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    Rusty Anchor Mount Dora

    4.6 (127 reviews)
    Boat Tours
    Closed • 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

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    Rusty Anchor Mount Dora - Parents with babies - Boat Tours Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida
    Rusty Anchor Mount Dora - Water snake by the dock. - Boat Tours Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida
    Rusty Anchor Mount Dora - The boat. - Boat Tours Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

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    Rusty Anchor Mount Dora - Moorhen feeding her baby from the boat tour with Rusty Anchor Mount Dora in Mount Dora, FL - Boat Tours Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

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      See the Mount Dora Christmas Lights From the Water - At Rusty Anchor Boat Tours the holidays are a special time of year and we celebrate each evening from December 6th to December 30th. Come experience the holiday season in style on Rusty Anchor’s Christmas Lights Cruise! We’ll slowly tour the shoreline of Lake Dora and have hot apple cider and Christmas cookies ready for you right there on the boat. As we make our way out to Breezy Point you’ll be able to view the skyline of Mount Dora as it glows with the colors of the season. Imagine yourself, friends and family cruising Lake Dora with Christmas music playing in the background all cuddled up, drinking warm apple cider and eating fresh cookies. As always you are welcome to bring a small cooler with your choice of snacks and beverages (rum goes good with hot apple cider… just saying) No other city in Lake County has a Christmas lights show like Mount Dora and Rusty Anchor’s Christmas Lights Cruise is a great way to experience it. Our boats are covered, have side curtains and we also have blankets onboard in case it’s a little chilly. Experience the essence of the holidays on the only pontoon boat tour that allows you to enjoy the open-air ambiance of the season. The grand finale becomes clear as we make our way past the Mount Dora Boating Center and Marina with millions and millions of Christmas lights all lit up in a festive display. If you haven’t experienced Rusty Anchor’s Christmas Lights Cruise now is the time. It’s like nothing you have ever seen and it’s the best way to enjoy the sights, and sounds that make the holiday season a treat! Reserve your trip now on Rusty Anchor’s Christmas Lights Cruise and spend an extraordinary evening on the water!

      See the Mount Dora Christmas Lights From the Water

      5 Photos

      Dora Canal tour from Mount Dora - The Dora Canal Tour is a spectacular event that starts in Mount Dora on Lake Dora and follows the shoreline all the way down to the Dora Canal in Tavares. On the way to the canal you will pass Boathouse row; a unique area of homes that were once boathouses for Mount Dora’s elite but have now been converted into homes for the residents. You will also pass by many beautiful homes on the shoreline of Lake Dora with a stop at a Bald Eagles nest along the way. Just before you reach the canal you will pass the City of Tavares which is the Seat of Lake County that Mount Dora resides. The Dora Canal is a little over a mile long and connects Lake Dora and Lake Eustis. The first quarter-mile from the south is populated but after that, it is like Florida 200 years ago. The Dora Canal was originally a natural passage, through the swamp between Lake Dora and Lake Eustis but in the late 1880s, the canal was widened, deepened and straightened just in certain areas because it was the major artery for commerce until the 1890s when the railroads came through. The reason they altered the canal was because they would bring the old Paddlewheel Boats through which were long, flat bottom and tall boats that at times had a hard time getting through the canal especially during low water. When this happened, the captains would have to get the passengers out of the boat and into the water to help push and pull the boats around the corners. I don’t think we will have to do that with you! I’m sure you can imagine how well that went over with the passengers and that is why they altered the canal. As we meander through the canal we will see Cypress Trees that are hundreds of years old with Cypress Knees jetting out of the water that allows the trees to breathe and remain stable. During the voyage we will see large nests in the tops of the 200-foot tall Cypress Trees from Ospreys, Anhinga, Herons and others. You might also see Alligators, Turtles, Snakes and beautiful Flora and Fauna throughout the swamplands. Once we get to Lake Eustis, we will do a quick turnaround and pass through the canal again to catch a glimpse of what you may have missed the first time; the “Real Florida” as Mother Nature intended. Upon our arrival back to Lake Dora we will follow the shoreline more closely to take in the beautiful homes with a second viewing of the Eagle’s nest then a look at Mount Dora’s magnificent waterfront and lighthouse.

      Dora Canal tour from Mount Dora

      30 Photos

      Mount Dora Shoreline Tour - Step aboard one of Rusty Anchor’s United States Coast Guard approved covered pontoon boats and get ready for a unique 1 hour shoreline tour of Lake Dora and Lake Beauclair. As we glide along our USCG licensed Captain will point out areas of interest such as the oldest inland yacht club in Florida, the Lighthouse, Boathouse Row, Historic Lakeside Inn. Learn about the rich history of Mount Dora and hear the stories of the characters that made this city their home. Meandering through Alligator Cove keep your eyes open at all times! You just never know what wildlife is hanging out on the shoreline or in the trees. Of course, we are always on the lookout for the American Alligators, Raccoons, River Otters, Great Blue, Little Blue, Green and Tri-colored Herons, Great and Snowy Egrets, Anhingas, Limpkins and many other species of birds both native and migratory. A Bald Eagle’s nest is along the shoreline so we’ll keep a lookout towards the trees to spot this symbol of freedom! On Rusty Anchor’s shoreline tour you’ll experience the epitome of the South; Cypress and Oak Trees with Spanish Moss blowing in the breeze, the purple blooms of Pickerel Weed, maroons of Scarlet Hibiscus and white blooms of Lanceleaf Arrowhead or “Duck Potato” as the locals call it. All of this is put together by Mother Nature so there is no telling what you might see. We’ll pass many beautiful homes some with their own interesting stories and our friendly residents are eager to smile and wave as we go by. The crew at Rusty Anchor is honored to introduce you, your family and friends to the native flora and fauna Lake Dora and Beauclair have to offer. In fact, most of us are natives ourselves. So come on down and spend a leisurely hour on Rusty Anchor’s Shoreline Tour. We look forward to seeing you real soon!

