
2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 440 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes worth booking?
2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes is a 2-hour experience in Orlando, United States, from $46 per person. It scores 91 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 440 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 91 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (440)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $46 per person
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 you get
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's included
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.
What you'll see and do
Chain of Lakes Park
We will cruise by the famous Chain of Lakes Park where the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians once held their spring training.
Pass by without stopping
Cypress Gardens
Take a tour past the historic Cypress Gardens and famous Florida shaped pool from the movie "Easy to Love" with Esther Williams. You will get the history and catch a glimpse of what remains from the water side.
Pass by without stopping
Winter Haven
You will explore Winter Haven Florida's famous Chain of Lakes. Home to over 50 lakes with over 24 connected and known as the Water Ski capital of the world! You will even visit the lakes where Elvis Presley, Johnny Carson and many more have skied!
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Orlando
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Living Water Boat Cruises LLC
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 440 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
440 verified traveler reviews for 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
This was a wonderful...
This was a wonderful tour. Captains Rue and Stu were informative and very engaging! Highly recommend!
via Viator
So good we did it again!
This is so good we did it again. My wife and I did this trip last year with captain Rue and because it was so relaxing and peaceful we booked it again and once again loved every 120 minutes of peaceful cruising and conversation with Rue. The airboat rides are full on throttle fun but this boat ride is longer and more peaceful with just as much wildlife to be seen. We are looking to return to Florida if we do we will certainly be booking again. Want something cool & different book this experience
via Tripadvisor
Historical Wildlife Tour
A relaxing boat tour around a few natural lakes. We saw a few bird species and even two eagles. There were beautiful expensive homes/mansions at the water's edge. We went by Legoland, a botanical garden, and an abandoned pirates and water show. Unfortunately, there were no alligator to be seen, only saw a baby one at the end of the tour. Captain Randy was very knowledgeable about the ecosystem and history of the 14 lakes. He was very pleasant and gave us an overview of the history of the orange groves. Maybe it was not a good time of the year to have a glimpse of the alligators. If we ever visit Florida again, we would certainly try this tour again
via Tripadvisor
A relaxing boat tour...
A relaxing boat tour around a few natural lakes. We saw a few bird species and even two eagles. There were beautiful expensive homes/mansions at the water's edge. We went by Legoland, a botanical garden, and an abandoned pirates and water show. Unfortunately, there were no allegators to be seen, only saw a baby one at the end of the tour. Maybe it was not a good time of the year, September, to view the allegators
Response from the operator: Dear Ileana, Thank you so much for your kind words and awesome review. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your historic nature cruise out on the lakes with Randy. He said he thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship out on the lakes. You were blessed to see two bald eagles, that’s awesome. The alligators are more active and abundant during the winter months, from November to April. When it’s hot, the gators go under. I know we spoke on the phone and you corrected this two star review made by mistake and wrote another 5 star review, thank you so much. Our guest satisfaction is Paramount to us and the success of our company, we cannot do what we love to do without your support and for that we are eternally great. We look forward to having you on board again in the cooler months and we will find you some alligators. Please keep in touch and God bless. Rue and Sharlene Denton, Owners 😎🚤⚓️🦅
via Viator
Great ride!
Great short ride. Exceptional guide!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 154
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 91
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Orlando.
How much does 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes cost?
+
Prices start at $46 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Orlando usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Orlando is not rushed.
Is 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 91 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 440 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Orlando, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes?
+
Around 154 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Orlando can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Orlando and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Orlando within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Orlando?
+
Orlando is a park town with a wetland wrapped around it. Multi-day theme park tickets and skip-ahead passes dominate, but the highest-satisfaction days are often the ones nobody plans: airboat runs on the St. Johns, manatee swims at Crystal River, and Kennedy Space Center on a launch day. We rank on wait-time value and how honestly an operator describes what is included. On Outty we rank every Orlando experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Escape Game Orlando: Epic 60-Minute Adventures on I-Drive, Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee, 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Orlando?
+
January to April, before the humidity and the afternoon thunderstorms settle in. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Orlando?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes?
+
Included: Lunch or Dinner reservations for lakeside dining at Harborside restaurant available upon r; Bottled water; and We provide bottled water. Guests are welcome to bing anything they woud like to eat or dri. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes?
+
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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and We can accomodate one non-transferrable wheelchair guest per tour. Pick up location would. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes?
+
Across 440 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes.
Pick your date




