Explore Central Florida Waterways
Central Florida is filled with awesome lakes and rivers for all your boating adventures. Some lakes are private but many have public access that allow you to launch your boat any day of the week. Keep in mind, some bodies of water and boat ramps have different rules about boat rental companies launching boats for delivery. In a situation where a public ramp is unavailable we can utilize a private ramp as a substitute if access is available.
Butler Chain of Lakes – Windermere
Located in Southwest Orlando the Butler Chain of Lakes is made up of 13 lakes of varying sizes. This lake is famous for clean water, celebrity waterfront homes, and Bird Island where many boaters congregate and hang out in knee deep water. Public boat launch locations are found at R.D. Keene Park and Lake Down.
Winter Park Chain of Lakes – Winter Park/Maitland
The Winter Park Chain of Lakes is a chain of six lakes with the main lakes being Lake Maitland, Lake Osceola, and Lake Virginia. Unique to this body of water is a small island called Dog Island that many locals beach their boats and hang out. There are also beautiful homes along the shore to cruise by. Public launch access can be found at Fort Maitland Park on Lake Maitland and Dinky Dock on Lake Virginia.
Conway Chain of Lakes – Near Orlando Airport
At nearly 2,000 acres this chain is made up of 4 connected lakes. It has remarkably clean water, great fishing, and ideal for water sports. This body of water also has a popular boater hang out at the “sand bar” located on the largest lake on the chain. Public launch access is found at the Randolph, Fern Creek, and Belle Isle city ramps.
Clermont Chain of Lakes – East Orlando
This chain is made up of 3 main lakes named Louisa, Minnehaha, and Minneola. An awesome new boat ramp is located at 140 East Ave in Clermont. It has plenty of parking and restrooms. It is adjacent to the Waterfront Park. This chain is unique in that it has 2 waterfront restaurants you can pull up to in your boat. The “Tiki Bar” and “Lilly’s on the Lake” are located on Lake Minneola.
West Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho) – Kissimmee
Lake Toho is one of the largest bodies of water in Central Florida and spans over 22,000 acres. It is connected to East Lake Toho by the St. Cloud Canal. It is very popular for bass fishing and wildlife spotting. It even hosts a professional bass tournament every year. It’s primary boat launch is located at Big Toho Marina. This lake is not ideal for water sports.
St. Johns River – Sanford area
The St. Johns river is one of the few rivers in the world that flows north and the largest in Florida. It is a unique boating experience and really gives you a sense of the nature that surrounds you while you are navigating. When launching from Lake Monroe Park in Debary, you are quick boat ride to Swamp House Grill and Blue Springs State Park to view the manatees in the winter.
Other notable bodies of water are the Harris Chain of Lakes near Leesburg, Fl. Lake Fairview, Lake Underhill, Lake Orienta, and Lake Hart are located in Central Orlando.
Happy Boating,
Captain, Mike