      Mount Dora Shoreline Tour

      2 Photos

      This Mount Dora Sunset Cruise is Not to be Missed - There is nothing quite like a Central Florida sunset and this boat tour will put you in an amazing place to experience it! Take a one-hour relaxing cruise as the day comes to an end. While you are gliding along the shoreline from Lake Dora into Lake Beauclair our captain and crew will share a bit of Mount Dora’s history with you. On this sunset cruise, you will enjoy views of Mount Dora’s waterfront and see some special points of interest such as the historic Mount Dora Yacht Club, Lighthouse, Alligator Cove, Palm Island, Lakeside Inn, Eagle’s nest, beautiful homes and more. This is the bewitching hour when the wildlife is active so while underway we’ll search for Alligators and other wildlife. Be sure to have your cameras ready while you watch the sky being painted as the sun slips away. Our tour boats are covered, Coast Guard inspected vessels with bathrooms onboard and always a Licensed Master Captain behind the helm. We offer complimentary bottled water and you are more than welcome to bring any type of food or drink with you to toast the spectacular sunset. We are centrally located near Orlando, Daytona, Ocala, The Villages and Tavares and our city has so much to offer from unique shops and museums to awesome restaurants and watering holes! So whether you’re looking for a fun night on the town, first date, a celebration with friends or just a relaxing evening. Rusty Anchor’s sunset cruise is the perfect tour for you and a great way to end your day or start your evening. With so many sights to see, this sunset cruise features the best of Mount Dora during the most beautiful time of day. Complete with local wildlife and awesome scenery, you just can’t miss this amazing trip. Book online today! Departure times vary through the year based on the timing of the sunset!!

      This Mount Dora Sunset Cruise is Not to be Missed

      2 Photos

      Mount Dora Sunset Dinner Cruise - Come join us for our three hour sunset dinner cruise! With Rusty Anchor Boat Tours you not only see the most beautiful sunsets Central Florida has to offer but you will taste the most wonderful food at one of our favorite restaurants on the Lake. During your journey you will pass Boathouse Row and see other historical buildings along the shoreline. Our Captains and Crew are happy to share with you the history of Mount Dora and some fun facts about Lake Dora as well. On our sunset dinner cruise you see a cornucopia of wildlife and could possibly have the opportunity to feast your eyes on American Bald Eagles, Alligators, Red-bellied Turtles, wildlife of all sorts, Snakes, occasionally River Otters and many species of Herons, Egrets and other birds. You will learn how you can get from the Ocklawaha (Harris) Chain of Lakes in Central Florida to the Atlantic Ocean in Jacksonville. All this adventure can make a person hungry so your next stop is at one of the many popular restaurants in the city of Tavares. Our choice for fun and food on Rusty Anchor’s sunset dinner cruise most often is an Irish pub called O’Keefe’s. It comes with all of the authentic food, libations and lively musical atmosphere an Irishman can handle. During your trip we will pause to take in the stunning sunset that Lake Dora is famous for producing. It’s a photo op for you to share for years to come. Returning back to Rusty Anchor’s boat docks in Mount Dora, you can definitely check an awesome sunset dinner cruise off your bucket list. So don’t forget to come join us for an experience you won’t be able to stop talking about and can’t wait to tell you friends about. This tour is extremely relaxing and enjoyable and a great way to end the day.

      Mount Dora Sunset Dinner Cruise

      2 Photos

      Dora Canal Lunch Tour - The Dora Canal lunch cruise takes in all the excitement of the Dora Canal which is a part of the Ocklawaha (Harris) Chain of Lakes. The Dora Canal links Lake Eustis and Lake Dora. From Native Americans such as the Timucua Indians to pioneer adventurers, this river is a special spot for many. What was once known as the Elfin River to early Central Floridians, it continues to build upon its rich history and on Rusty Anchor’s Dora Canal lunch tour you become a part of that history! Bring your camera, it’s a magical journey through a mystical place. Located near Orlando, Daytona, The Villages and Tavares, the canal was pinned by sports writer Grantland Rice as “the most beautiful mile of waterway in the world”, the Dora Canal is a wildlife paradise. Forever changing with the seasons, this lunch tour is a must-see whether you’re a local or here on vacation. Because it was spared by the loggers of the late 1800s, 200+ year old Cypress Trees call the Dora Canal home and giant Live Oaks covered in Spanish Moss line the bank. Numerous species of birds such as Anhingas, Great Blue, Little Blue, Green and Tri-colored Herons, White Ibis, Limpkins, Prothonotary Warblers, Great and Snowy Egrets can be found on Rusty Anchor’s Dora Canal lunch tour. Some of which build nests high in the Cypress canopy. Red-bellied, Snapping and Softshell Turtles can be seen, Alligators, River Otters and more. The wildlife alone makes this Dora Canal Lunch cruise well worth your time. In Winter it’s warm and welcoming, in Spring it’s the rookery for the birdlife, in Summer it is shades of green and in Fall the Dora Canal is the place to see Autumn colors. You will learn about all the flora and fauna from our experienced master captains and crew. Relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery on Rusty Anchor’s Dora Canal tour. We then stop at a waterfront restaurant where you purchase a lunch of your choosing. Afterward, your captain will then navigate the way back to the Rusty Anchor Mount Dora dock while viewing the city from afar. Reserve your spot today!

