Boating, fishing, and other water sports are popular recreational activities for Orlando residents and visitors. Find the best lakes in Central Florida for boating and fishing. With Florida’s nearly year-round summer weather, it’s ideal for outdoor adventures like boating. Whether you prefer a motorboat, jetski, sailboat, or kayak, there’s a perfect waterway nearby for all boating enthusiasts.
To help you plan a perfect day on the water, we compiled a list of some of the best lakes for boating in Orlando and the surrounding Central Florida area.
Conway Chain of Lakes
The Conway Chain of Lakes’ tops our list of the best boating lakes in Orlando, Florida. The chain includes a few small canals as well as Lake Gatlin, Lake Conway, and Big Lake Conway. One of the main attractions on the Conway Chain of Lakes is a sandbar area.
The clear, healthy waters of the Conway Chain of Lakes remain one of the best fishing spots in Central Florida. A healthy mix of largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish definitely attracts the fishing crowd. The chain spans nearly 1,800 acres of water, with shores lined with upscale real estate and numerous private fishing docks.
Off Hoffner Avenue, there are two public boat ramps with access to this beautiful body of water. The Conway Chain’s only disadvantage is that there isn’t much parking available at the public ramps. It can be challenging to navigate, particularly on weekends in public access areas.
You can find the main public boat ramp on Randolph Street: 5638 Randolph Ave, Orlando, FL 32809. Parking is limited. Get to the ramp early, particularly on weekends!
Winter Park Chain of Lakes
Another chain of lakes that tops our list of the best boating lakes in Central Florida is nestled between the ritzy real estate of Winter Park. This impressive chain’s six lakes are well preserved, connecting 2,781 acres of deep waters via narrow navigable canals. This scenic chain of lakes, includes Lake Virginia, Lake Mizell, Lake Osceola, Lake Maitland, Lake Nina, and Lake Minnehaha. Enjoy an array of watersports on this pristine chain. Go paddle boarding, take a kayak out, or go boating, sailing, and fishing.
This chain of lakes is protected. Motor boats must obtain a permit to operate on the chain from either the city of Winter Park or Maitland. This permit requirement does not apply to non-motorized vessels. Parking is available at two public launches: Dinky Dock on Lake Virginia in Winter Park and Fort Maitland Park in Maitland.
Take a ride on an18-passenger Pontoon boat with the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour on Osceola Lake. Relax on the pristine waters of the Winter Park Chain and take in the scenic view.
The public boat ramp on the Winter Park chain of Lakes is located in Dinky Dock Park. Enjoy the lakeside beach, swim, or paddle from Dinky Dock. This ramp not only provides access to the chain of lakes, but it also has a small beach area that is popular for swimming.
Dinky Dock Public Boat Ramp: 410 Ollie Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Lake Fairview
Lake Fairview, a small 386-acre lake north of downtown Orlando, is a hot spot for sailboats and jet skis. On any given weekend, this lake attracts all kinds of boaters, but it is best known for being a popular place to go sailing.
This lake is home to Lake Fairview Marina, where boating enthusiasts can rent pontoon boats, kayaks, and small (16 or 23-foot) sailboats. Learn how to sail at this American Sailing Association-accredited sailing school. Take formal ASA sailing lessons and earn your sailing certification. Or come out and enjoy a private sailing tour or sunset cruise with Sailing Orlando Tours.
Another reason Lake Fairview is one of our favorite lakes in Orlando is Grills Lakeside Seafood Deck and TIki Bar, a beach-themed bar & restaurant right on the water. Take a boat from the public boat ramp or nearby marina and ride over to Grills for a bite to eat. Tie up your vessel at the boat dock and head to the outdoor patio to enjoy dinner under the sunset. Enjoy live music on the weekend nights while watching sailboats glide across the lake.
Public Boat Ramp at Lake Fairview Park: 2200 Lee Rd, Orlando, FL 32810
West Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho)
Known locally as Lake Toho, this lake was appropriately named Lake Tohopekaliga by the Seminole Indians, which means “we will gather here.” This 22,700-acre lake is also one of the country’s best-known lakes for world-class bass fishing.
On the north end of Lake Toho is a city-run public park offering a number of scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, public restrooms, and a splash pad and playground. There is also a great pier for fishing Florida-strain largemouth bass.
