Scenic Boat Tour
Scenic Boat Tour
4.5
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Winter Park, Florida
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Travelers' Choice
2022
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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
1,199 reviews
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870
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287
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31
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6
Terrible
5
Ward D
Satellite Beach, FL2,630 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.
Tracy C
4 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
I always take family here whenever they come to town. It’s something fun to do as a family. The ride is pleasant, learning about the beautiful mansions on the lake is interesting and the skipper has a great sense of humor PLUS it’s affordable… also you don’t have to be concerned about being around large crowds.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bronwyn
Orlando, FL30 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.
WorldTraveler061
Salem, VA75 contributions
Jan 2022
This tour was an incredible experience, way beyond what I had expected. A ride on a boat is (almost) always lovely, so except for that I didn't have any expectations. We were told to get there about 20 minutes early in order to be sure we would be on the next boat. What I ididn't know was that they had three 18 person pontoon boats going on each trip. Ours was at 2 PM, and two of the boats were filled while ours had room for more. There were 6 in our personal group and a couple of other people. My sister uses a walker and getting down to the dock was easy for her, due to their excellent ramps. The staff helping her and selling the tickets were both efficient and pleasant. Once on the boat, within the first 5 minutes, I knew this was going to be a great experience. We traveled into 3 lakes via canals connecting them. All along the way we were treated to a knowledgeable narrative describing the beautiful homes and points of interest, presented by our captain, Keith. In between his descriptions were jokes presented in his low key manner. (Be ready for the one related to the home that was mostly glass where the bedroom was on full view.) In every way, Keith was great, knew how to maneuver through those narrow canals, and he shared personal stories related to what we saw. Of course being on the water in great weather was nice in itself, but there was so much more than that. For $16 per person, it was a very good deal. I highly recommend doing this scenic boat tour if you can.
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deb Kuehne K
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Friends
The website made it sound like there was a possibility of seeing alligators and other wildlife. The tour guide said nearly all of the alligators had been relocated some time ago to a bigger lake somewhere. He has never seen one on these tours. If you take this tour expecting to see anything other than estate homes you’ll be very disappointed.
Written February 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Arielfl
Coconut Creek, FL1,588 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.
kek604
Marshall, MI698 contributions
Jan 2023
Boats run on the hour and at 3 pm, there were enough people to fill three pontoon boats. The staff and drivers handled everything well. The tour includes a couple of narrow canals connecting area lakes. The "captain" was knowledgeable, humorous, and responsive to questions. The tour was a delight.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rgbox
Ayrshire, UK137 contributions
May 2022
This was a great trip on a lovely Sunday afternoon, was quite busy. They were friendly,informative & it was very enjoyable. The tour operators were slick when it came to loading & unloading the boats for 16 dollars it was well worth it, the lake & small canals also the houses were well worth seeing.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ctn66
Boston, MA116 contributions
Dec 2021
Out of the blue we decided to spend on hour on this tour. It was a lot of fun, not exciting, but informative, pretty, and relaxing. We enjoyed being on the water and the guide's explanation of the beautiful houses and scenery. Highly recommended, but be advised they only take cash or local checks for payment which seems very odd in 2021.
Written December 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ply77girl
Cape Canaveral, FL38 contributions
Jun 2021
I took my mom on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour for her birthday this week, and we had an amazing time! We loved the whole town of Winter Park and its scenery, downtown, and beautiful homes. Our guide Alan was very knowledgeable, and he told us all about the spectacular homes along the waterfront. The boat ride lasts almost an hour and takes you through Lake Osceola, Lake Virginia, and Lake Maitland and through the narrow canals that connect the lakes. We will definitely return with friends when they are visiting. Right now, they were operating three boats at a time which made sure that everyone who bought a ticket was able to get on the next boat without a problem. Two FYI notes: Masks are no longer required which makes it much more enjoyable on a hot summer day! Also, despite what the website says, they do take credit card payments on site. I'm not sure why their website says "cash and checks only."
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello, are dogs allowed on the tour?
carolyn b
St. Pete Beach, FL397 contributions
Sorry I don't know. However just call or email them
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
cnn73
Jacksonville, FL638 contributions
I just tried their website and it came up. Maybe try again. We just walked up and bought tickets.
Is the Winter Park scenic boat tour handicap accessible?
Joepg629
Jacksonville, FL237 contributions
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.
Do the boat have restrooms
19Danny56
Concord, OH137 contributions
Restrooms are at the dock prior to boarding the boat. Not on the boat.
Do the boats boats have
Bernadette1352
Orlando, FL368 contributions
No restrooms. Fun ride , very scenic
drmelojr23
Goiania, GO
Precisa de marcar ou pode comprar o ingresso lá na hora?
Marcia L
79 contributions
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.