CLERMONT, Fla. – CLERMONT, Fla. — Catboat Clermont is redefining boat tours by giving guests the chance to captain their own private boats while exploring 13 stunning lakes in the Clermont area.
Nate Crawford, general manager of Catboat Clermont, said the tours are designed to combine privacy, education, and fun. “What it is, is a boat tour that’s very unique because everyone gets their own boat,” Crawford said. “You get your own private boat, but you also get all the history, the topography, all the information on radios because we’re talking to each other and we move as a fleet as we go through our 13 beautiful lakes.”
The tour route includes Lake Minnehaha, Lake Susan, the Crooked River, Lake Louisa, Crescent Lake, Lake Minneola, and others. Guests navigate the boats themselves, but Crawford assures that driving the boats is simple. “If you can drive a car, you can definitely drive our boats. It’s two levers. Your right hand is like the gas pedal, and your left hand steers,” he explained.
Tours last about two hours and accommodate two people per boat, making it a perfect outing for couples, families, or friends. Children as young as five can join as passengers and often ask some of the best questions, Crawford said.
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to spot over 100 species of birds along the waterways, a significant draw for Florida’s thriving birdwatching community.
Catboat Clermont emphasizes connection — not just to nature and history, but also to each other. “Our main goals are to connect you to nature, our history, and most of all to each other and go out and have a wonderful time with someone special in your own boat,” Crawford said.
Visitors can easily book tours online at catboatclermont.com. The facility offers free parking, a comfortable lounge, and even a nearby island with hammocks for guests who arrive early.
One memorable moment for Crawford was when a family arrived arguing but left having bonded over the experience. “By the end of that, they had so much fun together, they actually stayed here for a couple of hours afterwards just enjoying each other’s company,” he recalled.
For a unique, fun, and educational day on the water, Catboat Clermont offers an experience unlike any other in Central Florida.
For more details visit their website: catboatclermont.com