Take a relaxing one-hour cruise on Lake Minnetonka this fall with Wayzata Bay Charters. Enjoy dazzling autumn foliage, a complimentary drink, and scenic views from the water.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with minimal physical exertion required
Wildlife
History
Lake Minnetonka became a prominent summer destination in the late 19th century, with resort hotels and steamboats shaping its recreational legacy.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on maintaining water quality and protecting shoreline habitats to preserve Lake Minnetonka's natural and recreational values.
Wayzata Bay Charters
Take a relaxing one-hour cruise on Lake Minnetonka this fall with Wayzata Bay Charters. Enjoy dazzling autumn foliage, a complimentary drink, and scenic views from the water.
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 Best Seating
Secure a spot near the railing for unobstructed views of the fall colors.
Bring Cash for Snacks and Drinks
While a complimentary drink is included, the onboard cash bar requires cash purchases.
Dress in Layers
Lake temperatures can be cooler, especially on breezy fall afternoons.
Check Weather Before Booking
Cruises operate rain or shine, but severe weather could cause cancellations.
Warm Layered Clothing
Keeps you comfortable against cool lake breezes during the cruise.
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Water-Resistant Jacket
Useful in case of light rain or spray from the water.
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Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from glare off the water and enhance visibility.
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Camera or Smartphone
Capture the vivid fall foliage and lake vistas.