When it comes to boat rentals, Mt. Dora Boating Center knows what it takes to deliver an unforgettable experience. It starts with comfortable new boats, generously powered and meticulously maintained. They’re loaded with plush couches, captain’s chairs, powered oversized bimini tops, stereos and more… Whether you want to spend your day sightseeing, celebrating or enjoying quality time with friends and family on the water, MDBC has you covered. With so many things to see and places to go you’ll cruise and explore in safety and style with us!

Starcraft EXS luxury Tri-toon boats with all the bells and whistles.
Loads of space for up to 10 passengers plus gear.
Rear facing lounge seats, both port & starboard sides.
Full Tank of fuel.
Vinyl flooring to keep floors clean; no worries about minor spills.
Harris Chain of Lakes Navigation Map (stays with the boat after rental).
All safety equipment for 10 people (small children life vest available by request).
Oversize powered bimini top.
Depth finder / Fish finder.
AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth w/ 4 Speakers.
Thorough pre-rental instruction.

You must see the Dora canal, the earlier, the better. If you are looking to get lunch on the water, we can show you on the onboard map a quite a few locations in 4 different lakes (restaurants in little Lake Harris may require an 8 hour rental as they can be up to 20 miles away).

If your itinerary includes viewing wildlife, the best times will be before 10am or after 3pm as wildlife is more active during those times. The Harris Chain has such a vast and unique ecosystem. If you are looking for birds, you are likely to see, eagles, ospreys, anhinga’s, wood storks, ibises, sandhill cranes, wood ducks, herons, and egrets. This chain also contains otters, racoons, white- tailed deer, otters, and if you are very lucky manatees have been sighted in and around Haines creek! The Dora canal is one of the best places to view almost all the listed wildlife. This canal lives up to its nickname “the most beautiful mile in the world”. Lined with cypress trees and endless wildlife, you’ll think you were traveling back in time. Most of the canal is of civilization, thus making it the most popular attraction on the Harris Chain. It takes about 15-20 minutes to navigate the twisting, winding canal but remember, this canal links lake Dora to lake Eustis and is by far the busiest canal on the Harris chain. Have your cameras ready but be aware of boaters ahead and behind you, with its narrow attributes its nearly impossible to have three boats next to each other. Meaning if you have oncoming traffic and boats behind you, they will not be able to pass. During the busiest times, generally on the weekends, the normal 15-20 min commute could end up being closer to 30 minutes.

With the morning activities behind you, it’s about lunchtime. If you packed lunch in your cooler, you could tuck away in one of the many hidden gems such as the alligator hole on the north end of lake Eustis or at the swimming hole in lake Dora to eat lunch. However, the most popular option is to pull up by boat to one of the ever-increasing number of restaurants on the water. You can also call ahead and pick up food to-go from any of the restaurants on the lake if time is of the essence.

Your patient crew waited all day to go tubing. Whether it’s a youngster’s first time on a tube or a bit more on the aggressive side, getting away from the crowded lakes is always the safest bet. The best choices are usually lake BeauClair or lake Carlton, we will show you on the map where we enjoy tubing. Keeping in mind wind direction, tubing on glass calm water is much more enjoyable than tubing in choppy water. After you have satisfied the crew’s urge, the best place to unwind is at the swimming hole. On the weekends you will find no shortage of other boaters who have the same thought in mind. While it is not a traditional sandbar, the water is about thigh to stomach deep, it renders all the same benefits of a sandbar. This is the time to mingle with the locals, toss the football or frisbee around, listen to music, or just float around and reflect on the amazing adventure you’ve had so far.

If you want to see beautiful houses and gorgeous scenery, Deer Island is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Lake County. A close second will be some of the properties on the eastern side of BeauClair and all the properties on Lake Carlton. They have breath taking homes with massive oak trees and beautiful backyards that slop down into the lake. With the historic charm and waterfront towns, there is no shortage of things to do in the Harris Chain. We would be delighted if you allowed us the opportunity to get you and your family out on the water to experience this slice of heaven.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to go through check in and pre ride instructions.

suitable for everyone.