommend using the restroom at the marina prior to boarding.

Related Tours

Private Dolphin & Manatee Wildlife Adventure Tour

Thousand Islands Wildlife Adventure Tour

Jazmyn Young

5⭐PLUS!! This was the best boat tour I’ve ever been on! We took the sunset cruise on a Monday night. We were lucky enough to have the boat to ourselves (even if we hadn’t the largest group they take is 6 ppl!) Capt Lee was amazing! Full of knowledge & very friendly. He took us to many dolphin hot spots & we were able to see quite a few! We saw a manatee, several birds & an alligator! This is definitely a tour everyone should go on… more than once!!

Neisha Handley

This was a surprise for my youngest two kiddos on our vacation to Cocoa Beach. We homeschool, so in preparation for this we studied dolphins, manatees, and mangrove trees. Needless to say this trip brought learning to life!! We ended up having the boat to ourselves and our guide was amazing. We saw close to 20 dolphins, and for a good 25mins followed several of them and they were swimming all around us! There was even a baby in the pod which was amazing to see. The timing headed back to the marina was perfect as the sun was setting. We would come here again and again!

Steven Jones

Awesome experience our guide Mike was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We were able to get into the water and explore the sand bar. Saw a few dolphins but no manatees this time but overall a great trip out!!!

Sail Cocoa Beach

Come sail away with Sail Cocoa Beach!

Experience the Space Coast like never before with our catamaran sailing excursions, sunset cruises and more. Learn to sail with our experienced instructors and join our sailing club. Sail Cocoa Beach is dedicated to bringing fun and exciting sailing to you, your family and friends!

Private Charters

Charter the entire catamaran for your special event! All our sails can be reserved as private events.

Sail in total privacy with only your close family and friends. Bring up to 32 people for the most unique experience on the Space Coast.

Great for birthday parties, wedding celebrations, corporate events and more!

Public Catamaran Sails

Join us for a relaxing sail along the beautiful waters of the Indian River and famous Intracoastal Waterway.

Or take to the Atlantic Ocean for our fun filled ocean sailing adventures along the beaches of Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach!

Family friendly fun or choose a romantic sunset sail.

Sailing Club

Want to sail but don’t want the hassle of buying and maintaining a sailboat?

Join the Sail Cocoa Beach Sailing Club. Sail to Cocoa Village to spice up that mid day lunch break or sail into the sunset with you close family and friends.

Membership is limited to 16 sailors so join today!

Learn To Sail

Start you dream of learning to sail with Sail Cocoa Beach!

We’re an ASA certified sailing school. From basic keelboat to catamaran training, Sail Cocoa Beach ASA instructors will show you the ropes.

Sign up today for ASA 101, 103, 104 or 114 or take our Intro To Sail class!

#1 Rated On TripAdvisor!!

[fareharbor items=”10″]

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!

Absolutely worth every penny spent on this tour, easy to book, pay and get signed in. Kevin and Ritche are awesome captains, they are the ones that definitely made our trip awesome, from teaching us how to tack the boat, sea rays jumping from the water and the dolphins, great times where had through and through by all in our group. Great memories were made and most likely this is going to be one of our go to family traditions. READY TO COME ABOUT!!! HARD A LE!!!!

– Ny trees | Tripadvisor

Amazing trip!

An amazing trip! It was all we expected and more. We sailed to an island and got to play on SUPs, kayaks and swim and then enjoy a breezy cruise back with a fun bunch of people from all over the country. The crew was super fun and hospitable and entertaining. The boat is huge and smooth even when other boats zoomed past. I wish next time we are coming and bringing more friends. Thanks Capt Ritche and Josh for the great trip!

– K Rhoads | Google

Wow! We had an enjoyable time on the catamaran. Pleasant and friendly crew. We look forward to sailing again and hopefully will be able to bring family and friends with us. Definitely recommend this!

– Fran H. | Google

Perfect way to spend an afternoon

I thoroughly enjoyed my sail, as a novice sailor myself it was great fun to be a part of the crew for the afternoon! Funny story, myself and a friend that was on this sail actually sailed with Captain Rachel in St. Thomas on a cruise excursion. Sailing community is a small world 🙂

– Kendra I. | Tripadvisor

Catamaran Cruises & Boat Tours!

