July 4th, $48 Plus Tax, Per Person
Kick off July 4th with a two-hour Dora Queen cruise in Tavares, Florida. Enjoy free hot dogs, snacks, a full bar (21+ with ID), and waterfront views from 1-3PM; tickets are $48 plus tax and limited.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness required; passengers should be able to step onto a boat and stand or walk on a moving deck.
Wildlife
History
Tavares and its waterfront have long supported lake-based recreation, making short social cruises a familiar local pastime.
Conservation
Carry out any trash, avoid feeding wildlife, and follow the vessel's rules to minimize impacts on shoreline habitats and water quality.
Dora Queen Cruises
July 4th, $48 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 begins at 12:30pm and seating is first-come, first-serve—arrive before 12:30 to claim the best view.
Bring Photo ID
Alcohol sales are limited to guests 21+ with photo ID; carry ID if you plan to purchase drinks.
No Outside Beverages
Coolers and outside drinks are prohibited—plan to buy beverages on board or bring permitted food items.
Pre-order Food Add-ons
Reserve charcuterie during booking to ensure a ready-to-serve option for groups who want more than complimentary snacks.
Photo ID
Required for alcohol purchases and age verification.
Sunscreen
Protects skin during the midday sun on open decks.
summer
Wide-brim Hat
Provides shade and reduces glare while photographing the shoreline.
summer
Compact Camera or Phone
Capture waterfront views, on-deck moments, and wildlife sightings.