We operate three cruises daily (Monday thru Saturday) - 10 :00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM and at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Sundays - others times by arrangement. (Not 9/11 or 12/25).
Our Dora Canal Narrated Nature Tour (formerly the Elfin River) is world famous. We also tour the Lakes Dora, Eustis, & Harris, the Dead River, and tour through Haines Creek to experience the Burrell Lock and Dam, Lake Griffin to the Ocklawaha & Silver Rivers beyond.
Our popular and very knowledgeable captains give a splendid narration on each cruise for any time of the year, to ensure that you miss nothing of note or special interest, nor any of the fascinating details about the animals, birds, insects and flora hereabouts. Coolers are welcome on board - and remember to bring your cameras! You may also Picnic on our Terrace before or after your trip. Group outings and Family Parties find this a most enjoyable part of the trip.
All Ages Book Our Cruises - From
Kids To Mothers To ThoseWho Wear
"Redhats"!
Our Dora Canal Narrated Nature Cruise (more correctly the Elfin River) takes an hour and a half, a professionally narrated tour of the canal system and adjoining waters. You may see otters, turtles, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, woodpeckers, green herons, the little blue heron, great blue herons (who can eat up to 6 pounds of fish per day!) sometimes a night heron, Louisiana herons, anhingas, cormorants, great white egret and lovely snowy white egrets (the bird with the golden slippers), and many song birds. And, of course, alligators. The largest alligator taken out of this area recently was well over 18 feet in length, see picture on display table, and weighed over 800 pounds! Occasionally, you will see red-shouldered hawks, owls, bald eagles, buzzards, and pelicans, and sometimes (if you're lucky?)even a snake or two!
Marvel at the mighty majestic cypress trees in this region, some up to 2000 years of age. You will see one in the canal, that was over a 1000 years old by the time Columbus discovered America! Be sure that the Captain points out the cypress tree in the Dora Canal that is over 1,500 years old! Please feel free to have your picture taken in the hollow of the 900 year old cypress tree.
We regularly enjoy hosting all sorts of Group Outings including sports and hobby clubs, Red Hat Chapters, churches, Scouts and Guides (for badge-work), local associations and corporate bonus breaks. It is always a pleasure to assist in the planning of these, and ALL GROUP OUTINGS are discounted; (minimum 6 passengers on the the "African Queen II or minimum of 16 on the "Miss Dora"). You will delight in the narration given by our Captains, on any of the Season's offerings.
Luncheon Outings by water to the various lake side pubs and restaurants. Romantic Moonlight whisper cruises, or Dinner outings, all with River or Lakeside dining. Maybe a Gator hunt, Adventure trips for Lock Experience, and many more. All are available for Group Outings only. You may also plan to start your trip with a Picnic on our Terrace, or finish off a nice day in that way. We have all the picnic table requirements! Ring us, or E-mail for further details: blueheroncruises@earthlink.net
Our Silver Springs Safari-trips are still subject to availability, either awaiting Lock repairs or fallen tree clearance in the Ocklawaha River. Please ring for further up dates.
Please Click for MAP!
A Long & Very Happy Retirement
to Captain Charlie!!
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