Explore the Space Coast aboard catamaran sailing boat trips. Dolphins, SpaceX, sunsets, cruise ships, wildlife and amazing views await at Sail Cocoa Beach.

Catamaran charters near me offering family, group, and individual wildlife, eco and dolphin boat tours in Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island and the surrounding areas.

We offer the top adventure boat rental tours at affordable rates. Experience freedom and enjoy quality sailing adventures with us.

Explore the historic Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic ocean, Banana River and the beach from a different perspective.  We are located at the beautiful Cape Crossing Resort and Marina, and Port Canaveral marina on the Weekends close to the cruises and cruise lines area.

Sailing rentals provide a unique, unforgettable experience. Our friendly crew can take you on a sunset tour and more.

Space Coast’s #1 Catamaran Boat Tour

A full day of fun in the sun for the whole family.

Cruises & Tours

Cruise Cocoa

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we embark on a thrilling 2-hr tour of the Indian River Lagoon Estuary in beautiful Florida! Now serving 2 locations- Cocoa Beach and Melbourne! These family-friendly boat ride offers a unique opportunity to witness the incredible wildlife that calls this area home. As we cruise along, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins leaping through the waves where you will have a front-row seat. But that’s not all – be prepared to encounter gentle manatees gliding through the water. So grab your camera, gather your loved ones, & join us on this incredible sightseeing journey. It’s a chance to create cherished memories.

Sunset Tours

Description:

Ready for a Romantic Evening? We offer exclusive Sunset Tours for our guests.

Sit back and relax while you witness the awe inspiring colors that are provided by a florida sunset. this romantic moment is best seen on the water. have those cameras ready.

Book your Sunset Tour with Cruise Cocoa Today.

Limited availability.

Enjoy a majestic sunset cruise with Cruise Cocoa. Departing from 2 different locations depending on the size of your group. Either Kelly Park in Merritt Island, Florida. where we explore the Banana River, Indian River Lagoon and the Canaveral Barge Canal to give the best views of one of our favorite sites. Or for the larger groups Eau gallie Causeway Boat Ramp located just outside the historic Melbourne Florida. These fun and romantic 2-hour boat ride will give you plenty of opportunities to view wildlife, nature and the array of colors our sunsets provide. Bring your camera to capture the spectacular sunset as well as flocks of birds, playful dolphin and herds of manatees you may encounter during your excursion. You are also welcomed to bring your personal choice of beverages. We provide bottled water and ice within a cooler. A perfect way to end your day of adventure, a nice relaxing cruise as the colors of the sunset relax us into our Florida evening.

NO REFUNDS.

All boarding passes are transferable in the event of a weather related cancelation prior to getting underway or the date and time changes. In the event the tour is cancelled due to weather after we leave the dock your ticket is no longer transferable. We will do our best to work with you.

BOARDING TIME .

We will begin boarding prior 10 minutes prior to tour departure. We will depart the dock no later than 5 minutes after departure time. After 5 minutes we will depart the dock. All bookings that miss this departure time are not available for a refund.

What You’ll Get:

• Majestic sunset views
• Water and Ice
• Licensed Captains

Tour Dates:

Trip duration:.

2 Hour Tours

2 Different Locations

Public Tickets: $40 to $60

Private Party: $450 to $775

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Marina Princess Island Boat Tours LLC

Welcome aboard

The marina princess island boat tours.

Come experience our family-friendly, fun and relaxing boat tour adventures, customized for any occasion in the heart of cocoa beach, florida.

Our tours are one of the most popular outdoor attractions along the best beaches of Florida. You’ll discover what locals and visitors have enjoyed for generations.

What better way to soak in the Florida sun than with a boat tour? Marina Princess Island Boat Tours is your top choice for boat tours of all types.

Our regularly scheduled and custom tours offer everything from morning & afternoon WildLife Adventures to Evening Dinner Cruises.

Also you can request a spectacular view of the space coast's Rocket Launches. We’re located in beautiful downtown Cocoa Beach, FL, and provides tours in Cocoa Beach, Merit Island, and Port Canaveral. Learn more about our packages or schedule your tour today by calling (321) 410-9111 .

Why Choose Marina Princess Island Boat Tours?

