• Print
• Comment

Premier Boat Tours Celebrates

New Service from Tavares’ Marina, Plans Fireworks Cruise It's a summer of fanfare and fireworks for Lake County's Premier Boat Tours, which for 28 years has specialized in nature cruises through the beautiful Dora Canal and Harris Chain of Lakes. This month Premier is celebrating the launch of daily tour service from the City of Tavares' handsome new Green Marina in Wooton Park, giving the tour operator a year-round home in America's Seaplane City. It also continues to operate from Mount Dora, where it anchors at the historic Lakeside Inn.

Having two bases provides major convenience for visitors and area residents alike. Both locations offer three daily departures (morning, early afternoon and sunset) for regularly scheduled tours of The Dora Canal, a natural jungle waterway famous for its canopy of ancient cypress trees and its remarkable array of wildlife. Customized cruises can be arranged for groups ñ including civic or church organizations and family gatherings.

To celebrate the expanded service, which launched June 1, everyone is invited to a ribbon-cutting party Thursday, June 24 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at AL'S Landing Restaurant on the Tavares Marina. Premier's handsome pontoon cruiser The Sea Haven is berthed near the restaurant. The party will feature live music, drawings for free tour passages, and a discounted sunset cruise.

The festivities will continue with Premier's spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise on Saturday evening July 3. Passengers will have the best seats in the house for Tavares' stunning display of pyrotechnics, enjoying them from the cool comfort of Lake Dora. Departures are planned from Tavares and Mount Dora, and it's wise to reserve now, as these trips always sell out fast. Call 352-434-8040.

Premier Boat Tours, which is also known by the name of its longest-running cruiser The Captain Doolittle, is the oldest tour boat company serving Lake County. It employs only Coast Guard certifi ed captains and trained guides who help passengers identify wildlife and provide accurate information about the area’s history. “We take our mission seriously,” says Manager Bob Dumais, “even though we’re all about having a good time.” One other exciting event on the company’s horizon: In October Premier Boat Tours plans its fi rst ever Haunted Lake Tours, a series of “spook-tacular” nighttime rides through The Dora Canal, with special effects and professional actors spinning ghoulish stories.

Please visit Premier on the website www.doracanaltour.com, and call 352-434-8040 for information and reservations.