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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.
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.
Book with Wayzata Bay Charters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wayzata Bay Charters · Excelsior, Minnesota
Wayzata Bay Charters offers a unique mash-up of lakeside leisure and culinary delight with their Boats and Burgers Cruise departing from Downtown Excelsior, Minnesota. This two-hour journey unfolds aboard a stylish two-story yacht, weaving past Big Island’s striking waterfront homes, manicured parks, and bustling marinas. Positioned on Lake Minnetonka, one of the Midwest’s most celebrated lakes, this cruise reveals a refreshing perspective on the region’s blend of natural beauty and lakeside luxury.
Passengers are treated to a narrated trip, gaining insights into the local geography, history, and stories woven into the shorelines. The yacht’s upper deck provides panoramic views perfect for soaking in fresh air and sweeping scenery. Meanwhile, the lower deck offers a cozy setting to savor the featured meal—savory cheeseburgers stacked with fresh fixings, accompanied by homemade chips with French onion dip, pasta salad, fresh fruit, and cookies. An onboard bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails (purchased separately), rounding out the meal with relaxed lakeside flair.
What makes this cruise stand apart in the local outdoor scene is its approachable blend of comfort and outdoor immersion. It invites visitors who may not seek a strenuous adventure but still want to engage with the region’s outdoorscape from the comfort of a well-appointed yacht. Families, couples, and cruisers alike enjoy this laid-back excursion that highlights the charm of Lake Minnetonka’s natural features—glittering waters, mature oak and maple-lined shores, and glimpses of regional wildlife like bald eagles and great blue herons.
Excelsior itself carries a storied past as a once-thriving steamboat hub and lakeside retreat. This cruise taps into that heritage by combining waterborne transport with contemporary comfort and gastronomy. Whether you’re familiar with Minnesota’s outdoor playgrounds or new to the area, Wayzata Bay Charters’ Boats and Burgers Cruise delivers an engaging, palate-pleasing escape that complements the region’s outdoor lifestyle.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required beyond boarding.
Wayzata Bay Charters’ yacht has accessibility features, but it's best to contact them directly to discuss specific needs and accommodations.
No, beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase separately onboard.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed; the cruise includes a cheeseburger meal and beverages for purchase.
Cancellation policies vary; contact Wayzata Bay Charters directly for their specific terms.
There is limited parking around Downtown Excelsior; arrive early to find spots or consider ride-shares.
Pets are generally not permitted to ensure safety and comfort for all guests.
Excelsior was once a vital steamboat hub in the late 19th century, shaping Lake Minnetonka’s recreational legacy.
Wayzata Bay Charters follows environmentally responsible boating practices to protect Lake Minnetonka’s water quality and shoreline habitats.
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.
Book with Wayzata Bay Charters