• Captain is USCG licensed
• Has over 20 years of experience
• We are a family-owned
• We specialize in wildlife tours in the Thousand islands 
• Wide variety of tours throughout the day
• Fully-customizable tours available
• Complimentary beverages and snacks are provided 
• Fully licensed and insured
• Free quotes

About Captain Andrea

The founder and owner of Marina Princess Island Boat Tours LLC , Andrea Harrison, was born and raised in Bloomfield, New Jersey. She’s a licensed USCG master captain, with over 20 years boating experience. In New Jersey, Andrea fulfilled a 30-year career, as the founder and owner, of a performing arts school. After moving to Florida, Captain Andrea, is living her best life as continuing her love for being on the water and doing exactly what she always dreamed of doing- owning a small and personal boat tour business, for you, your family and friends to enjoy!

Boat Tours Made for You

Whether you’re looking for a romantic night on the water, to entertain clients and colleagues, or you want to experience a family-friendly adventure into Florida’s beautiful and exotic wildlife, we offer a variety of tours for all occasions, including:

• Wildlife adventure tour
• Kayak and paddle boat tours in the thousand islands (coming soon)
• Romantic sunset stargazing tour
• Space coast rocket launch tour
• Evening coastline dinner/bar cruises
• Moonlight cocktail (2) hour cruise
• Birthday cruises
• Will you marry me cruise

Do you have a special occasion to celebrate? On a specific date? At a specific time? We fully customize private tours for all occasion’s, just for you!!

Coming Soon!!!

Kayak and Paddle Board Tours in the Thousand Islands!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Please bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses etc. Wear nonslip shoes and motion sickness medicine is most effective if taken the night before and/ or one hour before departure.

Tours cancelled within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable.

Tours cancelled prior to 48 hours, can be rescheduled.

Get an experience to remember. Contact us to schedule your tour!

Our reviews.

On March 2, we swam at sunset. Thank you very much. We liked how you organized the tour for us. Captain Andrea and Captain Randy were very attentive . It's great that we could take a dog with us....this is important for us. We 100% recommend everyone to use the services of the company "Marina Princess Island Bout Tours" and you will get an incredible experience. We will definitely come back

Vadzim Tserakhau

We really enjoyed our beautiful and informative day on Captain Andrea's boat. She was very fun, super friendly, set up the tour to our specs, and she shared great info on the wildlife and on the area. The boat was very clean and well set up. We had a great time!

Leah Cottrill

This is my second boat cruise with Andrea! She always knows the perfect places to go whether you want to just cruise around, catch a sunset or hit a sandbar! Highly suggest.

Hannah Koehler

Beautifull ride in the lagoon on banana river. Private boat with a lovely captain. What a great way to see some dolphin, exotic birds and manatee.

David Gourdeau

Captain Andrea took us out for a fabulous afternoon to watch a rocket launch. She took us to a great viewing spot and made the afternoon enjoyable. Her boat was clean and comfortable. We would take another trip with Captain Andrea when we're in the area in the future.

Ma swam on my birthday . good organization of the tour. allowed with a dog. thank you very much. highly recommend

Maryna Tserakhava

areas we serve

• Cocoa Beach, FL
• Orlando, FL

Marina Princess Island Boat Tours

Cocoa Beach, Florida

[email protected]

(321) 410-9111

DESCRIPTION

Leave your worries on the dock, climb aboard our cocktail cruises and party “island style” with us. Feel free to grab some grub and cocktails. If you prefer, you may bring your own cooler stocked with your favorite “adult beverages” (beer and wine only, no glass permitted, 21 and up).

Our  crew  will take you on a two-hour tour in the Banana River while you see what “island life” is really about. Enjoy music as you cruise, drink, sight see, and ultimately relax in one of the most beautiful estuaries in North America.

Experience an Banana River cocktail cruise and drift away into the fading Floridian sun while slowly enjoying your preferred cocktails, adult beverages, and other appetizers. We aim to make sure that you are able to relax and put that exhausting work week behind you, while experiencing unforgettable views. Raise your drink with other people on the cocktail cruise, make new friends, and wave to passing boats while the cooling river breezes surround you.

Feel free to bring your camera at your own risk. Remember what the locals say, “What happens on the island, stays on the island”. Cheers!

*Wheel Chair Accessibility and Handicapped Friendly

10% OFF for Seniors 65 and Over, Brevard County Residents & Military

All tours depart from  Kelly Park .