      Dora Canal Lunch Tour

      2 Photos

      Silver Springs Boat Tour via Mount Dora - Our Silver Springs tour is an all-day affair as we travel through lakes, creeks, and rivers all the way to the crystal clear waters of Silver Springs. The tour will take in Lake Dora, The Dora Canal, Lake Eustis, Haynes Creek, Lake Griffin, the Ocklawaha River and the Silver River all the way to the Spring Boils of Silver Springs. On our journey across Lake Dora we’ll see the Bald Eagle’s nest and the Dora Canal (the most beautiful waterway in the world) then we will cross Lake Eustis to the start of Haynes Creek, which is a 5 mile-long stretch of beautiful waterway that connects Lake Eustis to Lake Griffin. Haynes Creek has a lock and dam right in the middle that lowers the waters about 8 ft. heading north. Upon our arrival in Lake Griffin, we will head north to the beginning of the Ocklawaha River which is a magnificent river that runs from Lake Griffin all the way to the Saint Johns River. Our journey down the Ocklawaha will start with the section of the river that was altered to accommodate the Cross Florida Barge Canal, which was stopped in 1972 and never completed. The Old Ocklawaha river is what Florida looked like hundreds of years ago. We will then go through another lock and dam at Moss Bluff which will drop us about 20-23 feet. About halfway down the river to the St. John’s we will turn off the Ocklawaha River and go up the Silver River. Silver River is gin-clear and takes us to the head if the Spring Boil in Silver Springs State Park. This is where the famous glass bottom boats take people on sightseeing tours of the springs. After our tour around in the Silver Springs area, we shall start our trek back retracing our journey.

      Silver Springs Boat Tour via Mount Dora

      2 Photos

      Recommended Reviews - Rusty Anchor Mount Dora

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      Karen K.

      Carol made it so easy to reserve and pay. She is so pleasant to speak with. The sunset cruise was amazing. We learned some of local history. Saw Eagles and Alligators. Beautiful sunset. Highly recommended.

      Me and Captain Ted
      Lisa W.

      My husband and I had taken a boat tour of Lake Dora and the Dora Canal a number of years ago and decided we wanted to do it again. The weather was slated to be favorable and not too warm. Booking our excursion online was quick and easy. We arrived with a little time to spare and after checking in (just give your name, the time of your booking and the number of guests). Easy peasy! When it was time, we boarded the Rusty Anchor Mount Dora - where our trusty tour guide, Ran, told us a great deal about the history of the lake and canal, pointing out many things of interest. We saw beautiful old houses, run-down boat shacks, gnome gardens (they had an "Elvis" gnome!), and lots of flora, fauna and wildlife. My husband happily took lots of photos. The boat was expertly driven by Captain Ted. I would be quite content taking this ride everyday. It was beautiful and oh, so relaxing.

      Leah P.

      There were so many things to see on this tour. The ride was smooth and comfortable. Great for all ages! The guide was great at explaining things and telling us about the history. Reasonably priced as well!

      Parents with babies

      The two hour cruise was great! Going through the canal part was beautiful, highly recommend. The boat is well maintained and a person in a wheelchair was in our group so it seemed handicap accessible. The captain was very safe. We saw a wide variety of birds, a few I do not recall seeing before. I would not expect to see a lot of alligators as there is a lot of boat traffic, but we did see one. We will definitely go again when we have visitors to entertain.

      On the way to the canal.
      Robert H.

      Nice outing. Captain Bob and narrator Randy did great jobs. The canal with its ancient cypress trees is very beautiful. It was a busy Saturday with a stream of vessels going through, many pontoons, lots of motorboats, some jet skies, and even a water automobile from the 1960s.

      Rusty anchor
      Daniel M.

      Someone mentioned a boat tour on a lake in a town that I have never heard of or been to so here we are. I just followed along. My Dora is a beautiful town to walk shop and eat. We all met at the dock and went on our tour. The service was good as the captain and mate were very knowledgeable and explained everything we needed to know about the lake. It was a fun day for all. Highly recommend. Enjoy

      The boat.
      Julie P.

      super fun tour of Lake Dora and Dora Canal. The tour guides are very knowledgeable about the history, flora & fauna, and the area. We learned a lot of interesting things. It is a beautiful hidden gem of Florida.

