Scenic Boat Tour
Scenic Boat Tour
4.5
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Winter Park, Florida
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Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,228 reviews
Excellent
896
Very good
289
Average
31
Poor
7
Terrible
5
Bronwyn
Orlando, FL29 contributions
Jun 2020
We really enjoyed the Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park, Florida. The tour was $14 per adult and was worth every penny. It runs every day besides Christmas on the hour between 10am-4pm and has been in operation since the 1930s.
The two of us sat right in the front row and had a beautiful experience taking in the sights of the Winter Park chain of lakes which includes Lake Virginia, Lake Osceola, Lake Maitland, and the canals that connect them. It was a very relaxing and laidback experience. Our guide was incredibly informative and even made us laugh a few times. We learned about this gorgeous town's impressive history while floating along and enjoying the views.
We were worried we would be uncomfortable because of the heat, but once you get going the breeze is great.
As far as COVID-19 is concerned, we social distanced on the boat by sitting in alternating rows. Both the guide and the guests wore masks (not sure if they were requested or required because we wore them willingly) and hand sanitizer was available.
This historic sightseeing tour can't be missed and I highly recommend it for locals and visitors alike. It's a short stroll from the SunRail station and Park Ave. For us, it was a great date. We will definitely be back with friends and family. As locals who are originally from out of state, we felt like we were able to experience and learn about "the real Florida" outside of the theme park bubble. It was fantastic!
The two of us sat right in the front row and had a beautiful experience taking in the sights of the Winter Park chain of lakes which includes Lake Virginia, Lake Osceola, Lake Maitland, and the canals that connect them. It was a very relaxing and laidback experience. Our guide was incredibly informative and even made us laugh a few times. We learned about this gorgeous town's impressive history while floating along and enjoying the views.
We were worried we would be uncomfortable because of the heat, but once you get going the breeze is great.
As far as COVID-19 is concerned, we social distanced on the boat by sitting in alternating rows. Both the guide and the guests wore masks (not sure if they were requested or required because we wore them willingly) and hand sanitizer was available.
This historic sightseeing tour can't be missed and I highly recommend it for locals and visitors alike. It's a short stroll from the SunRail station and Park Ave. For us, it was a great date. We will definitely be back with friends and family. As locals who are originally from out of state, we felt like we were able to experience and learn about "the real Florida" outside of the theme park bubble. It was fantastic!
Written June 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken D
Beavercreek, OH124 contributions
Jan 2020
A couple blocks over from downtown Winter Park is the shore of Lake Osceola and Scenic Boat Tour. We got tickets for the two o’clock tour of Lake Osceola, Lake Virginia and Lake Maitland. The three lakes are connected by canals for boats to pass through. Along the shore are huge, beautiful homes of the rich. Per our guide Captain Dave, the average starting price on the lake shores is around four-million dollars. We also found out why Mr. Rogers sang about it being a “wonderful day in the neighborhood”. He lived in one of the homes along the shore during college. Sweet neighborhood dude!
One lady almost had to go to the brig during the trip though. Our guess is that no one is allowed to ask a question during Captain Dave’s stories. The tip she had out for Captain Dave made its way back in her purse as he scolded her. And he didn’t finish his story about Christmas on the lake and thus, we have a mystery on our hands to solve on our own. Great relaxing ride, just didn’t appreciate the scolding and thus only four stars. We still recommend it…
One lady almost had to go to the brig during the trip though. Our guess is that no one is allowed to ask a question during Captain Dave’s stories. The tip she had out for Captain Dave made its way back in her purse as he scolded her. And he didn’t finish his story about Christmas on the lake and thus, we have a mystery on our hands to solve on our own. Great relaxing ride, just didn’t appreciate the scolding and thus only four stars. We still recommend it…
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arielfl
Coconut Creek, FL2,138 contributions
Oct 2020
The Scenic Boat Tour is located about 5 minutes from Park Avenue. Tours are $14 for adults, $7 ages 11 and under, cash only (bring some extra for a tip). There is free parking on the hill behind the dock. Tours start at 10 AM and the last one departs at 4 PM. Private tours can be booked. The also offer canoe and row boat rentals. They are open every day except Christmas. The attraction began operation in 1938 making it one of Florida's oldest tourist attractions.
