Discover Lake Minnetonka's stunning shoreline on a 90-minute narrated cruise with Wayzata Bay Charters. Relax, enjoy scenic views, and learn local stories—perfect for a laid-back adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; no special physical condition required
Wildlife
History
Lake Minnetonka was a popular summer getaway for Minnesota’s elite in the late 1800s, with many historic estates lining its shores.
Conservation
Wayzata Bay Charters promotes eco-friendly boating practices, including waste reduction and respectful wildlife viewing.
Wayzata Bay Charters
Discover Lake Minnetonka's stunning shoreline on a 90-minute narrated cruise with Wayzata Bay Charters. Relax, enjoy scenic views, and learn local stories—perfect for a laid-back adventure.
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 the best seating
Getting to the dock 15 minutes before departure ensures a good spot to enjoy the views.
Bring sun protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen help make your cruise more comfortable on sunny days.
Stay hydrated
Bring water to stay refreshed during the cruise, especially in warm weather.
Check the weather forecast
Lake weather can change quickly; dress appropriately and bring rain gear if needed.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from sun exposure during the cruise.
summer
Hat and sunglasses
Shield your eyes and face from the sun for a more comfortable experience.
summer
Light jacket or sweater
Brisk lake breezes may require an extra layer.
spring;fall
Camera or smartphone with zoom
Capture scenic views and memorable moments from the water.