Business Details
9 Years
experience
Award-Winning Boat Tours of Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes
The Living Water Boat Cruises is a family-owned and operated business rooted in Winter Haven, Florida. Founded by Rue Denton, a lifelong local with decades of experience guiding on the Chain of Lakes, our mission is to share the natural beauty and rich history of this iconic waterway. Our team combines generational knowledge with a passion for hospitality, offering immersive tours that showcase wildlife, historic landmarks, and the unique ecosystems of the region. With over 40 years of collective experience, we prioritize personalized service, flexible booking options, and educational storytelling to create unforgettable experiences.Recognized by TripAdvisor with eight consecutive Certificates of Excellence, we remain committed to affordability, customer satisfaction, and preserving the legacy of Cypress Gardens while adapting to modern expectations. Every tour reflects our dedication to quality, safety, and fostering appreciation for Florida's natural treasures.
Services
1 Hour Tour
2 Hour Tour
Sunrise Cruise
Sunset Cruise
Lunch Cruise
Dinner Cruise
Day Tour
Fireworks Cruise
Private Cruises
Group Tours
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Family-owned business with 40+ years of local boating experience
- Customizable tours for diverse interests and group sizes
- Award-winning service recognized by TripAdvisor for eight consecutive years
- Exclusive Harborside restaurant reservations with select tours
- Private cruises available for intimate or special occasion bookings
Associations and certifications
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
What people say
Knowledgeable guides
Diverse wildlife
Memorable experiences
Excellent service
Beautiful scenery
Services
1 Hour Boat Tour
Explore Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes with a concise one-hour tour highlighting local wildlife and historic landmarks. Ideal for families with young children or first-time visitors, this tour covers 3-4 lakes with expert narration about alligators, otters, and Cypress Gardens' history. Available with morning or afternoon departures to optimize wildlife viewing and weather conditions.
2 Hour Sunset Cruise
Extended two-hour tours focusing on sunset vistas and nocturnal wildlife activity. Guests witness Lake Howard's scenic beauty while spotting owls, night herons, and bioluminescent phenomena. Includes passage by Legoland's fireworks display during July 4th celebrations. Available as one- or two-hour options with flexible departure times based on seasonal sunset schedules.
Lunch Cruise
Combination boat and dining experience featuring Harborside Restaurant reservations. Options include 2-hour tours with pre-cruise meals or 3-hour tours with mid-cruise dining. Includes exclusive window seating arrangements and seamless transportation between boat and restaurant. Available for lunch or dinner with customizable timing.
Day Tour with Lunch
Five-hour comprehensive tour covering all 16 lakes in the southern chain. Includes two-hour morning cruise, one-hour lunch at Harborside Restaurant, and two-hour afternoon cruise. Features historical commentary, Jack Brown's seaplane base viewing, and multi-million-dollar home tours. Ideal for special celebrations and group events.
Private Cruise
Customizable private boat rentals for intimate groups up to 11 passengers. Available for special occasions like proposals, anniversaries, or corporate events. Includes personalized route selection, flexible timing, and dedicated crew service. $60 premium fee applies for private bookings under seven guests.
People
Rue Denton
Owner/Guide
Winter Haven native with 40+ years of boating experience, formerly guiding at Cypress Gardens. Combines deep local knowledge with hospitality expertise to create engaging tours.
Sharlene Denton
Co-Owner
Cape Cod native with 25+ years Florida residency, managing operations and guest relations. Contributes to business strategy and family-focused service approach.
Questions
What wildlife can I expect to see on the tours?
Guests regularly spot alligators, otters, bald eagles, blue herons, and white ibis. Early morning tours offer best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Can I combine a boat tour with dining?
Yes! We offer lunch and dinner cruise options with exclusive reservations at Harborside Restaurant included in your tour package.
Are group discounts available?
Groups of six or more receive 20% off. Private cruises for seven+ guests available at no additional charge when possible.
What is your cancellation policy?
100% refund with 24-hour notice. $50 fee for last-minute cancellations. No-shows charged $75 or total booking cost, whichever is less.
Do tours operate year-round?
Yes, we operate daily except Sunday from sunrise to sunset, with seasonal variations in tour duration and departure times.
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