Lake Toho also offers airboat tours for tourists and locals who want to get out on the water. Book a 1-hour ride aboard a 17-passenger airboat with Boggy Creek Airboat Rides and see the scenic wildlife such as alligators, otters, various birds, and turtles.
There is little information available on the internet about the Kissimmee Marina by Lake Toho. However, this tranquil marina is a hidden gem that offers a lakeside restaurant, seasonal events and activities such as fishing tournaments, and boat slips.
There are also two public boat ramps off of West Lake Tohopekaliga. The northwest side of the lake is Granapa Public boat ramp at 2563 Ridgeway Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34746. This is a single-lane simple ramp. The other ramp is located on the southeast end known as Whaley’s Landing Public Boat Ramp at 3610 Lake Tohopekaliga Rd, St Cloud, FL 34772.
Lake Monroe
Amongst the best Florida lakes for sailing and boating is by far Lake Monroe. Spanning over 9,000 acres, Lake Monroe is one of the largest single lakes in Central Florida. Nestled in the heart of downtown Sanford, Florida, this lake is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to spend the day on the water fishing, boating, kayaking, or sailing. Since it is connected to the St. Johns river system, Lake Monroe is also considered one of the best lakes for year-round largemouth bass fishing. Even an overnight boat/camping journey from Lake Monroe up the St. Johns River to Blue Springs Park is possible for the more adventurous boater.
On Marina Island, you will find various restaurants such as St.John’s Steak and Seafood and boat slips at the Downtown Sanford Marina. Additionally, this small island is home to the Lake Monroe Sailing Association, a private local sailing club. Join this organization to compete in races and improve your sailing skills through cruising and camaraderie with local sailing enthusiasts.
Public Boat Ramp: Wayside Boat Ramp is located off of 17-92 on Lake Monroe’s southwest shore at 4150 NW Highway 17-92, Sanford, FL. This park provides ample parking and plenty of room to launch your boat with 3 floating docks. Take a walk along the historic swing bridge and catch some bass off the fishing pier.
Butler Chain of Lakes
Some of the best lakes for boating in Central Florida are located on The Butler Chain of Lakes. Nestled in upscale Windermere, this chain could just as easily be dubbed “The Chain for the Rich and Famous.”
Legendary athletes and celebrities like Shaquille O’Neil, Tiger Woods, Wesley Snipes, and more have multi-million dollar homes here. The Windermere Butler Chain of Lakes is a collection of 13 lakes connected by numerous canals in southwest Orange County.
Primarily known for its excellent bass fishing, this chain remains a popular spot for recreational water sports. The numerous connecting canals and lakes cover roughly 5,000 acres of total water surface.
Alligators, ospreys, blue herons, eagles, pelicans, and turtles can be found in the Butler Chain of Lakes. Do you like to fish? Cast your line in the pristine waters to catch an abundance of freshwater fish throughout the waterway.
The east end of Lake Butler is a popular boating spot with a small island known to locals as Bird Island, a protected bird sanctuary. On weekends, boats and jet skis swarm the island to anchor and swim on the island’s sandbar.
Main Public Boat Ramp: Located off Lake Isleworth, R.D. Keene Park spans 52 acres with a large playground, picnic area, soccer fields, and the public boat ramp. Located at 10900 Chase Road, Windermere, FL 34786, public parking is available but may require a fee.
Lake Baldwin
While no motorboats are allowed on Lake Baldwin, any given weekend will certainly bring out the paddling crowd. You can also spot the Central Florida Sailing Club sailing Lake Baldwin on weekends aboard their 14-foot dinghy sailboats. The sailing club offers community sailing lessons to anyone interested in learning how to sail, along with participation in monthly races and recreational sailing days.
There is a dog park, playground, and public boat ramp at Lake Baldwin Park (for non-motorized boats or trolling motors only). Bring your dog and take them for a walk around the lake or let your pup splash around in the dog park beach. While it’s assumed that all Florida waterways have alligators, we’ve never seen one on Lake Baldwin. Be on the lookout never-the-less! Also watch for otters and other wildlife.
Public Boat Ramp at Lake Baldwin Park: 2000 S Lakemont Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
St.John’s River
Cruise the longest river in Florida for a daylong or overnight adventure from Sanford, Florida all the way to Mayport, near Jacksonville. Spanning 310 miles, the river connects14 lakes and multiple Florida Springs including DeLeon Springs and Blue Springs State Park, a protected manatee refuge. Because of the abundance of marine life, St. John’s is known as the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World.” Swimming, kayaking, and boating are also popular activities along the river’s connected watersheds.
