Discover the beauty of seven lakes on a private two-hour cruise from Akron, Ohio. Enjoy personalized experiences, local history, and stunning waterscapes on this exclusive outing.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and physical conditions.
Wildlife
History
Portage Lakes have been a central recreational area for Akron residents for over a century, historically used for ice harvesting and boating.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to maintain water quality and protect local wildlife habitats across the lakes to balance recreation with preservation.
Portage Lake Cruises, LLC
Discover the beauty of seven lakes on a private two-hour cruise from Akron, Ohio. Enjoy personalized experiences, local history, and stunning waterscapes on this exclusive outing.
Portage Lake Cruises, LLC is an Akron, Ohio-based boating company offering public and private cruises on the Portage Lakes.
The company operates the historic Portage Princess and spacious 24' pontoon boats, providing a range of experiences from two-hour public rides to private dinner cruises.
Public Rides on the Portage Princess feature scheduled two-hour trips with boarding beginning 30 minutes before departure. Passengers are invited to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks; bottled water is provided on many sailings. The public cruises highlight landscaped homes, local wildlife, and scenic golf courses, and are presented as accessible for guests with special needs.
Private Cruise options include elegant dinner setups for up to six guests, candlelight tables, and the ability to bring personal music, flowers, or chocolates for special occasions. Pontoon boat charters offer shaded seating and optional umbrellas for comfort while cruising seven connected lakes.
Portage Lake Cruises hosts themed and seasonal events aboard both the Princess and pontoon boats. Offerings include live music nights with local artists (Jim Ballard, Jon Mosey, Chuck Lyons, Buck Naked Band), Tai Chi and Qigong sessions on the water, family-friendly "Fellowship" gatherings, and dedicated fireworks cruises guided by an expert captain. Many events run rain or shine and include complimentary snacks on select trips.
Guests may bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on most cruises, and some events provide complimentary bottled water and music.
Location
Akron, Ohio
Operating on the Portage Lakes
Boat Types
24' Pontoons, Portage Princess
Covered pontoon and Princess boat
Typical Duration
2 hours
Standard length for public rides
Tours Offered
11 Tours
Public, private, and special events
Find a public ride, reserve a private dinner cruise, or book a themed event — check schedules and secure seats for a memorable outing on the water.
Book in Advance for Private Availability
Private cruises are limited to small groups and can fill up quickly, so reserve your spot early to secure your preferred date.
Dress for Changing Weather
Layers are recommended to stay comfortable as lake breezes can be cool even on warm days.
Bring a Camera or Smartphone
There are plenty of beautiful photo opportunities along the lakeside views and wildlife to capture memories.
Consider Motion Sensitivity
Even gentle boat motion can cause discomfort for some; bring motion sickness remedies if needed.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Protects against chilly breezes on the water, especially in spring and fall.
spring
Sunscreen
Essential for sun protection during exposed hours on the lake.
summer
Binoculars
Great for enhanced wildlife and scenic viewing.
Camera or Smartphone
Ideal for capturing the stunning lakes and local wildlife.