      Blue heron!

      A day with our grandson. He's 16 and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. We had lunch at Fish Camp restaurant and it was delicious. I recommend the shrimp sandwich. Never ate shrimp on a sandwich before and it was a toasted bun and absolutely delicious. My grandson and husband got the steak burger and they raved about how great it was. I highly recommend Rusty anchor for an enjoyable day through the Dora canal.

      Bill G.

      This was a unique and fun experience while in Mt. Dora. The captain and crew did a wonderful job explaining a lot of history of the area and providing us with a lot of information on the incredible wildlife we saw while on the tour. Great job!

      Dora Canal

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      5 months ago

      Rusty Anchor always does a nice job entertaining their guests. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset cruise recently.

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      6 months ago

      Such a fun way to explore old Florida canals! Beautiful afternoon on the water. highly recommend this excursion.

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      1 year ago

      Very good fish and chips. Tasty Cole slaw, too. Server was friendly, cheerful and attentive.

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      1 year ago

      It was a great boat ride. Our captain was informative and so pleasant. Very knowledgeable about the history. He made it fun.

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      Wonderful experience, our guide was friendly, accommodating , and professional . The lady at the pier was as well. Highly recommend!

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      More info about Rusty Anchor Mount Dora

      • 400 W 4th Ave

        Mount Dora, FL 32757

        Directions

      • (352) 383-3933

        Call Now

      • Visit Website

        http://www.rustyanchormountdora.com/

      • Hours

        What time does Rusty Anchor Mount Dora open?

        Rusty Anchor Mount Dora opens at 9:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

        What time does Rusty Anchor Mount Dora close?

        Rusty Anchor Mount Dora closes at 5:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

        Mon-Sun 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

      • Other Amenities

        Does Rusty Anchor Mount Dora have free WiFi?

        Yes, Rusty Anchor Mount Dora has free WiFi.

      • From the Business

        Specialties

        Owned by a Florida Native, Rusty Anchor is a tour boat company that has been offering exciting eco tours of the Dora Canal and Lake Dora since 1988. We pride ourselves on sharing local knowledge with our customers and pointing out the flora and fauna that exists in this beautiful area of Lake County, FL. We often see Anhingas, Limpkins, Great and Snowy Egrets, Herons of all kinds, Ospreys and Bald Eagles, American Alligators and Turtles too! The Dora Canal has Cypress Trees that are well over 200 years old and they provide nesting areas for several types of birds. Join us on a 2 hour sightseeing tour of Lake Dora and the Dora Canal which has been pinned as the "most beautiful mile of waterway in the world". We also offer 1 hour Shoreline and Sunset Cruises and if you would rather pair your tour with a meal, we have a 3 hour Dora Canal Lunch Cruise and Sunset Dinner Cruise. At Christmas time we offer a Christmas Lights tour that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Give us a call or book online today, we can't wait to meet You!

        History

        Established in 1988.

        This sightseeing eco tour was started to show off the owners hometown of Mount Dora from a different angle than most people get to see it from. Mother Nature at its finest. We do this to share the experience!

        Meet the Business Owner: Scott A.

        Scott is very proud to serve the Mount Dora area, and he looks forward to your visit!

      Ask the Community - Rusty Anchor Mount Dora

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      Review Highlights - Rusty Anchor Mount Dora

      “It started in Mount Dora on Lake Dora and followed the shoreline all the way down to the Dora Canal in Tavares.”

      Mentioned in 14 reviews

      Read more highlights

      CatBoat Adventure Tours

      CatBoat Adventure Tours

      4.9(48 reviews)
      0.3 mi

      This was an absolute adventure! As someone who is not usually into water activities, I wasn't quite…read moresure what to expect, but this turned out to be such an enjoyable experience. The weather, our tour guide, and the beautiful views along Lake Dora and the Dora Canal all came together perfectly. This was our first time doing anything like this. My sister was the one operating the boat. It took us a few minutes to get comfortable with the steering and speed controls, but once we got the hang of it, it was fairly easy to navigate. The full-throttle speed felt a little too fast for us, so we decided to take it slower and enjoy the ride at our own pace. The tour guide and rest of the group were very understanding and kindly waited for us to catch up with them. Overall, it was a fun and unique way to experience Lake Dora and the beautiful Dora Canal. If you're looking for something a little adventurous but are hesitant because you don't have much boating experience, I would definitely recommend giving this a try.

      CatBoat Adventure Tours should be on everyone's bucket list!…read more We booked this tour a couple of weeks in advance and had plenty of days and times to choose from, but it ended up being sold out. Our guide was amazing and provided a lot of information about the Mount Dora area. My husband had a blast operating the boat. They go very fast, but drive smooth. Nobody in our group wore a life vest, but they do offer them if you're interested. This was an amazing time and we're already thinking of when to come back.

      Photos
      CatBoat Adventure Tours - Watching the sunset

      Watching the sunset

      CatBoat Adventure Tours
      CatBoat Adventure Tours

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      Premier Boat Tours - Christmas lights on lake cruise.

