The Rusty Anchor Mount Dora
The Rusty Anchor Mount Dora
The Rusty Anchor Mount Dora
4.5
Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Rusty Anchor Boat Tours has over 30 years experience wowing passengers. Come join us for a 2 hour Eco tour of Lake Dora and the Dora Canal. Relax and enjoy the most beautiful mile of waterway and Florida’s flora and fauna like never before. Our Captains are US Coast Guard certified and many are natives of the South. We have a tour for every age and free bottled water is available on our boats. Our 1 hour Sunset Cruise goes out each day and the 2 hour Dora Canal cruises leave at 10am, 12:30 and 3pm from Mount Dora’s City Dock right next to the Yacht Club. Easy to get to, Rusty Anchor is less than an hour from Daytona, The Villages and Orlando. We also offer Private Party tours and have excellent Group Rates. Please call or go online to make your reservation and remember to be at the dock 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time, we don’t want you to miss the boat!
Mount Dora, Florida
Features animals
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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The Rusty Anchor Mount Dora
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(17 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
536 reviews
Excellent
451
Very good
57
Average
13
Poor
8
Terrible
7
Brian K
Columbus, OH53 contributions
Mar 2021
We have enjoyed the two hour Rusty Anchor Boat Tour three times in the past four years, and highly recommend it for couples young or old, as well as families with kids of all ages. Becky and Jinny were patient and kind and fun on the phone booking our tour and worked to get us the best rates. Our boat crew members were courteous and skilled, with a complete commentary of the areas we toured. Mother Nature always cooperates with lovely weather, magnificent birds and a few gators for viewing in the canal. This trip, we brought our daughter visiting from Ohio, and she Loved the experience! We enjoyed the boat trip across the lake, the canal, and seeing the interesting homes along the shoreline. Lunch outdoors afterwards and cute shops in town enhanced our visit. Thanks for a perfect day in Mount Dora! Betsy & Brian
Written April 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Coco1231
Florida428 contributions
Feb 2023
This was our second tour with out of state friends– it has now become one of our ‘let’s go here tours’ with visiting company. We booked online for an early 10am tour. Parking was available close by and check-in quick and boat left right on time. There was only 4 of us so it was like a private tour and boat is very comfy with lots of room to walk around. Captain Jenna was awesome, knowledgeable, friendly with lots of local stories and tidbits. The canals were beautiful and fascinating and so 'Florida', very relaxing – big old cypress trees, lots of birds, otters, turtles & one big gator. Little chilly esp on the windy rides across the lake back/forth to the canals so be sure to dress accordingly. Definitely recommend – great way to experience Florida nature - Enjoy!
Written February 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hey There Coco1231, Thank you for sharing such great information and thank you for being such a great customer! We are ecstatic to know we are your ‘let’s go here tours’, we look forward to seeing you next time!
Written February 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melinda S
Washington4 contributions
Jul 2022
We were given the sunset dinner cruise as a Christmas present. On the certificate it said to call RA to make reservations, which I did. Unfortunately, I had to cancel because of Covid.
Before making a new reservation, I checked online to see if there were certain hours for this tour. It was then I saw the dinner was an extra cost. I was NOT told this when I made the first reservation and why would I since I was going on information written on the certificate? It didn't stop us from going, but we felt the title was misleading.
The captain and his helper were amazing and kept us informed of what was happening on the cruise and giving us some history of animals and surroundings. They positioned the boat for us to see a beautiful sunset. Getting on and off the boat was easy.
We ate at O'Keefe's Irish Pub. The quaint atmosphere and our server made up for the food. The grilled chicken had no flavor. The cheese was thicker than the meat on the steak sandwich. However, the onion rings were amazing.
Before making a new reservation, I checked online to see if there were certain hours for this tour. It was then I saw the dinner was an extra cost. I was NOT told this when I made the first reservation and why would I since I was going on information written on the certificate? It didn't stop us from going, but we felt the title was misleading.
The captain and his helper were amazing and kept us informed of what was happening on the cruise and giving us some history of animals and surroundings. They positioned the boat for us to see a beautiful sunset. Getting on and off the boat was easy.
