Enjoy an evening of music, scenic views, and drinks on Lake Minnetonka with Wayzata Bay Charters’ Happy Hour Cruise—perfect for unwinding and soaking up Minnesota’s lakeside charm.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Casual, no special fitness requirements
Wildlife
History
Lake Minnetonka has been a popular recreational spot since the late 1800s, evolving into a hub for lakeside entertainment.
Conservation
Wayzata Bay Charters emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including responsible waste management and respecting local wildlife.
Wayzata Bay Charters
Enjoy an evening of music, scenic views, and drinks on Lake Minnetonka with Wayzata Bay Charters’ Happy Hour Cruise—perfect for unwinding and soaking up Minnesota’s lakeside charm.
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 to secure a good spot
Getting on a bit earlier guarantees a prime viewing area and a better experience.
Bring layers for comfort
Evening breezes on the water can be chilly, especially after sunset.
Book in advance for weekends
Popular cruises fill up quickly, so reserve your tickets ahead of time.
Stay hydrated and pace your drinks
Enjoy the complimentary snacks and drinks without overindulging.
Comfortable clothing
Light layers are recommended; evenings on the water can be cool.
summer
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during the daytime or if it’s an outdoor cruise.
summer
Sunglasses
Reduce glare and enhance your view of the lake.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture scenic views and memorable moments.