The hour long tour on an 18 person pontoon boat takes you through 3 lakes, Osceola, Virginia, and Maitland, and the canals that make up the chain of lakes in Winter Park. The canals were built by lumber businesses in the late 19th century to float logs harvested from the forests to the sawmill locations. Today the canals cut right behind people's backyards. On the tour you pass by Rollins College, Azalea Gardens, Isle of Sicily and many mansions including one once owned by Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers fame and one that used to be owned by Tom Hawks. You also see a variety of birds, trees, and flowers. On my tour I was delighted to see an osprey feeding her chicks.
The first part of the tour has you leaving from the dock at the end of Lake Osceola. As you start the tour you will see some of the historic structures and museums of Winter Park like the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens. From Lake Osceola you go through a canal to Lake Virginia which is the home of Rollins College. From there it is back through the canal to Lake Osceola where you tour the mansions lining the shore. Another canal takes you into Lake Maitland where you come to Kraft Azalea Gardens and the homes on the Isle of Sicily which is a man made peninsula.
I highly recommend this tour. It was one of my favorite things my daughter and I did in Winter Park. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the area and we were able to ask him questions. I loved seeing all of the homes and wildlife. Even though my daughter is a Winter park resident she learned a lot from the tour. If you are in the area you should definitely go. It's great for all ages.
The hour long tour on an 18 person pontoon boat takes you through 3 lakes, Osceola, Virginia, and Maitland, and the canals that make up the chain of lakes in Winter Park. The canals were built by lumber businesses in the late 19th century to float logs harvested from the forests to the sawmill locations. Today the canals cut right behind people's backyards. On the tour you pass by Rollins College, Azalea Gardens, Isle of Sicily and many mansions including one once owned by Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers fame and one that used to be owned by Tom Hawks. You also see a variety of birds, trees, and flowers. On my tour I was delighted to see an osprey feeding her chicks.
The first part of the tour has you leaving from the dock at the end of Lake Osceola. As you start the tour you will see some of the historic structures and museums of Winter Park like the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens. From Lake Osceola you go through a canal to Lake Virginia which is the home of Rollins College. From there it is back through the canal to Lake Osceola where you tour the mansions lining the shore. Another canal takes you into Lake Maitland where you come to Kraft Azalea Gardens and the homes on the Isle of Sicily which is a man made peninsula.
I highly recommend this tour. It was one of my favorite things my daughter and I did in Winter Park. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the area and we were able to ask him questions. I loved seeing all of the homes and wildlife. Even though my daughter is a Winter park resident she learned a lot from the tour. If you are in the area you should definitely go. It's great for all ages.
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rich2966
Uckfield, UK432 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We had a great hour cruising around the lakes today courtesy of our great guide whose name evades me.Wasn't really expecting a great deal from this tour but it turned out to be a really good our being shown around some lovely properties with scenic views.
If you're a nosey neighbour and like to know what people's property looks like then this is the tour for you ..
If you find this helpful please leave a tick in the box.
Enjoy we did... PS buy yourself a soda for 50 cent's or a bottle of water for a dollar from kiosk you'll need it as it can get quite warm out there...
If you're a nosey neighbour and like to know what people's property looks like then this is the tour for you ..
If you find this helpful please leave a tick in the box.
Enjoy we did... PS buy yourself a soda for 50 cent's or a bottle of water for a dollar from kiosk you'll need it as it can get quite warm out there...
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blackriverwoman
Virginia466 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a historic must do attraction that is fun and enjoyable. Get there a 1/2 hour before first tour which is at 10 am or there will be no parking. We were fortunate to find free parking behind the dock even in Jan. There are plenty of covered padded benches to sit on while you wait on the tour to start. They tour several hundred people a day and lots of bus tours come here. The boats are not covered, so plan to come on a clear day. The boat operators are excellent and take you from lake to lake through connecting canals. It is just an enjoyable relaxing way to spend the morning. They only take cash. Price $14/person
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelerCentralFLA
Clermont, FL1,781 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We took the scenic boat tour of Winter Park. The views of the large and often historic homes as well as the natural Florida beauty was wonderful. The boats are pontoon boats with comfortable bench seats. Our boat captain/tour guide was very friendly and personable. He was very knowledgeable and he interspersed his tour information with humor. A lot of the humor was silly, but it still made the tour fun. The boats do not have canopies on them because they sail through canals that join the lakes and the canals have low bridges. We had to watch our heads as we went under the bridges. Because there was no canopy on the boat be prepared to be in the sun at times during the 1 hour tour. The canals are shady, but out on the lake can be quite sunny. The breeze from the boat traveling across the lake kept it cool enough.
Tickets are obtained at the dock. Do note that they only take cash or check, not credit or debit cards.
A big challenge can be finding parking. There is parking convenient to the dock, but Winter Park can be quite busy and sometimes you have to search for a parking space.