We ate at O'Keefe's Irish Pub. The quaint atmosphere and our server made up for the food. The grilled chicken had no flavor. The cheese was thicker than the meat on the steak sandwich. However, the onion rings were amazing.
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello 661melindas, Thank you for your review. We want you to know we take our customers insights and recommendations very seriously so we looked into being able to edit the gift certificate confirmation notes. Although we are not able to edit the individual gift certificate confirmation notes as they are generic to “gift certificates” we’re glad to hear you were able to easily find on our website where we explain that a meal is not part of the tour pricing. This is designed so that each customer is able to purchase the meal and drinks that they personally desire and not be regulated by what we think you should have for your dining experience. We in no way are trying to be deceitful but are trying to allow our customers the freedom to choose from the variety that the menu has to offer. We’re very happy to know our staff did an amazing job and that you were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset though and we hope you come back to see us again!
Written September 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Don S
Hilton, NY4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
Yes...and No.
We went with this outfit on the fourth of July and it was great. Captain Scott kept us informed and had some fun during the downtimes.
We enjoyed it so much we booked this Christmas Boat Parade cruise as soon as it opened in September (I believe). Captain Scott told us that there would be hot chocolate, snacks and we certainly expected another exciting night!
When we first got there there was absolutely no sign or anything as to where to check in or who to check in with and there must have been 75 people strolling up and down the pier so I had to ask several. After getting pointed to two or three different people I finally found someone that could check us in and she asked us what party we were with...party?? We weren't where the party We were with the chartered tour! Again very disorganized and not welcoming.
Scheduled to leave at 5, didn't until 530 leaving us on the boat for 45 minutes. 45 minutes in boat seats with the sun beating down on you wasn't very comfortable, and we hadn't even started yet.
There was absolutely very little if any dialogue from the captain so we never knew what was happening, where we were going or why we were going any certain spot as the sun was setting. That was fine cuz there was plenty to look at and it was all exciting We didn't know what was going on. But after it was dark there was a bunch of boats all circling around and we didn't know what the parade was or even the fact that we were in it!
At one point the captain said that there is a judging boat and we had no idea who that was and he said it was the one we were next to for a while... But we were next to 20 boats for a while. That's when it became apparent that this was very uninformed and unorganized at least in the eyes of new passengers.
Hey let's face it being out on a boat in December is one thing but being out in a parade of boats all decorated is pretty special. No doubt about that and for that price alone it's worth it.
The first cruise set our expectations much higher because we had no idea what was going on and after the parade had started it seemed to go on forever.. never knowing where we returning around or when and it was clear among the passengers that everyone was so tired of sitting. It actually became boring in the last 45 minutes of it I was wanting to be somewhere else.
Was it worth the experience? Yes.
We went with this outfit on the fourth of July and it was great. Captain Scott kept us informed and had some fun during the downtimes.
We enjoyed it so much we booked this Christmas Boat Parade cruise as soon as it opened in September (I believe). Captain Scott told us that there would be hot chocolate, snacks and we certainly expected another exciting night!
When we first got there there was absolutely no sign or anything as to where to check in or who to check in with and there must have been 75 people strolling up and down the pier so I had to ask several. After getting pointed to two or three different people I finally found someone that could check us in and she asked us what party we were with...party?? We weren't where the party We were with the chartered tour! Again very disorganized and not welcoming.
Scheduled to leave at 5, didn't until 530 leaving us on the boat for 45 minutes. 45 minutes in boat seats with the sun beating down on you wasn't very comfortable, and we hadn't even started yet.
There was absolutely very little if any dialogue from the captain so we never knew what was happening, where we were going or why we were going any certain spot as the sun was setting. That was fine cuz there was plenty to look at and it was all exciting We didn't know what was going on. But after it was dark there was a bunch of boats all circling around and we didn't know what the parade was or even the fact that we were in it!
At one point the captain said that there is a judging boat and we had no idea who that was and he said it was the one we were next to for a while... But we were next to 20 boats for a while. That's when it became apparent that this was very uninformed and unorganized at least in the eyes of new passengers.