      Premier Boat Tours

      4.7(101 reviews)
      0.1 mi

      We had a great time on the boat tour of Lake Dora and the Dora Canal. Captain John and 1st mate…read moreErin did a wonder job of narrating the tour and the things we saw. Would definitely recommend and look forward to doing this tour again in the future! Thank you!

      Captain Jonathan in first mate Kenneth.(I hope I I have the name correct) did a fantastic job! They…read morewere very entertaining and very informative! I would highly recommend this tour. It's a must if you're visiting Mount Dora. You get the history from the water aspect.

      Photos
      Premier Boat Tours - View of Lake Dora from the dock.

      View of Lake Dora from the dock.

      Premier Boat Tours - Canal tour

      Canal tour

      Premier Boat Tours - Small gator sunning

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      Small gator sunning

      Mount Dora Lake Tours - Beautiful Lake Dora

      Mount Dora Lake Tours

      5.0(1 review)
      0.4 mi

      Had a great time! Owner was very responsive, punctual, and accommodating. The boat was in great…read moreshape, and the tour was well worth the money. My family had a great time on the lake!

      Photos
      Mount Dora Lake Tours - Mount Dora Canal

      Mount Dora Canal

      Mount Dora Lake Tours - Red White and Blue

      Red White and Blue

      Mount Dora Lake Tours - Lake Dora

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      Lake Dora

      Captain Jed's Airboat Tours - Just us and the Captain!

      Captain Jed's Airboat Tours

      4.7(42 reviews)
      21.6 mi

      Had some family in town and they requested a boat ride so hey why not an airboat right. Capt Jed…read morewas fun & made the trip enjoyable. There wasn't too many creatures out this time of year but the scenery was great. Would love to come back first of the year

      Friendly and fun! Saw lots of gators and soaked up the sun. Great activity to do while pregnant.read more

      Photos
      Captain Jed's Airboat Tours
      Captain Jed's Airboat Tours - Racheal the Alligator!

      Racheal the Alligator!

      Captain Jed's Airboat Tours

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      Cruisin’ Tikis Lake Dora

      Cruisin’ Tikis Lake Dora

      5.0(2 reviews)
      4.8 mi

      Such a fun and unique experience! Got to watch the sunset while cruising around looking for gators…read more Kids loved having the chance to 'drive' and play Captain. Definitely recommend the sunset cruise

      Captain Roger was great! Dee was very helpful when we had to change our reservation at the last…read moreminute. We had an amazing time! It was overcast and windy, so we decided not to head to the Sandbar but cruised the edge of the lake instead. We still had so much fun! Thanks for the great time! We'll be back!

      Photos
      Cruisin’ Tikis Lake Dora
      Cruisin’ Tikis Lake Dora
      Cruisin’ Tikis Lake Dora - A gator!

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      A gator!

      Dora Queen - Under the main deck

      Dora Queen

      4.5(13 reviews)
      5.1 mi

      5 stars. My wife and…read moreI celebrated our 17th anniversary on the Dora Queen and it was exactly the kind of evening we wanted. The paddlewheel boat on Lake Dora is comfortable, the upper deck has a great view, and the staff made it feel personal without hovering. They even put a "Welcome Kerr Aboard" tag on our charcuterie board, which was a fun surprise. We sat outside with a bottle of wine, watched the water, and didn't have to rush anything. The weather looked stormy, but the cruise still went and the covered deck kept it easy. Nice mix of indoor lounge seating and open air if you want both. Easy to book, friendly crew, and a memorable way to spend an anniversary. We'd do it again.

      Definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Mount Dora/Tavares. The new owners could not have…read moremade this trip any more perfect for me. From the second, I got on the boat until I got off the boat two hours later I was beyond well taken care of. The live music was engaging and the perfect compliment to the boat ride itself and just being on the water. The charcuterie board was yummy and completely worth the $25 it cost. I would 100% recommend doing the sunset cruise to anyone looking to enjoy their time Tavares on the lake.

      Photos
      Dora Queen - Paddle

      Paddle

      Dora Queen
      Dora Queen

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      Jones Brothers Air & Seaplane Adventures - Loved the Cessna 172

      Jones Brothers Air & Seaplane Adventures

      4.8(31 reviews)
      4.8 mi

      Our pilot Jake was amazing. We had such a great time. Absolutely beautiful and thought maybe the…read morebiggest alligator I've ever seen. A great way to explore Florida from a different view but also just do something unique and fun. So glad that we tried it out.

      Warning : you should not use this company. I callled and…read morelet them know that I would be arriving in Florida for four days and asked would this be adequate time to complete the five hours of flight training. I was assured by The female at the desk that this would be no problem. I arrived on time each day and prepared for flight training. I received 2.9 hours of training and then I was informed they had pre-booked charters and would not be able to accommodate me the rest of those hours. I spoke with the lady at the front desk about this situation and we agreed that I would be billed only for the hours received. I received a partial refund and then within two hours the refund was taken back out of my account and I received a text message from the company that stated the owner didn't feel comfortable giving me a partial refund. This company was fully aware of my situation and did not honor their word. This company took my money under false pretenses, and payment was made for services NOT RENDERED!!!! I immediately called my credit card company and explain the situation and started a dispute. Anyone looking to get there sea plane ratings I would advise from my experience do not use this company. They are not a reputable company and they lack honesty and integrity. Next day I went to Jack Brown's seaplane base in winter haven Florida I was amazed and I found the staff was amazing and most of all had integrity. After two hours of flight time the Cfi was ready to sign me off, but we could not get a DPE that day and I was flying out the next morning. I found Jack Brown's Sea Plane base to be everything that you could ever ask for in a company for Sea Plane operation. I will be going back to Jack Brown's to fly again in the future highly recommend Jack Brown.

