Elite Cable Park in Auburndale, FL. Central Florida Summer

Lake Activities

Fishing, Kayaking, SUP & More

With more than 550 lakes, a Central Florida vacation appeals to both avid anglers and water sports enthusiasts. In addition to water skiing, our options for lake activities offer many ways for you get on the water.

Are you interested in booking an airboat tour or pontoon boat cruise? How about kayak rentals, stand up paddleboard tours, or fly board lessons? You’ll find all of those options, and more, below.

Plan A Trip

Winter Haven Chain of Lakes

Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes includes 24 canal-connected lakes allowing you to travel from one side of the city to the other, without ever leaving your boat.  Because these are mostly residential lakes, you’ll have a wide range of entertainment choices if you are looking to fish, kayak, paddleboard.  You can also cruise around on a relaxing pontoon boat tour during your visit.

The city maintains 21 boat ramps, 30 waterfront parks and 14 public docks, which makes the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes a water lover’s paradise.

Lake Kissimmee

Many of our airboat tour companies are on Lake Kissimmee, and the waterway between this lake and Lake Hatchineha.  Airboats can navigate shallow water and glide over vegetation, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the wetland areas of Central Florida and see alligators and other wildlife.

Visitors also enjoy kayaking Buster Island Loop, a trail that circles Lake Kissimmee State Park. The trail includes Lake Kissimmee and Lake Rosalie.

Freshwater Fishing

The temperate waters of Central Florida are perfect for growing and nurturing largemouth bass into record-breaking sizes. With more than 500-lakes and 115-boat ramps in Polk County, you’ll have more access to quality fishing than you’ll have time on your vacation.

Learn more in our fishing section.

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Colt Creek State Park

hiking trail in the middle tree grouping on left and open pasture on right at Colt Creek State Park in Lakeland, FL

​No matter the season, Colt Creek State Park in Lakeland offers activities including hiking, kayaking,…

Address: 16000 FL-471
Lakeland, FL 33809

Phone: 863-815-6761

Off the Chain Kayak Company

Off the Chain Kayak Company

Paddle around Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes with friends and family when you rent from…

Address:
Winter Haven, FL

Phone: 863-225-0934

otckayak@gmail.com

Paddleboard Winter Haven

3 girls paddle boarding in winter haven

Paddleboard Winter Haven offers classes, tours and races on Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes. Most…

Address: 1006 Lake Howard Dr. SW
Winter Haven, FL 33880

Phone: (863) 845-5307

letspaddleout@gmail.com

The Living Water Boat Cruises

family of four on pontoon boat during tour with The Living Water Boat Cruises in Winter Haven, FL

Explore the many lakes that make up Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes during a tour…

Address:
Winter Haven, FL

Phone: 877-257-1529

info@livingwatercruises.com

Lake Kissimmee State Park

male and female kayaking at Lake Kissimmee State Park in Lake Wales, FL

Lake Kissimmee State Park is located on the shores of lakes Kissimmee, Tiger and Rosalie,…

Address: 14248 Camp Mack Rd
Lake Wales, FL 33898

Phone: 407-624-5640

Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team

Cypress Gardens Water Ski

Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team is a show ski team that originated at Cypress Gardens,…

Address: 199 E Lake Silver Dr NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881

Phone: 863-521-2808

cgwstsecretary@yahoo.com

Marine Supply Boat Rentals

Marine supply pontoon boat

Marine Supply in Winter Haven offers pontoon boat rentals in 4 or 8 hour rental…

Address: 717 6th St SW
Winter Haven, FL 33880

Phone: 863-293-1156

sales@marinesupplyboats.com

Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex

aerial view of Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex in Lakeland, FL

Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex is a lakeside multi-use facility in north Lakeland offering kayak,…

Address: 525 Lake Crago Dr.
Lakeland, FL 33805

Phone: 863-834-2215

lakecrago@lakelandgov.net

Off the Wall Adventures & Outfitters

retail floor at Off the Wall Adventures. Grills, indo boards, skate boards and more

Rent a single or RTM duo kayak from Off the Wall Adventures & Outfitters in…

Address: 2055 Shepherd Rd
Lakeland, FL 33811

Phone: 863-709-9253

otwatj@gmail.com

LEARN & DISCOVER

Kid wakeboarding at ECP

Things To Do On The Water in Central Florida

If you’re looking for water activities in Central Florida, consider visiting Winter Haven and its surrounding cities. This “Chain of...

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Harborside Restaurant is a great option for waterfront dining in Central Florida, located on Winter Haven's Lake Shipp

Waterfront Dining in Central Florida

If you’re looking for waterfront dining in Central Florida, consider visiting Winter Haven. This “Chain of Lakes” city, has lakes...

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Family taking selfie in front of LEGO Movie World

5 Great Reasons to Spend a Weekend in Winter Haven

Ready to book a family-friendly weekend getaway? Here’s a list of 5 exceptionally fun things to during weekend in Winter...

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Harborside Restaurant is a great option for waterfront dining in Central Florida, located on Winter Haven's Lake Shipp

Harborside

Harborside is a seafood and steak restaurant located on Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes.

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Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant Winter Haven, FL

Andy’s Igloo & Drive-In Restaurant

Andy's Igloo & Drive-In Restaurant is a kid-friendly, local favorite near downtown Winter Haven.

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