Length: Approx. 2 hours

Max: 6 people

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Schedule: Daily/Call for availability

Included: Cooler, Ice, Water

Boat Type: Pontoon

Family Friendly: Age 21 and up only

Narrated tour or we’ll play your favorite tunes

Experience the holiday season in Florida like never before with Banana River Boat Tours’ new Holiday Lights Boat Tours! Enjoy a 2-hour pontoon boat ride through a winter wonderland “Island Style” along the same route as the annual Merritt Island Boat Parade, without the traffic. See beautifully decorated homes, docks, and boats while our captains point out any wildlife. Tours can accommodate up to 6 people and are seasonal, so reserve your seats today. Bring your own food and drinks, just no glass containers.

Fishing in one of the most bio-diverse estuaries in the Northern Hemisphere is an exciting way to spend time while visiting the Cocoa Beach…

Begin your long evening with a relaxing, enjoyable two-hour Sunset Boat Ride on the Banana River. Once aboard The Nana, sit back, relax and soak…

Leave your worries on the dock, climb aboard our cocktail cruises and party “island style” with us. Our crew will take you on a two-hour…

5, 4, 3, 2, 1…we have liftoff. Don’t miss the next watch rocket launch from the water. You’ll be onboard our pontoon boat, as close…

Begin your evening with a relaxing, enjoyable two-hour Cape Canaveral Sunset Cruise on the Banana River. Once aboard, sit back, relax and soak in the spectacular views of barrier islands and uninhabited spoil islands while watching the sun dip closer to the horizon.

Join our crew aboard The Opa and The Lola for a two-hour Eco Tour discovering wildlife in one of the most ecologically biodiverse ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere. The Indian River Lagoon is home to over 4,200 different species of plants, animals, and fish.

Outstanding Orlando Boat Tours (2024)

Orlando boat tours are a fantastic activity in Central Florida, no matter the type of boating adventure you choose.

Some of the suggestions below are full-day tours, and others take mere hours. But all are a great way to spend your time in order to enjoy the Sunshine State’s beautiful scenery. And that could mean a wild ride in the Everglades or sailing sunset cruises on one of the Orlando area's attractive lakes.

We are sharing the best Orlando boat tours – private and group options – including scenic pontoon boat tours, airboat rides, kayaking, canoeing, sunset sails, and even boat rentals at Walt Disney World.

Disclosure: This post has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase at no cost to you. We recommend experiences, hotels, products, and services we use and support. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Book a sunset sailing tour in Orlando . It's our favorite type of boat tour, and Florida sunsets often show off for an audience!
• Pin the image in this box or flip this post to Flipboard to save it for later.
• See what to bring for Orlando boat tours so you are prepared to deal with the Florida bugs!

Orlando Airboat Rides 

One of the things Florida is most known for is its famous airboat tours. Sign up for this fun adventure whether you’re in Fort Lauderdale or Miami, within Everglades National Park, or Orlando on Shingle Creek, on the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. 

You won’t soon forget an exciting airboat ride when you visit the Orlando area, with a chance to see Bald Eagles and other endemic tropical birds, alligators, and crocodiles (maybe even a baby alligator). 

Airboat rides are particularly popular amongst nature lovers. These special boats allow you to glide on the unique marshes and swampland of the Central Florida area. We thoroughly enjoyed our Florida airboat experience. 

Sign up for a 90-minute fun and educational Orlando airboat tour to encounter the real Florida with experienced captains. Alternatively, secure your spot for a 1-hour sunset airboat tour and hope for one of Florida’s famous colorful sunsets. 

Most airboat tours take place rain or shine. Just in case, we recommend traveling to Florida with a poncho or thin raincoat of some sort. Be sure to check in for your tour at least 30 minutes before the experience. 

Orlando Boat Tour on an Airboat with Transportation

This tour includes pick up and drop off in Central Florida (including designated Disney World and Universal hotels), a BBQ lunch, a printed photo, and admission to their animal rescue Wildlife Park, where you can see birds, big cats, and reptiles. 

The entire experience – from transportation to the boat ride – lasts around 7 hours, including the drive to and from the Everglades area. The Florida Everglades are approximately 45 minutes to an hour's drive each way from Orlando. Choose from a 30-minute or 60-minute airboat ride when you book your experience . 

Orlando Sailing Tours 

How about enjoying Orlando’s lakes with wind power? Sailing tours are the perfect way to glide on the water. And a sunset sail is incredibly romantic, to boot! 