      Photos
      Jones Brothers Air & Seaplane Adventures
      Jones Brothers Air & Seaplane Adventures - Ready for our Splash and Dash!

      Ready for our Splash and Dash!

      Jones Brothers Air & Seaplane Adventures

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      Dolphin Family Tours

      Dolphin Family Tours

      4.6(40 reviews)
      65.7 mi

      The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. It was cold day with little activity but the…read moreguide was thorough and knew all the right spots.

      Amazing Experience! Perfect for Our Orlando Vacation!…read more My wife has always dreamed of seeing manatees up close, as it's something we rarely get to experience in everyday life. So while we were in Orlando, we decided to take a tour with Dolphin Family Tours. It ended up being one of the best parts of our trip! The tour was well-organized, and we got to see not only dolphins but also those gentle manatees she had been so eager to encounter. The boat was comfortable, and the Captain was super friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

      Photos
      Dolphin Family Tours
      Dolphin Family Tours
      Dolphin Family Tours - Swimming in a Dolphin and Manatee Lagoon

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      Swimming in a Dolphin and Manatee Lagoon

      Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company - Very cool to see a Jane Austen festival with so many dressed up.

      Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company

      5.0(6 reviews)
      0.1 mi

      Colleen was great! She is an awesome guide & added to the historian's information. Took all of…read moreour pictures & was so sweet. I surprised my wife for Valentine's Day & she was given a beautiful red rose. This was a very informative tour. Mt. Dora is the cutest little town. So many restaurants, shops & history to explore. I highly recommend this tour. Reading other reviews & now I want to go back for Halloween & Christmas!

      Wonderfully fun ride for Halloween. The carriage was decorated for the season with spooky scary…read moreHalloween flare, with Halloween music playing and an eerie but fun nighttime tour through historic Mount Dora. A lot of fun and highly recommended for any seasonal celebration or non-seasonless celebration and thank you Colleen to our wonderful driver. Highly recommended.

      Photos
      Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company - Beautiful carriage in front of the gorgeous Lakeside Inn.

      Beautiful carriage in front of the gorgeous Lakeside Inn.

      Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company
      Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company

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      Rusty Anchor Mount Dora - boattours - Updated September 2026

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      CatBoat Adventure Tours

      CatBoat Adventure Tours

      4.9
      (48 reviews)

      This was an absolute adventure! As someone who is not usually into water activities, I wasn't quite…read moresure what to expect, but this turned out to be such an enjoyable experience. The weather, our tour guide, and the beautiful views along Lake Dora and the Dora Canal all came together perfectly. This was our first time doing anything like this. My sister was the one operating the boat. It took us a few minutes to get comfortable with the steering and speed controls, but once we got the hang of it, it was fairly easy to navigate. The full-throttle speed felt a little too fast for us, so we decided to take it slower and enjoy the ride at our own pace. The tour guide and rest of the group were very understanding and kindly waited for us to catch up with them. Overall, it was a fun and unique way to experience Lake Dora and the beautiful Dora Canal. If you're looking for something a little adventurous but are hesitant because you don't have much boating experience, I would definitely recommend giving this a try.

      CatBoat Adventure Tours should be on everyone's bucket list!…read more We booked this tour a couple of weeks in advance and had plenty of days and times to choose from, but it ended up being sold out. Our guide was amazing and provided a lot of information about the Mount Dora area. My husband had a blast operating the boat. They go very fast, but drive smooth. Nobody in our group wore a life vest, but they do offer them if you're interested. This was an amazing time and we're already thinking of when to come back.

      Catboat Escapes

      Catboat Escapes

      5.0
      (6 reviews)

      1000 percent recommend. The guide was amazing, the boats ran great and the scenery was…read moreoutstanding. We showed up at 8:30 for the first trip of the day. We got out a few minutes early and the weather was great. They give you a ton of information about the area and let you spend about 15 minutes driving the boats around without limit. The boats get up to 30-35 miles per hour and are easy to control. They hand out waters and life jackets. Even an unskilled boater can handle it. I will 100% be back

      Nate was a fantastic tour guide! I found this trip online in a travel app. I was pleasantly…read moresurprised that they allow booking through their website at a lower price. I paid for two people so I could come by myself. It was totally worth it. Definitely worth the drive from Orlando. The rivers, canals, and lakes are so beautiful and diverse. It was great to get a chance to just ride around and explore the lake on our own. I was definitely go back on another tour. Nate said they have several different routes. I went when the high was about 65° they provide seat warmers so as long as you have a jacket you'll be fine.

      Jones Brothers Air & Seaplane Adventures

      Jones Brothers Air & Seaplane Adventures

      4.8
      (31 reviews)

      Our pilot Jake was amazing. We had such a great time. Absolutely beautiful and thought maybe the…read morebiggest alligator I've ever seen. A great way to explore Florida from a different view but also just do something unique and fun. So glad that we tried it out.