I highly recommend the Winter Park boat tour. It was very good.
Tickets are obtained at the dock. Do note that they only take cash or check, not credit or debit cards.
A big challenge can be finding parking. There is parking convenient to the dock, but Winter Park can be quite busy and sometimes you have to search for a parking space.
I highly recommend the Winter Park boat tour. It was very good.
Written October 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigH Z
Delray Beach, FL156 contributions
Jan 2020
The town of Winter Park just 20 min. north of Orlando was a unexpected treat. The town itself was so charming with shops and restaurants and park. But the surprise was the Scenic Boat Ride. Cost about $14 but well worth it. Address 312 E. Morse Blvd and you can park close to the boat ramp. I would arrive at least 20 minutes earlier.
It is an hour ride on Lake Osceola and also takes you through three canals. Very relaxing. Tour guide explained the charm of Winter Park. Rollins College on Lake. We were told Mr. Rogers (My neighbor TV guy) had a house and went to that college. Tour guide gave interesteing information. Houses around lakes are into the millions
and as you go through the canals you pass by their homes. Well worth to walk around town and enjoy the day at Winter Park.
It is an hour ride on Lake Osceola and also takes you through three canals. Very relaxing. Tour guide explained the charm of Winter Park. Rollins College on Lake. We were told Mr. Rogers (My neighbor TV guy) had a house and went to that college. Tour guide gave interesteing information. Houses around lakes are into the millions
and as you go through the canals you pass by their homes. Well worth to walk around town and enjoy the day at Winter Park.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ward D
Satellite Beach, FL3,384 contributions
Feb 2022
This is located at the east end of Morse road right in front of the docks. Finding parking may be challenging as there is a limited parking lot at the end of the street. There is street parking to the west and a parking garage nearby. We arrived at the right time and got the last 2 seats on teh boat. THe boats are pontoon boats that fit the driver and about 20 people. The dock is on Lake Osceola but the driver takes you through a canal to the south and drive you in front of Rollins College on Lake Virginia. Our driver was Wendell and kept up a running description of the various houses and sights on the lakes interspersed with punny jokes. The boat had some pickup so be sure to hold on and bring a coat in case you get cold from the wind. Following lake virginia tour, he retraced his step and drove through another canal into lake Maitland. The history is very interesting. The houses are beautiful and the ride was pleasantly enjoyable. I highly recommend this for anyone in the area wanting to learn more about the area and have an enjoyable experience.
Written February 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DebbieT
Davenport, FL528 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
So. Yesterday Husband took me on a scenic boat tour in Winter Park, FL......and what a treat it was! The trip was around an hour long and took us through 3 of the 7 lakes in Winter Park’s Chain of lakes and two of its canals. We traveled on a small pontoon boat, with a fun captain and narrator. There was all sorts of wildlife along the way plus lush foliage and some swanky looking mansions. He pointed out a few famous ones, Walgreens, Mr. Rogers, and Kraft. Also a local liberal arts college, Rollins. Just a lovely morning!
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cat7847
Ripon, WI108 contributions
Jan 2020
We were the first boat to go out for the day and we had a great time. It was about 80 degrees and it was wonderful to get out on the water. The boat ride was very relaxing and the tour guide told us all about the beautiful estates, the history of the lake, and took us through the channels.
It took about an hour and I hated to get off the boat.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes a relaxing informative boat ride.
It took about an hour and I hated to get off the boat.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes a relaxing informative boat ride.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hi do the boats run on christmas eve?
Written July 6, 2024
Hi; I have tried to go to your website but it continues to say "error 404"
am interested for the week of Jan 18 to 25th
Thanks!
Liz
Written January 1, 2020
I just tried their website and it came up. Maybe try again. We just walked up and bought tickets.
Written January 3, 2020
Ramps do lead from the street to the docking area. They are steep. Once inside the waiting area, there is seating. The boats are docked close to the loading area, but you must step to get inside the boat. No room for a wheelchair or walker inside the boat. It is a bit cramped. Also, street parking is available, however, I didn't recall seeing handicap parking.
Written July 8, 2019
No restrooms. Fun ride , very scenic
Written January 11, 2019
drmelojr23
Goiania, GO
Precisa de marcar ou pode comprar o ingresso lá na hora?
Written October 15, 2018
Não precisa marcar hora não. Pode chegar lá e comprar para o próximo horário. Tem de hora em hora e o último sai às 4. A duração do passeio é de cerca de 1 hora.
Written October 16, 2018
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