Rusty Anchor Is Open!

Come out and enjoy some Sunshine and Fresh Air with the best Boat Tours in Mount Dora, Florida!

Book A Tour

Featured Cruise

  • Most Popular

Dora Canal Cruise From Mount Dora

As we cruise through ancient Cypress swamps in search of Birds, Turtles and Alligators we’ll explore “The most beautiful mile of waterway in the world!”

Learn More
From $28
  • 2 hours

More Popular Cruises

Tour The Most Beautiful Mile Of Waterway In The World

Visiting the Orlando area and looking for something special to do? Located just north of Orlando close to Daytona, Ocala, The Villages and Tavares is the quaint town of Mount Dora, FL which is known for its historic feel, antique and unique shops, annual festivals and Rusty Anchor Boat Tours.

On our covered pontoon boat tours, you will have the opportunity to travel through a natural Cypress Swamp that flanks the famous Dora Canal and possibly see such treasures as Alligators and Turtles sunning on the logs, Ospreys swooping down to catch fish, Bald Eagles, and their ginormous nests and maybe even a River Otter or two!

You’ll experience one of a kind Dora Canal boat cruises with true Florida natives… and with over 30 years’ experience touring Dora Canal our Rusty Anchor Captains are pretty cool too! Being from Central Florida, our staff is happy to share their knowledge of the wildlife, history, flora and fauna.
We offer 2 hour Dora Canal boat tours, 1 hour and 30 minute boat tours of the shoreline of Lake Dora and if you would like to cruise to a lake side restaurant we have 3 hour lunch or dinner cruises.

Our boats are covered pontoon boats with side curtains that can be rolled down for a comfortable trip no matter what the weather and free bottled water is always available on our boat tours. In the cooler months we have blankets onboard to keep you cozy and warm.

In Spring the Dora Canal lights up with the chatter of the rookery for the birder or wildlife lover in you. At Christmas, the whole town of Mount Dora lights up! Our Dora Canal boat tours are safe for kids of all ages, conducted on Coast Guard inspected vessels with licensed Master Captains at the helm and you are welcome to bring coolers, drinks, and snacks onboard!

A Can't-Miss Tour Of The Dora Canal!

Fantastic!

The boat, Captain and crew, were great! The canals are a must see! I bring all my guests to see the beauty of the water and trees. Worth doing!

– Tracy D., TripAdvisor
Delightful 2 hours on the lake

This was my second time visiting Mr. Dora and my first boat ride on the lake. The boat was a mostly covered pontoon style motorboat. The day we booked, a friday, we were the only people on the 10 AM tour. There is another company that specifies that if there aren't at least 6 they don't leave the dock. Nor Rusty Anchor...

– Mort L., TripAdvisor
Beautiful Canal tour

I would highly recommend this tour. The tour left on time, the boat was clean. They also provide cold bottled water, a plus on a hot day. The captain knew his stuff and was quite the comedian. The canal was gorgeous and we saw several types of birds and a small gator. They also allow you to bring a cooler with drinks and food. An A+ in my book

– Jan R., TripAdvisor
INTERESTING and FUN

Very friendly and informative trip! The 2 hours went really fast and a lot of unexpected and unknown Florida history was brought up. You can also stand and move about on the boat. I definitely recommend this tour, you will be glad you did.

– Liz N., TripAdvisor
Great fun

This tour seems to have it all. A comfortable boat (water and ice provided) takes you along the lake where you can take in the views. It then takes you along one of the canals and out to the lake on the other side. The guide was knowledgeable and entertaining.

– Steven W., TripAdvisor