      Warning : you should not use this company. I callled and…read morelet them know that I would be arriving in Florida for four days and asked would this be adequate time to complete the five hours of flight training. I was assured by The female at the desk that this would be no problem. I arrived on time each day and prepared for flight training. I received 2.9 hours of training and then I was informed they had pre-booked charters and would not be able to accommodate me the rest of those hours. I spoke with the lady at the front desk about this situation and we agreed that I would be billed only for the hours received. I received a partial refund and then within two hours the refund was taken back out of my account and I received a text message from the company that stated the owner didn't feel comfortable giving me a partial refund. This company was fully aware of my situation and did not honor their word. This company took my money under false pretenses, and payment was made for services NOT RENDERED!!!! I immediately called my credit card company and explain the situation and started a dispute. Anyone looking to get there sea plane ratings I would advise from my experience do not use this company. They are not a reputable company and they lack honesty and integrity. Next day I went to Jack Brown's seaplane base in winter haven Florida I was amazed and I found the staff was amazing and most of all had integrity. After two hours of flight time the Cfi was ready to sign me off, but we could not get a DPE that day and I was flying out the next morning. I found Jack Brown's Sea Plane base to be everything that you could ever ask for in a company for Sea Plane operation. I will be going back to Jack Brown's to fly again in the future highly recommend Jack Brown.

      St. Johns River Eco Tours

      St. Johns River Eco Tours

      4.5
      (25 reviews)

      Not to be missed! We were very impressed with Captain Colin's knowledge and experience on the…read moreriver. He spotted wildlife details that we never would have noticed, including a manatee tracker rod above the surface of the water - with a manatee below the surface. We learned so much about the birds, plants, fish, and history of the area. It's clear that Capt. Colin has his heart and soul invested in the river and it's conservation. Bravo!

      My husband and I love boat tours and exploring nature, so for our wedding anniversary, he booked us…read morea 2-hour eco tour with the amazing Captain Colin. As luck would have it, we were the only ones signed up for this tour. The St. John's River Eco tours run 7 days a week - twice per day. They're also available for private tours or if you need a captain to drive a boat while you fish, relax, focus on photography or enjoy an adult beverage or two. Food and drinks are allowed on the boat, with the exception of red wine (red wine + an all white boat = potential permanent wine stains). Captain Colin was engaging, very knowledgeable and personable- he even back up the boat a few times for my husband and I to get a better view of some wildlife! We will definitely be back!

      Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company

      Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company

      5.0
      (6 reviews)

      Colleen was great! She is an awesome guide & added to the historian's information. Took all of…read moreour pictures & was so sweet. I surprised my wife for Valentine's Day & she was given a beautiful red rose. This was a very informative tour. Mt. Dora is the cutest little town. So many restaurants, shops & history to explore. I highly recommend this tour. Reading other reviews & now I want to go back for Halloween & Christmas!

      Wonderfully fun ride for Halloween. The carriage was decorated for the season with spooky scary…read moreHalloween flare, with Halloween music playing and an eerie but fun nighttime tour through historic Mount Dora. A lot of fun and highly recommended for any seasonal celebration or non-seasonless celebration and thank you Colleen to our wonderful driver. Highly recommended.

      Blue Spring Adventures

      Blue Spring Adventures

      3.9
      (29 reviews)

      We booked a tour for six of us online. A couple days prior, I got a call saying there weren't…read moreenough people booked on that tour for them to actually take the boat out. They offered to rebook us on another day and time of our choosing. Well, I happened to be in the car when they called so accessing my schedule while I was on the phone, was not an easy task. The lady on the phone seemed SUPER annoyed with me the entire conversation. TWICE she asked if I would like to call her back. I'm sorry- are you THAT busy that you can't wait for two seconds while I pull up my calendar?!! I was so irritated by this lady's rude behavior that I almost said forget it. Refund us. We don't want to support you. You are being rude. However, my in laws were coming from out of town and I wanted them to experience the springs and the manatees. I had an entire week of activities planned for us so I just needed a second to check my calendar. If the lady who called was SOOOO BUSY, then why did she choose that time to call me? I will not get over this. Her customer service got the job done and we rescheduled but I will not forget how rude she was. On the day of our tour, we checked in at the little shack on the dock. Our tour guide was super funny! He was narrating our tour and making jokes. He was interacting with everyone on the boat. It was a cold day but we were able to see one large sunbathing gator and some hawks and other birds. The manatees were best seen from the shoreline walkway. We left a large tip for the tour guide and thanked him. He probably has no idea that the lady in the office is a real jerk.

      we have been to blue Springs on many occasions and we finally pulled the trigger and did the boat…read moreride and even though it was short, we still had a good time and our guide was very knowledgeable in the surrounding areas and it's wildlife I would recommend for anyone that's wanting to know more about the area to give this a try

      The Howey Mansion

      The Howey Mansion

      4.7
      (15 reviews)

