Cruise two hours aboard a two-story yacht from Downtown Excelsior, savoring cheeseburgers and homemade chips while taking in Big Island’s scenic waterfront. Wayzata Bay Charters offers a narrated trip combining lakeside culture and casual dining on Lake Minnetonka.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required beyond boarding.
Wildlife
History
Excelsior was once a vital steamboat hub in the late 19th century, shaping Lake Minnetonka’s recreational legacy.
Conservation
Wayzata Bay Charters follows environmentally responsible boating practices to protect Lake Minnetonka’s water quality and shoreline habitats.
Wayzata Bay Charters
Cruise two hours aboard a two-story yacht from Downtown Excelsior, savoring cheeseburgers and homemade chips while taking in Big Island’s scenic waterfront. Wayzata Bay Charters offers a narrated trip combining lakeside culture and casual dining on Lake Minnetonka.
Wayzata Bay Charters is a public cruise operator based in Excelsior, Minnesota, offering scheduled cruises on Lake Minnetonka. The company operates two-story yacht public sailings that combine narrated sightseeing, themed entertainment, and on-board food and drink service.
Public experiences include full-service dinner show cruises, brunch cruises, happy hour and evening music cruises, narrated sightseeing runs, specialty events such as a build-your-own burrito bowl (BBB) cruise, and seasonal fall colors sailings. Specific trip formats include the Sunday Dinner Show Cruise with an Italian buffet and live music, Friday Night Happy Hour Cruise with a complimentary drink and snack, the 90-minute Sunday Fun Cruise with a complimentary beverage, Sunday Brunch Cruise with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries, orange juice and coffee, Boats and Burgers Cruise with cheeseburgers and homemade chips, and a Public Fall Colors Cruise with a complimentary glass of champagne or soft drink. An Elvis Dinner Show Cruise is also listed among public offerings.
Departures originate from Downtown Excelsior with scenic views of Big Island’s homes and parks on Lake Minnetonka. Cruises typically range from about one hour to two hours, making them accessible options for residents and visitors seeking relaxed, scenic experiences on the water. Wayzata Bay Charters presents regular public sailings that pair entertainment or dining options with local narration and lake scenery.
Home Port
Excelsior, MN
Departures on Lake Minnetonka
Cruise Lengths
1–2 hours
Short, accessible lake cruises
Events & Shows
Themed Cruises
Dinner, brunch, music, and seasonal trips
Trips Offered
9 public cruises
Regular scheduled public sailings
Reserve a seat on a themed dinner show, brunch cruise, happy hour sail, or fall colors trip and enjoy scenic views and on-board dining
Book in advance for weekends
The Boats and Burgers Cruise fills quickly on weekends, so reserve your spot early to secure your preferred departure time.
Check weather before boarding
Though the yacht is covered, weather impacts your comfort—dress in layers to adjust for wind and temperature changes on the water.
Arrive early at Downtown Excelsior
Downtown Excelsior’s parking can be limited, especially during peak seasons—arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Plan for drink purchases
Beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase onboard; bring cash or card if you’d like to enjoy a beverage with your meal.
Layered clothing
Adjust layers easily to stay warm against variable spring lake winds.
spring
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from direct sun exposure during daytime cruises.
summer
Windbreaker or light jacket
Keeps you comfortable against cooler breezes and fast-moving air on deck.
fall
Camera or smartphone
Capture stunning views of Big Island’s homes, shoreline wildlife, and yacht ambiance.