Launch your boat from Lake Monroe and cruise up the St. Johns River to the Swamphouse River Front Grill for lunch. Enjoy fried gator tail, corn fritter, crab cakes or fried green tomatoes at this authentically Floridian restaurant. Stop along the river banks and enjoy a swim or tubing down the river for a fun day on the water.
Depending on where you put in there are multiple parks and public ramps along the St.Johns River system. Check out this guide to Florida Springs off the St.John’s River. Enjoy a swim in crystal clear 72 degree waters throughout Central Florida.
Lake Kissimmee
Lake Kissimmee is a fisherman’s dream, with largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, chain pickerel and bluegill aplenty. Launch your boat from the boat ramp at Lake Kissimmee State Park and explore the 35,000-acre lake as well as the neighboring lakes and creeks of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Go fishing off the canal banks or docks of the marina. The park offers some of the best fishing in the state of Florida!
Do you enjoy paddling? Launch your canoe or kayak from the marina on Lake Kissimmee for a 10-mile scenic trip along the Buster Island Loop Paddling Trail. Best suited for the experienced paddler, this loop is also excellent for fishing and viewing wildlife.
Access Lake Kissimmee from the public boat ramp and marina at Lake Kissimmee State Park. Additionally, the park offers parking, campgrounds, picnic pavilions, hiking paths, and public restrooms. Go “Glamping” at this expansive park, in which visitors can rent a luxury canvas tent complete with a queen-size bed, k-cup coffee maker, and AC/Heating.
Lake Ivanhoe
In the heart of downtown Orlando is Lake Ivanhoe, dubbed one of the FAB 5 Fishing Lakes in Central Florida. This 124-acre small urban lake is on the list of great fishing lakes for boaters’ ability to consistently catch large 3 to 5 pound fish. Jump on a paddleboard or go water skiing. It’s also a popular urban lake for recreational watersports.
Launch your boat from the Gaston Edwards Park public boat ramp to gain lake access. The park also offers a little nature in the middle of downtown for locals to go running, dog walking or biking.
Public Boat Ramp: 344 NE Ivanhoe Blvd. Orlando, FL 32804
Harris Chain of Lakes
Along the Harris Chain of Lakes, are some of Florida’s largest lakes. Nestled between the charming towns of Eustis, Mont Dora, and Leesburg, this chain connects 8 lakes totaling 75,000 acres.
Prize-winning bass attract anglers to almost weekly bass-fishing tournaments on the Harris Chain of Lakes. However, boaters, skiers, sailors, and kayakers of all types flock to this chain for outdoor recreation. Also, you can even spot a Sea Plane near Tavares.
Cruise the Dora Canal, which was once dubbed “the most beautiful mile of water in the world”. Shaded by towering cypress trees and spanish moss, it connects two major lakes on the chain, Lake Dora and Lake Eustis.
Find a boat ramp from almost 30 public access points on the chain and all around the state with this Florida Boat Ramp Map.
Winter Haven Chain of Lakes
Winter Haven, located south of Orlando, has some of the best boating lakes in the Central Florida area. With two major chains, the city has been dubbed “The Chain of Lakes City” and is known as the world’s water skiing capital. Navigate through the northern chain, comprising nine large lakes totaling 6,000 acres. The southern chain of lakes, made of 16 lakes is linked by navigable canals, offers plenty of opportunities for fun on the water.
These chains, like the towns in which they are located, are usually quiet and peaceful. While boaters enjoy the chains on a daily basis, it never feels crowded. Relax on the water and take in the scenic views on this quiet chain.
There are several public boat ramps throughout the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. Lake Shipp Park on the southern chain, has a public boat ramp, picnic area, playground, and parking. Located at 1649 Lake Shipp Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880.
Don’t Own a Boat? Rent One!
You don’t have to own a boat to enjoy a day on the water in Central Florida. Whether you’re looking to Boats to You Rentals’ Captain Mike will deliver the boat of your choice to any dock of your choice. Rent a 20-foot Party Barge or a 2019 Bayliner for 10 passengers, with or without a captain.
Go to Boats to You Rentals, and let Captain Mike know where and when you want to go!
Find public boat ramps all around the state of Florida at https://myfwc.com/boating/boat-ramps-access/
