Discover the tranquil beauty of Mount Dora with a private boat tour through Dora Canal, complete with a delicious onboard lunch. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, this experience offers stunning views and engaging stories about Florida's ecological history.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; no strenuous activity required
Wildlife
History
Dora Canal has been an essential route for early settlers and has a rich history linked to Florida's development, dating back over a century.
Conservation
Rusty Anchor promotes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife and protecting the waterway's natural integrity.
Rusty Anchor Mount Dora
Discover the tranquil beauty of Mount Dora with a private boat tour through Dora Canal, complete with a delicious onboard lunch. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, this experience offers stunning views and engaging stories about Florida's ecological history.
Rusty Anchor Mount Dora is a boat tour operator based in Mount Dora, Florida, offering a variety of guided cruises on Lake Dora and the Dora Canal.
The operator's public schedule includes seasonal and year‑round experiences designed for sightseeing, dining, and holiday events. Offerings listed for Rusty Anchor Mount Dora include a one‑hour Christmas Lights Boat Tour, a three‑hour Dora Canal Lunch Tour with a waterfront restaurant stop, and a two‑hour Dora Canal Tour from Mount Dora that highlights cypress trees, Spanish moss, and local wildlife such as birds, turtles, and alligators. Additional options feature a three‑hour Sunset Dinner Cruise with waterfront dining and sunset views of the Mount Dora skyline, a one‑hour Shoreline Tour of historic Mount Dora landmarks like Boat House Row and the Lighthouse, and a 30‑minute Lakefront Tour showcasing the Lakeside Inn and Alligator Cove. Shorter one‑hour Sunset Cruises are also available for evening sightseeing.
Seasonal and special events appear on the calendar, including applications for the 35th Annual Mount Dora Lighted Boat Parade on December 6, 2025, and a Light Up Mount Dora Fireworks & Drone Show Cruise scheduled for November 22, 2025. One listing labeled “Unknown” describes a 2.5‑hour culinary tour of Charleston’s Upper King Street; that trip summary is included in the operator’s published itinerary. Booking details, schedules, and safety information are available through official listings and event announcements. Contact details and reservations appear on operator's calendar.
Location
Mount Dora, FL
Operates on Lake Dora and Dora Canal
Typical Durations
30 min–3 hrs
Short to multi‑hour cruises
Tours Offered
10 Trips
Seasonal and year‑round options
Events & Holidays
Parade & Fireworks
Includes holiday cruises and shows
Book Christmas lights, Dora Canal, sunset, or special-event cruises on Lake Dora for an authentic Mount Dora waterfront experience.
Bring sunscreen and hats
Protect yourself from the Florida sun with hats and sunscreen, especially during midday tours.
Wear comfortable clothing
Light, breathable clothing will keep you comfortable during the boat ride and outdoor exposure.
Bring binoculars
Enhance wildlife viewing by bringing binoculars for a closer look at birds and aquatic animals.
Arrive early
Arriving a few minutes early allows for a relaxed boarding process and securing the best seats.
Sunscreen
Helps prevent sunburn during prolonged exposure on the water.
summer|null
Sun hat or cap
Provides shade and keeps you cool during the tour.
summer|null
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against unexpected splashes or light rain.
spring|fall|winter
Zoom binoculars
Great for bird and wildlife watching from the boat.