Hey let's face it being out on a boat in December is one thing but being out in a parade of boats all decorated is pretty special. No doubt about that and for that price alone it's worth it.
The first cruise set our expectations much higher because we had no idea what was going on and after the parade had started it seemed to go on forever.. never knowing where we returning around or when and it was clear among the passengers that everyone was so tired of sitting. It actually became boring in the last 45 minutes of it I was wanting to be somewhere else.
Was it worth the experience? Yes.
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi 146dons, We're happy to know that you felt your experience was worth it! The Boat Parade Tour is a unique one for sure. We don't know of any other place a person can join in on a boat parade without decorating and entering their own boat. We're glad that you joined us and we appreciate you sharing your story!
Written December 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stacy
1 contribution
Sep 2020
Don't expect too much from this arrogant, petty group. We had to reschedule due to COVID-19 sickness in March. We asked them if they wanted us to ride with the passengers after we discovered one of us was potentially positive with COVID, or if they would reschedule. At first they said no, we would lose our money. I even told them I would forfeit the money vs. exposing someone on the boat. After talking with the owner they reconsidered and assured us we could reschedule and I was very impressed they would work with us. Now, when we called to reschedule along with 4 new paid guests in September, the "dockmaster" is too proud or forgetful to remember what her email meant confirming we should contact her when we needed to reschedule.
As a local for over 20 years I will be sure to never recommend them again. We would recommend Premier Boat Tours instead.
Not even the natural beauty of a Mount Dora lakeview sunset with a cool breeze and the lowest humidity would entice me to choose this company again. If you are looking at this tour, pray you don't have any emergencies last minute.....they don't play well with others and they definitely don't keep their word. My impression is that they would have preferred a potentially positive COVID-19 patient expose their passengers than provide a $25.00 credit. Enjoy your $25.00, signed a Disappointed guest
As a local for over 20 years I will be sure to never recommend them again. We would recommend Premier Boat Tours instead.
Not even the natural beauty of a Mount Dora lakeview sunset with a cool breeze and the lowest humidity would entice me to choose this company again. If you are looking at this tour, pray you don't have any emergencies last minute.....they don't play well with others and they definitely don't keep their word. My impression is that they would have preferred a potentially positive COVID-19 patient expose their passengers than provide a $25.00 credit. Enjoy your $25.00, signed a Disappointed guest
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Neva
San Antonio, Texas1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Friends
We had a wonderful experience on our sunset dinner cruise. We were fortunate that we were only two booked for the evening (Monday) so had the pontoon and Capt David all to ourselves.
Capt David provided a great tour, lots of details about the lake system, community history and the locals perspective on this great little town.
The dinner at Hurricanes was incredible (also quiet on a Monday), food and service were top notch.
Return trip offered a beautiful sunset against incoming rain clouds; breath taking natural beauty. I expressed interest in the local lighthouse so Capt David took us over to see it just as it was dark, so very nice. Highly recommend any if their options, it was easy to book, easy to find and easy to board. They exceeded all of my expectations.
Capt David provided a great tour, lots of details about the lake system, community history and the locals perspective on this great little town.
The dinner at Hurricanes was incredible (also quiet on a Monday), food and service were top notch.
Return trip offered a beautiful sunset against incoming rain clouds; breath taking natural beauty. I expressed interest in the local lighthouse so Capt David took us over to see it just as it was dark, so very nice. Highly recommend any if their options, it was easy to book, easy to find and easy to board. They exceeded all of my expectations.
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for the kind review. And thanks for doing the private cruise! Captain David enjoys talking about the history of his hometown. Look forward to seeing you again. And yes! Hurricanes is awesome.
Written September 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathy K
Goldenrod, FL122 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
This was my first time using Rusty Anchor but my second boat tour of Lake Dora. I chose the one hour shore tour because I thought my nine year old granddaughter would enjoy that more than the two hour. I also hoped to be able to be close enough to see wildlife-it wasn’t the time of year to see many alligators because the water was still warm but on the previous tour I took with another company, we entered areas where there were turtles, birds and lovely scenery. I also wasn’t enamored of the tour guide on this particular trip-he made it clear this wasn’t his full time gig and it just didn’t seem that his heart was in it. However, the boat ride was smooth and overall enjoyable and the price was very reasonable. The ladies who book the trips are very pleasant and made booking very simple.
