December 5th, $99 Plus Tax Per Person
Float above Lake Dora aboard the Dora Queen for an all-ages evening that pairs waterfront views with holiday spectacle. Whether you’re there for the Mount Dora Lighted Christmas Boat Parade or a sunset cruise, this easy outing delivers wildlife, lights, and local flavor.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; able to walk short distances and stand on deck for periods.
Wildlife
History
The Lighted Christmas Boat Parade and seasonal Dora Queen sails are local traditions that draw neighborhood crews and waterfront crowds for themed evening events.
Conservation
Respect the lake by disposing of trash in provided bins, avoiding single-use plastics, and keeping noise levels reasonable to protect birds and shoreline habitat.
Dora Queen Cruises
December 5th, $99 Plus Tax Per Person
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
Boarding starts at 4:30 PM; arrive 20–30 minutes early to find preferred seating and avoid lines.
Bring Valid ID
If you plan to purchase alcohol, carry a government-issued photo ID—staff will check for guests 21+.
Pre-order the Charcuterie
Reserve the fresh charcuterie tray when booking to guarantee a platter; popular cruises sell out fast.
Dress for Evening Breeze
Pack a light jacket for open-deck conditions after sunset—temperatures can feel cooler on the water.
Valid Photo ID
Required for alcohol purchases and age verification.
Light Jacket
Keeps you comfortable on the open deck after sunset.
Small Camera or Smartphone
Capture reflections, decorated boats, and wildlife at dusk.
Sunscreen
Useful for daytime boarding and sunny pre-cruise time on the waterfront.
summer