      William John Howey (January 19, 1876 - June 7, 1938) was an American real-estate developer, citrus…read moregrower, and Republican politician from Florida. He founded and served as mayor for the town of Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida where he developed and sold citrus groves, becoming one of Florida's greatest citrus developers. He was one of the first citrus growers to send fruit from Florida to England. In 1921 he opened Florida's first citrus juice plant. He ran for governor on the Republican ticket in 1928 and 1932. Mr. Howey's prominence led to many distinguished guests visiting the Howey mansion, These included Lord Bathhurst of England, H.B. McNeal, publisher of Golfer's Magazine, golf master Chick Evans, Kansas Governor Alfred Landon, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Phillip's of petroleum fame, and President Calvin Coolidge who was guest of honor at an all-male dinner party in February 1930. Mr. Howey's former home near Lake Wales, Florida became the site of Florida's Bok Tower at the Bok Tower Gardens. In 1925 Mr. Howey commissioned a 20 room mansion in the town he founded. The architect was Katherine Cotheal Budd. During WWI she designed temporary lodgings known as hostess homes for women who were visiting their husbands at military training camps. Budd is credited for creating 72 lodgings with a homelike atmosphere and the Howey House is one of a few existing examples of her work. The Howey Mansion was designed in the popular Mediterranean Revival style. The house is set back on a wide lawn with wrought iron gates and a long horseshoe drive. The entrance to the home features an elaborate, two story bas relief frontispiece .The massive front door and the woodwork on the first floor is made from peaky cypress. Leading to the second floor is a graceful curving stone stairway with a wrought iron banister. Other features of the home include three large fireplaces, a ballroom-size drawing room, enormous beamed ceilings, and a servant call-bell phone system. There is even a hidden passage behind a sliding bookshelf panel in the library. The original 15 acres grounds of the mansion were called The Park and included many botanical plants and shrubs. On March 6, 1927 The Park was the host site for an open air concert performed by the New York Civic Opera Company bringing the top opera singers of the day to the mansion for a concert for the community. The mansion was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Place on January 27, 1983. On April 12, 2017 it was listed for sale at $480,000. The new owners are Brad and Clay Cowherd, Orlando real estate investors who have made period-accurate restoration of the house. I visited the Howey Mansion for the Founders Day Festival. Admission for tours of the home was discounted to $10. The Howey Mansion is available for private rentals like weddings while historical tours are also available Monday through Friday at 11am. The Founder's Day event included a local market, food trucks, live music, and family activities. I enjoyed visiting the tents and touring the mansion including the hidden bar in the basement that was created during prohibition. Behind the mansion, is a trail through the woods that will take you to the Georgian marble mausoleum where the Howey family is interred including William J. Howey (1938), daughter, Lois Valerie Howey (1941), and Mary Hastings Howey (1981). This year Centennial Founder's Day Celebration, marked100 years since the town's founding in 1925.

      What an incredible place! We really enjoyed the tour Fran and Mercy gave us. They were extremely…read moreknowledgeable about the property and you can tell they love what they do. The property itself is gorgeous. If you're looking for an event space, you're in luck they rent it out for weddings and other events.

      Premier Boat Tours

      Premier Boat Tours

      4.7
      (101 reviews)

      We had a great time on the boat tour of Lake Dora and the Dora Canal. Captain John and 1st mate…read moreErin did a wonder job of narrating the tour and the things we saw. Would definitely recommend and look forward to doing this tour again in the future! Thank you!

      Captain Jonathan in first mate Kenneth.(I hope I I have the name correct) did a fantastic job! They…read morewere very entertaining and very informative! I would highly recommend this tour. It's a must if you're visiting Mount Dora. You get the history from the water aspect.

      Uncle Donald's Farm

      Uncle Donald's Farm

      4.2
      (12 reviews)

      Another Old School roadside attraction…read more It is certainly not a Disney type experience, but it is not trying to be. It is a combination small zoo, 4H exhibit at a fair, and charmingly ramshackle. Harley the bird startled me by saying " hello" out of the blue, he has a great voice. It is worth it to buy some feed bags when you buy your tickets, as many residents are most enthusiastic about receiving some of that cracked corn. A few enterprising birds seem to have snuck out of their cages so as to indulge in corn that bounces off the cage. Pretty calico cat hanging out at the entrance. Staff all very nice.

      Great place for younger children to have a hands on experience with farm animals. Great experience.read more

      Presidents Hall of Fame

      Presidents Hall of Fame

      4.3
      (36 reviews)

      This is a small off the beaten path presidents Hall of Fame Museum. The most updated information…read morethey have is from the 45th president of Donald Trump. They have not yet included Joe Biden's administrative history in this museum or Trump's second term. The outside of the museum does need a little TLC, but there is a great replica of Mount Rushmore in the back to take pictures with.

      A friend and I decided we should do an indoor activity because the weather was not Disney friendly…read more None of us fought this. We were greeted immediately and were told that our daily admission gave us a yearly membership. Yay us! The place was packed with presidential memorabilia, wax figures, and the most fabulous miniature model of the White House. There was even a cute video of pets that have lived in the White House. A raccoon? Seriously? That is hilarious. For me, I wish it wasn't so hot inside. It may have been that it was a cold and rainy January day when we visited. It would have been nicer if it wasn't as warm inside, though. 04.08.2025

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