Private Morning Sail 

Set sail on a 2-hour private sailing tour, starting at 10:00 am. Adventure awaits on Lake Fairview for up to four guests. 

This area is just north of College Park near downtown Orlando and 15 minutes from Orlando’s Lieu Gardens. Don’t forget to bring towels if you want, though water is provided (and lakes are calm anyway, so you shouldn’t really get wet!).

Advanced reservations are required.

Private Lake Sunset Sail 

Sail on Lake Fairview, approximately 10 minutes from downtown Orlando, 30-35 minutes from the Disney theme parks (including the Disney Springs area), and 25 minutes from Universal. 

This 2-hour private Orlando boat tour can fit up to four people, and they allow you to bring your own snacks and beverages onboard. We recommend bringing a bottle of wine or champagne! 

We recommend bringing along a wine tumbler set for your sailboat adventure! 

Kayaking Tours

Connect with nature from the comfort of a kayak and get in some exercise too. Orlando boat tour options for kayaking are plentiful. 

Kayak with Manatees

Head 45 minutes north of Orlando for your chance to kayak with manatees! These cute and friendly mammals are famous in the Sunshine State, where they come to enjoy the warm water for the winter. 

Whether you’re a novice kayaking trying it for the first time, or an experienced pro, this tour is for you if you want to see a plethora of wildlife. 

Check out this popular tour with 5-star reviews

Glass Bottom Boat Kayak Tours

If you want to see the fish below the water’s surface without snorkeling, sign up for a glass-bottom kayak tour. See through the bottom of the boat on this Orlando boat tour and have the chance to view the colorful fish and marine plant life beneath you. 

Try a Rock Springs guided kayak eco-tour as you glide on the crystal-clear water for two hours. You’ll learn about the local ecosystem, stop for photos, and have the opportunity to swim in the springs. Opt to jump into the water from a rope swing for a thrill during this adventure. 

You can also opt for a sunset tour in a glass-bottom kayak . Paddle through the Winter Park Chain of Lakes and canals in a peaceful setting. Your knowledgeable guide will point out interesting nature homes along the way and share some history of the area. You’ll also be able to stop for photos where you like! 

This tour is likely to sell out: Reserve Now

Winter Park Evening Clear Kayak Glow in the Dark Tour

If you want to add a fun element to your kayaking adventure, sign up for a Winter Park kayak tour at night with a glow-in-the-dark kayak. The boats are illuminated with nighttime lighting!

They will surely be a good photo opp and fun outing as the lights make the water beneath you glow. 

Another great option is this Neon Night Glow Paddleboard or Clear Kayak experience on Lake Ivanhoe.

This unique boat tour allows you to see Orlando’s skyline at night as you paddle along with the help of your guides, the moonlight, and the colorful lights beneath your kayak or paddleboard.  

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

One of our favorite Orlando boat tours is in Winter Park. It was established in the 1930s, decades before Walt Disney World opened in Lake Buena Vista.

This pontoon boat tour starts near the well-known Park Avenue area. Set out on your scenic cruise from Lake Osceola to the Winter Park Chain of Lakes as your guide takes you through the manmade canals.

Sail past stunning homes in Winter Park, where you will have breathtaking views of the opulent private homes in the area (which is one of the reasons we enjoy the boat tour).

You will have a chance to see wonderful some of Florida’s beautiful birds, like Blue Herons and large cranes, as you travel on several lakes. 

Each boat holds a maximum of 18 passengers. Be sure to bring cash or a check to buy your tickets because credit cards are not accepted. We advise purchasing tickets in the morning on weekends, even if you plan on going later in the day. It’s a very popular tour, and tickets often sell out quickly. 

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour is closed on Christmas Day. Otherwise, tours leave daily on the hour, starting at 10:00 am. The last tour is at 4:00 pm. 

Day Trip Boat Tours from Orlando

While the Orlando boat tours listed above are within 30 minutes, on average, from Orlando, it’s worth mentioning there are more boat tour options nearby within a 2-hour drive. Here are some additional Central Florida boat tour options. 

Mount Dora Lake Tours

One of our favorite destinations from Central Florida is 45 minutes north: the quaint town of Mount Dora . There’s so much to see and do there in the afternoon or morning; a boat tour is the best way to extend your trip to a whole day. 

