Experience the magic of Lake Dora's holiday boat parade from the water aboard Dora Queen Cruises! See festively lit boats, enjoy holiday music, and celebrate the season in a unique and lively way.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Casual and suitable for all ages, no physical fitness required
Wildlife
History
Lake Dora has long been a hub for boating and fishing, with the annual lighted boat parade starting over three decades ago, cementing its status as a beloved holiday tradition.
Conservation
The community promotes eco-friendly boating practices to protect Lake Dora’s water quality and natural beauty, ensuring future generations can enjoy this festive spectacle.
Dora Queen Cruises
Experience the magic of Lake Dora's holiday boat parade from the water aboard Dora Queen Cruises! See festively lit boats, enjoy holiday music, and celebrate the season in a unique and lively way.
Dora Queen Cruises is a paddlewheel cruise operator based in Tavares, Florida, offering scenic boat tours and private charters on Lake Dora. The company operates the Dora Queen paddlewheel vessel, providing scheduled public cruises and customizable private events for residents and visitors of Central Florida. Scheduled offerings include two-hour Saturday sunset cruises and Sunday Funday two-hour afternoon cruises, weekday Monday–Friday leisure cruises, themed events such as a Lighted Boat Parade cruise and seasonal New Year's Eve 21+ celebrations, and adult-only Stand Up Comedy cruises. Private event services accommodate up to 70 guests for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and corporate functions, with room for live music and dancing. Onboard amenities include two levels of seating, an upper deck for panoramic views, and a climate-controlled salon for comfort in varying weather. A full-service bar is available on most cruises, and select events offer complimentary toasts, hors d’oeuvres, or pre-order options like charcuterie. Ticketed events may be age-restricted (21+ for certain performances). Dora Queen Cruises emphasizes a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere on daytime and weekend sailings while providing adult-oriented entertainment for special events. Operating from Tavares on Lake Dora, the company follows regular schedules for public cruises and offers limited-ticket holiday excursions such as the annual Lighted Boat Parade experience. The vessel’s combination of scenic views, live music on many departures, and custom private-event capabilities makes Dora Queen Cruises a recognizable choice for Lake Dora boat experiences.
Tickets are available online or at the dock, and staff provide safety briefings before each launch to guests.
Location
Tavares, FL
Sailing on Lake Dora
Guest Capacity
Up to 70
Private event capacity for guests
Cruise Length
2 hours
Most scheduled cruises last two hours
Onboard Amenities
Full-service bar
Upper deck and climate-controlled salon
Secure tickets for scheduled cruises or inquire about private events and New Year’s Eve 21+ celebrations — limited capacity; book early.
Arrive early for preferred seating
Secure your spot early to get the best views and seating options on the cruise.
Dress warmly for the boat ride
Bring layers, as it can get chilly on the water during the evening.
Book tickets in advance
This popular event sells out quickly—reserve your tickets early to avoid missing out.
Bring a camera or smartphone for photos
Capture the vibrant lights and joyful atmosphere from aboard the boat.
Warm clothing
Dressing warmly ensures comfort during the chilly evening water cruise.
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Camera or smartphone
Capture the colorful lights and memorable moments of the parade.
Binoculars (optional)
Enhance your view of boats and decorations from a distance.
Small blanket
An extra layer for warmth while enjoying the scenic views.
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