Set sail on Lake Minnetonka for a lively dinner cruise featuring delicious food, live music, and stunning lakeside views. Discover why this trip is a Minnesota favorite!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, no strenuous activity involved.
Wildlife
History
Lake Minnetonka has been a key part of Minnesota’s transportation and recreation since the 1800s, with the cruise offering a modern way to experience its history.
Conservation
Wayzata Bay Charters emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including waste reduction and responsible boat operations to preserve the lake’s natural beauty.
Wayzata Bay Charters
Set sail on Lake Minnetonka for a lively dinner cruise featuring delicious food, live music, and stunning lakeside views. Discover why this trip is a Minnesota favorite!
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
Arrive early for the best seats
Getting there 15-20 minutes early ensures you secure a prime spot for viewing and dining.
Dress comfortably for the weather
Layer up as it can get breezy on the water, especially in the evening.
Bring a camera or smartphone
Capture scenic lake views and memorable moments during the cruise.
Check the weather forecast
A clear forecast will enhance your experience—be mindful of rain or wind.
Layered clothing
Layered clothes help you stay comfortable as temperatures change in the evening.
summer
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from UV rays during daylight hours on the water.
summer
Binoculars
Optional for viewing distant shoreline details or wildlife.
Photo equipment
Capturing scenic views and memorable moments onboard.