Planning a Family Pontoon Day on Lake Dora

A good family boat day does not need a packed itinerary. A comfortable place to sit, a few favorite snacks and time together on the water can be plenty. Lake Dora offers a setting for that kind of outing, with Tavares and Mount Dora along its shores.

Our Lake Dora location is at 150 East Ruby Street in Tavares. That makes it a useful starting point for families interested in exploring this part of the Harris Chain. A marina visit lets you look over the boats and picture how your own crew would spend the day.

Choose the boat around your family

Start with the number of people coming and how they like to spend time outside. A family with young children may care most about shade and comfortable seating. Grandparents may want to look closely at boarding access. A group that plans to fish will have different priorities from one planning a leisurely cruise.

Browse our boat fleet, then ask which pontoons are available at your chosen location. Confirm passenger capacity and the features of the specific boat you reserve. Boats can have different seating layouts and equipment even when they look similar in photos.

Give the day one main activity

For a first outing, build the day around a relaxed cruise on Lake Dora. If a visit to the Dora Canal interests you, ask the dock team whether it suits your boat, experience and the day's conditions. Treat a stop ashore as optional, and check visitor docking, hours and access before setting out.

Talk with the dock team about a suitable route and the day's conditions. You do not have to cover a large stretch of water to make the trip worthwhile. Returning with everyone comfortable and happy is a good reason to plan another visit.

Pack for the people coming along

Bring water, sunscreen, hats and easy snacks, plus a change of clothes for younger children. Confirm properly fitting life jackets before the trip. A small bag of essentials is easier to manage than several loose bags underfoot.

Let the kids choose a simple activity, such as spotting birds or taking photos of the shoreline. Keep the plan flexible enough to head back when they have had enough.

Come see the pontoons

Fill out the membership inquiry form on our homepage to request a Lake Dora marina tour. In the “View Membership Options” section, tell us your usual group size and whether you prefer cruising, fishing or a little of both.