2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes

Take an award winning tour of the Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven! Awarded the Certificate of Excellency & Travelers Choice awards every year since 2018. Experience true southern...

2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes

4.9 (436 reviews)Rated 4.9 out of 5

About this experience

Take an award winning tour of the Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven! Awarded the Certificate of Excellency & Travelers Choice awards every year since 2018. Experience true southern hospitality as you explore real Florida aboard a brand new Pontoon boat with a local guide with over 40 years experience. Your guide will take you on adventure like no other through the incredible beauty and rich history of 5 to 7 historical lakes of the famous Chain of Lakes.

You will be able to capture amazing photos of the wildlife and lush tropical landscaping that line the shores of this rich resource. Possible sitings include alligators, otters, blue heron, turtles, osprey, anhingas and more! You will also learn about the history of Cypress Gardens and take a nostalgic look at the famous Florida pool as you glide by and peek into a moment in history where the southern bells once stood on the famous Cypress Gardens bridge. This tour is perfect for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike!

What is included

  • Lunch or Dinner reservations for lakeside dining at Harborside restaurant available upon request.
  • Bottled water
  • We provide bottled water. Guests are welcome to bing anything they woud like to eat or drink.

Our take

An award-winning pontoon boat tour of the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes with a guide who has decades of local knowledge. Expect wildlife, historic canals and old Florida stories at a very reasonable price.

Best for

  • Families and seniors
  • History and nature lovers
  • A relaxed half day near LEGOLAND

Skip it if

You want something within minutes of Disney; Winter Haven is about an hour away.

Tips before you book

  1. Pair it with a LEGOLAND Florida day nearby.
  2. Bring binoculars for bird spotting.
  3. Sunscreen and a hat are a must on the water.

How it compares

ExperienceRatingFromLength
2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes (this tour)4.9 (436)$39.102 hours
Silver Springs Kayak Tour - Best price, Best Gear, Free Photos5.0 (187)$39.502 hr 15 min
Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour4.9 (2,629)$1192 hr 30 min
Silver Springs Clear Kayak Manatee, Monkey & Wildlife Adventures4.9 (661)$642 hours

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Meeting point

ALL GUESTS MUST ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME. Please meet the captain at The Living Water Cruises sign at dock 15 MIN PRIOR to departure time. BOATS DO NOT WAIT. Restrooms do not open until 11:30am; please plan accordingly. Lunch or dinner reservations are available upon request.

Additional information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • We can accomodate one non-transferrable wheelchair guest per tour. Pick up location would change to the boat launch next door to restaurant for wheelchair access. YOU MUST CALL TO BOOK A WHEELCHAIR GUEST BECAUSE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE MADE WHICH INCLUDES ENSURING AVAILABILTY OF A SPECIFIC BOAT AND AN ALTERNATE PICK UP LOCATION. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILTY CANNOT BE BOOKED DIRECT WITHOUT CONTACTING US TO ENSURE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE.
  • Traveller tip: In the summer months from late May to September it is recommended to book in the morning when the wildlife is most active and the temperature is more comfortable. Summer is rainy season for Florida and rains are more likely in the afternoon.
  • ALL GUESTS MUST ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME. .Restrooms do not open until 11:30am; please plan accordingly. Lunch or dinner reservations are available upon request.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes cost?

2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes starts from $39.10 per person. The final price depends on your date, group size and any options you choose, and is shown before you pay on Viator.

How long is 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes?

This experience takes about 2 hours. Allow extra time for check-in and travel to the meeting point.

Is 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes worth it?

Travelers rate it 4.9 out of 5 based on 436 reviews on Viator. Read recent reviews on the booking page to see what past guests enjoyed most.

Can I cancel 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Where does 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes start?

ALL GUESTS MUST ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME. Please meet the captain at The Living Water Cruises sign at dock 15 MIN PRIOR to departure time. BOATS DO NOT WAIT. Restrooms do not open until 11:30am; please plan accordingly. Lunch or dinner reservations are available upon request.

How do I book a tour on ThingsToDoOrlando.com?

Choose an experience, then select Check availability. You will be taken to Viator, a Tripadvisor company, where you pick a date, see the final price and pay securely. Your confirmation and tickets come from Viator by email.

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