Take a 2-hour pontoon boat tour with a departure point at the historic hotel, the Lakeside Inn. Enjoy your leisurely cruise around Lake Dora and The Harris Chain of Lakes, including the famed Dora Canal.

The all-weather 25’ boats can cruise rain or shine thanks to their retractable clear covers for the sides of the boat. Choose from one of two daytime tours, or their third option to cruise during sunset. 

Clearwater Beach with Dolphin Encounter Cruise

This 12-hour full-day tour begins with pick-up at 7:30 am. You’ll head west of Orlando to the popular Florida destination (Clearwater Beach), where you will take a cruise to encounter bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. 

While this means that you aren’t guaranteed to spot dolphins, your tour guide will do his or her very best to find them. You may see these beautiful mammals up close by the boat or further in the distance if they appear in the ocean. Part of the fun is the anticipation. 

A one-hour dolphin tour boat ride is sandwiched between hours of free time on a Gulf Coast beach. For only $10 more, you can purchase a wristband for the boat ride that allows you to have unlimited beer, wine, and vodka punch. 

Pickup and drop off are included at one of three major locations of your choice (Disney areas included). This means that all you have to do is sign up for the tour and be at that location for pick-up time. 

Choose from the three pick-up locations listed below:

• Walt Disney World area, on Epcot Resorts Blvd. (northern area of the parks) 
• Walt Disney World area, at Maingate Lakeside Resort in Kissimmee (area of the Disney World theme parks that is further south) 
• International Drive (close to Universal) at Senor Frogs

Clear Canoe Boat Tour Near Orlando at Silver Springs

This clear canoe boat tour is approximately halfway between Orlando and Gainesville at Silver Springs. The drive is approximately an hour and 45 minutes from downtown Orlando. 

You’ll do a self-guided tour after the kayak company representative meets you and gives you a laminated map and some brief instructions. Paddle near Cypress Trees and see turtles, ducks, birds, and a chance to see manatees during the winter season, when they swim to Florida’s warm waters.

Dan and I often like to explore an area freely, on our own. Maybe you’re the same way! If so, this is a great tour for you in the Orlando area, as long as you can rent a car to get to the meeting point or take a taxi/Uber or Lyft there. 

Orlando Boat Tours at Walt Disney World

Did you know that you can rent motorized boats at Disney World? It’s one of the best things to do at Walt Disney World, besides the parks. 

Rent a Sun Tracker® Pontoon boat by the half-hour for up to 10 people. You can also opt to kayak or canoe from Fort Wilderness by the hour. 

One of the most singular boat tours in Orlando, or perhaps anywhere, is an Amphicar boat tour. Be a passenger and the envy of all onlookers in a cool convertible car that drives right into the water. This experience is available at Disney Springs restaurant, The Boathouse.

Lastly, you can book a specialty cruise to see the fireworks. You don’t even have to be a hotel guest to do so! Snacks and soft drinks are included in a memorable cruise on a 25’ boat. 

You can also request ​​for a festive banner and/or balloons to be set up on the boat, which is included in the cost (request at the time of booking). It’s a great thing to do for you and your partner or up to 10 guests total, whether a proposal, anniversary treat, or family reunion. 

What to Bring for Orlando Boat Tours

Florida's heat can be brutal, depending on the time of year. No matter the month, you definitely need to protect your skin from the sun. The sun in FL is strong, year-round. 

Be sure to pack the following if you’ll be on the water in sunny Florida: 

• Refillable water bottle (the ice will stay intact for hours in the MiiR bottle, our favorite insulated wide-mouth bottle) 
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• SPF lip balm
• Eco-friendly bathing suit 
• Rash guard 

Conclusion for Best Orlando Boat Tours

Whether you want to captain a boat yourself, row your way through Florida’s waters in a kayak, see gators on an educational airboat ride, or go on a romantic sailboat cruise around one of Central Florida’s lakes, an Orlando boat is a wonderful Florida activity. 

It will connect you with nature, get you out in fresh air, and allow your body to absorb vitamin D in the Florida sunshine. Sign up for an Orlando boat tour and explore this southern state in a unique and adventurous way. 

Read this next:

• 40 Awesome Things Florida is Known For
• 30 Things to Do at Walt Disney World Besides the Parks
• Kennedy Space Center Tickets: Helpful Info for a Successful Visit

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