Dora Canal Boat Tours with Rusty Anchor in Mount Dora
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; tours are seated boat rides requiring minimal physical exertion.
Overview
Rusty Anchor Mount Dora gives visitors a unique lens on Central Florida’s water landscapes through calm canal rides and sunset cruises. Glide past cypress-lined canals, spot native wildlife, and enjoy lakefront dining on these accessible boat tours.
Details
Mount Dora, Florida, offers a distinctive escape from the everyday with its scenic waterways and historic charm, perfectly experienced aboard Rusty Anchor Mount Dora's suite of boat tours. This family-operated business delivers multiple ways to absorb the area’s rich aquatic landscape—from lively lakefront cruises to serene canal passages. Their tours include the Lakefront Tour, the Shoreline Tour, multiple Lunch Tours along the Dora Canal, and the Sunset Dinner Cruise. Each presents a unique lens on Mount Dora's shimmering waters, lush vegetation, and local wildlife.
The Dora Canal itself is a highlight: a tranquil, narrow waterway where the boat slows to a near halt, letting passengers take in the quiet glide past towering cypress trees draped with Spanish moss, and glimpse native birds like herons and egrets. The canal tours depart after a 30-minute open boat ride which can be breezy and a bit noisy, but results in peaceful, no-wake environments deeper in the canal. It's a gentle yet immersive way to see this corner of Central Florida’s lake region.
Rusty Anchor’s Sunset Dinner Cruise pairs lakeside views with a walk to nearby Tavares for a casual dinner, giving passengers a multi-faceted experience from water to land. Guests praise the attentive captains who offer photography help and local insights on flora and fauna, making each voyage both social and intimate.
Located within easy reach of Orlando, this operation enriches Mount Dora’s outdoor recreation with a distinctive waterborne adventure. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a family looking for calm waters, or someone chasing Florida sunsets from the right vantage, Rusty Anchor’s tours are an accessible, authentic way to connect with this vibrant outdoor scene.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Parking
The parking area at Rusty Anchor is tight and limited; plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Bring a Light Sweater
Even on hot days, evening cruises can get breezy with water spray; a light sweater keeps you comfortable.
Consider Ear Protection
The initial open boat ride to the canal can be noisy; earplugs might help if you’re sensitive to sound.
Prepare for Limited Wildlife Sightings
While birds and turtles are common, alligator sightings are rare during tours; enjoy the plant life and birdwatching.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- Quiet backwater coves along the Dora Canal rarely visited by larger boats
- Historic waterfront parks in Tavares accessible by a short walk from dinner cruise dock
Wildlife
- Great Blue Heron
- Florida Softshell Turtle
History
Mount Dora’s waterways have long been central to the town’s identity, used historically for transportation and trade through the early 20th century.
Conservation
Rusty Anchor practices sustainable boating, minimizing wake and disturbance to protect the delicate ecosystem along the Dora Canal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photography Tips
Best Times
Best Viewpoints
- Dora Canal shaded banks
- Open lakefront with panoramic views
- Sunset over the water from the boat’s deck
What to Photograph
Recommended Gear
Light Sweater or Jacket
Keeps you comfortable during breezy or cooler evening cruises.
summer|fall|winter specific
Sun Protection (Hat, Sunscreen)
Necessary to shield from strong Florida sun during open boat segments.
spring|summer|fall specific
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing, especially birdwatching along the canal.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the stunning lakeside and sunset views throughout the tour.