Written December 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Kathy,
We appreciate your review and hope we get an opportunity to make the next one a 5 star.
Written February 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LABVT
Orlando, Florida27 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
My friend and I took a canal tour on Monday June 13. We both enjoyed the tour. I've lived in the Orlando area for 20+ years and learned several things about the area I never knew. I love the old Florida feel of the canals. I was grateful for the bottle of water I was offered as I'd forgotten mine. We saw an alligator, many different birds, and turtles. We were the only 2 passengers on our trip. That was great for us as we could sit under cover. I'd hope that with a larger group our captain would use a microphone otherwise I think it would have been hard to hear if we'd been out in the front part of the boat. Our captain pointed out many points of history/interest throughout the trip. Overall it was a great experience. I have recommended this to friends already. I do recommend taking an earlier trip *the 10 am time) especially in summer as the heat of the day and rain potential in the afternoons could make a difference in the quality of the experience.
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello LABVT, Thank you for your review and great advice for other customers! We appreciate your recommendation also and look forward to you visiting us again!
Written July 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris R
2 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
The 2 hour tour is great for getting out on Lake Dora and learning a bit more about the community. The hour spent in the Dora Canal is tremendous...very beautiful and tranquil. Our guide was very informative and friendly - spotted a large alligator lounging on shore and many bird species. Boat ride was very smooth eventhough we went on a somewhat windy day.
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HI Chris,
We're so glad to know you enjoyed your tour and appreciate you taking the time to write a review. Thank You!
Written February 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luv2travel
Hialeah, FL109 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
First time visiting Mt. Dora and this was the highlight of my trip. We took a 2 hour tour mid afternoon. The tour starts in Lake Dora through a narrow canal that joins it with Lake Eustis. The canal was my favorite part. You go through a local trailer park on the canal and then you see lots of cypress and nature close up. You also cross many boats, platoons and jet ski’s on the canal. Recommend this activity. At $35 per person, I feel it was reasonable. They have free water bottles on board.
Written February 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello ELY, We can't thank you enough for writing this glowing review for us. We're honored to be the highlight of your trip!
Written March 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are small dogs permitted (two under 13 pounds each)
Rs A
Mount Dora, FL3 contributions
Yes they are unless another passenger has a problem with it and we have never had a problem so far.
Kris V
Eagle River, WI80 contributions
Can you bring food and drinks on the boat?
Ridge line
Miami Beach, FL128 contributions
FREE ICE COLD BOTTLES OF WATER ARE ON THE BOAT. The other tour company in town charges for water
Do we eat in the restaurant on the lunch tour? Do we start with lunch, then its a 2 hour tour?
Rustyanchor531
Mount Dora, Florida, United States
We eat lunch it about the middle of the tour at a waterfront restaurant. The tour is offered 7 days a week so come join us any time just make a reservation.
BackPacker33894
Montauk, NY6 contributions
Are you giving the lunch cruise on Easter?
What does the lunch on lunch cruise
Consist of ?
Rustyanchor531
Mount Dora, Florida, United States
The lunch cruise goes every day. We stop at restaurant and you buy what ever you want , we usually stop at O 'Keefes in Tavares .
Hope the see you soon.
John5836
The Villages, FL8 contributions
Can we bring Cooler on board boat. I have
reserved the lunch cruise
Rustyanchor531
Mount Dora, Florida, United States
You can bring anything you want to eat or drink with you , coolers are welcome.
Hope to see you soon
Dean D
Port Dover, Canada12 contributions
Do the tours operate 7 days a week and what is the rate?
Rustyanchor531
Mount Dora, Florida, United States
Yes we are open 7 days a week 365 days a year weather permitting.
2hr Dora canal tour $27.50 tax inc
1hr shoreline tour $20. Tax inc
1hr sunset cruise $20. Tax inc
Plus many other trips daily, just go to the website for more information.