Host your special event aboard the Dora Queen Cruises for a scenic, memorable celebration on Charleston Harbor. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, and corporate events, this vessel offers stunning views and personalized service.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Very accessible; suitable for all ages and mobility levels
Wildlife
History
Charleston Harbor played a key role in U.S. naval history and was a vital port during the Civil War.
Conservation
The cruise company prioritizes eco-friendly practices, including waste reduction and low-emission operations.
Dora Queen Cruises
Host your special event aboard the Dora Queen Cruises for a scenic, memorable celebration on Charleston Harbor. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, and corporate events, this vessel offers stunning views and personalized service.
Dora Queen Cruises is a paddlewheel cruise operator based in Tavares, Florida, offering scenic boat tours and private charters on Lake Dora. The company operates the Dora Queen paddlewheel vessel, providing scheduled public cruises and customizable private events for residents and visitors of Central Florida. Scheduled offerings include two-hour Saturday sunset cruises and Sunday Funday two-hour afternoon cruises, weekday Monday–Friday leisure cruises, themed events such as a Lighted Boat Parade cruise and seasonal New Year's Eve 21+ celebrations, and adult-only Stand Up Comedy cruises. Private event services accommodate up to 70 guests for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and corporate functions, with room for live music and dancing. Onboard amenities include two levels of seating, an upper deck for panoramic views, and a climate-controlled salon for comfort in varying weather. A full-service bar is available on most cruises, and select events offer complimentary toasts, hors d’oeuvres, or pre-order options like charcuterie. Ticketed events may be age-restricted (21+ for certain performances). Dora Queen Cruises emphasizes a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere on daytime and weekend sailings while providing adult-oriented entertainment for special events. Operating from Tavares on Lake Dora, the company follows regular schedules for public cruises and offers limited-ticket holiday excursions such as the annual Lighted Boat Parade experience. The vessel’s combination of scenic views, live music on many departures, and custom private-event capabilities makes Dora Queen Cruises a recognizable choice for Lake Dora boat experiences.
Tickets are available online or at the dock, and staff provide safety briefings before each launch to guests.
Location
Tavares, FL
Sailing on Lake Dora
Guest Capacity
Up to 70
Private event capacity for guests
Cruise Length
2 hours
Most scheduled cruises last two hours
Onboard Amenities
Full-service bar
Upper deck and climate-controlled salon
Secure tickets for scheduled cruises or inquire about private events and New Year’s Eve 21+ celebrations — limited capacity; book early.
Book early for peak seasons
Reserve your date well in advance during peak wedding and event seasons to ensure availability.
Coordinate catering in advance
Plan your menu beforehand to customize your experience and accommodate dietary needs.
Arrive early on the day
Allow extra time for boarding and setup to avoid last-minute stress.
Dress appropriately for weather
Bring layers or rain gear depending on forecast to stay comfortable during your cruise.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Layers or rain gear to stay comfortable in changing weather conditions.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Comfortable shoes
Suitable footwear for boarding and walking on deck.
Camera or smartphone
Capture scenic views and memorable moments.
Sun protection
Sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses to shield from UV rays.
summer