Dora Canal Tour From Mount Dora

The Dora Canal Tour is a spectacular event!

We’ll tour the ancient Cypress swamps in search of wildlife galore! This narrated Dora Canal Cruise is some of the most fun you can have in town. It starts in Mount Dora on Lake Dora and follows the shoreline all the way down to the Dora Canal in Tavares.

On the way you will pass Boathouse row; a unique area of homes that were once boathouses for Mount Dora’s elite but have now been converted into homes for the residents. Just before you reach the canal you will pass the City of Tavares which is the Seat of Lake County where Mount Dora resides.

The Dora Canal is a little over a mile long and connects Lake Dora and Lake Eustis. The first quarter-mile is populated but after that, it is like Florida 200 years ago. It was originally a natural passage through the swamp between Lake Dora and Lake Eustis but in the late 1880s it was widened, deepened and straightened because it was the major artery for commerce until the 1890s when the railroads came through.

The reason it was altered was because the Paddlewheel Boats that traveled the area were long, flat bottom and tall and had a hard time getting through especially during low water. When this happened, the captains would have to get the passengers out of the boat and into the water to help push and pull the boats around the corners. I don’t think we will have to do that with you! I’m sure you can imagine how well that went over with the passengers.

As you meander through the canal you’ll see Cypress Trees that are hundreds of years old with Cypress Knees jetting out of the water that allows the trees to breathe and remain stable. During your Dora Canal Tour you’ll have the opportunity to see large nests in the tops of the tall Cypress Trees. These nests are built by Ospreys, Anhinga, Herons and others. You might also see Alligators, Turtles, Snakes and beautiful Flora and Fauna throughout the swamplands.

Once the boat gets to Lake Eustis, we’ll do a quick turnaround and travel the Dora Canal again to catch a glimpse of what you may have missed the first time; the “Real Florida” as Mother Nature intended.

Upon our arrival back to Lake Dora you will get a good look at Mount Dora’s magnificent Waterfront Skyline and Lighthouse. This Dora Canal Cruise is a relaxing way to experience a trip back in time!

Gift Certificates are available online or at the docks for this cruise