frequently asked questions
How do I book?
Booking is available online via our booking calendar or via any of our "Book Now" buttons throughout the website. They can be found in the menu (full calendar) or on tour specific pages.
Can I pay cash?
Yes we do accept cash, however in order to make a reservation and hold a seat you must contact our office and use a credit or debit card to secure your reservation. Your credit card will NOT be charged when making a cash reservation unless you do not show up for your tour or you cancel with less than 24 hrs notice. See cancellation policy here.
Where do the boats pick up?
All of our tours pick up from Harborside restaurant 2465 7th Street SW Winter Haven Fl 33880. However, you MUST check your email for your specific departure location! There are some instances where we will NOT depart from Harborside due to circumstances beyond our control.
Do I need to print tickets?
No, you will simply meet the captain at the dock and give them the last name of the primary guest. Their name will be on the manifest.
What type of boats are they?
All of our boats are pontoon boats. We have 3 different capacities, one seats 9, one seats 10 and 2 seat 11 guests.
How many people can fit on one boat?
Our largest pontoon boat seats 11 guests. In addition, we have one that seats 9 and one that seats 10. If you have more than 11 click here for group information.
Can you accommodate large groups?
Yes, we can accommodate groups as large as 50 people. Click here for more info.
Do your boats have tops?
Yes. However, there are some restrictions. All of our boats are pontoon boats and have bimini tops which only cover about 60% of the boat. For this reason we recommend sunhats and sunblock just in case. Due to height restrictions, the tops cannot be put up until the boat clears several bridges this can take up to ten to fifteen minutes.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes. We will be providing unlimited bottled water but you are welcome to bring anything else you would like to eat or drink. Keep in mind this is a pontoon boat and our tables will not be up in order to keep our customers comfortable by providing extra legroom. Therefore, if you bring any food you would be eating on your lap, so please plan accordingly. We highly suggest limiting food to snacks that do not make a mess or require refrigeration. You are able to bring a small cooler on board if desired.
Are your boats wheelchair accessible?
Yes, however the boat docks are not wheelchair accessible at Harborside restaurant. There are about five stairs necessary to get down to the level of their docks at this location. As a result, if you have a wheelchair guest you MUST call to book and we will assign an alternate pickup location. This location is a public boat ramp right next door to Harborside restaurant on the other side of the canal. If you select lunch or dinner reservations at Harborside restaurant they will not be affected.
W
Wheelchair pick up (Arrangements must be made over phone)
William G Roe Park (Public Boat Ramp)
2269 7th St SW #2179
Winter Haven, FL 33880
What happens if it rains?
If rain is expected we will contact you at least 2hrs prior to departure when we have the most accurate radar. During rainy season (June to August) Florida weather can be unpredictable, but we usually expect most rain to occur in the late afternoon hours. If rain is expected at the time of departure we will try and bump up or push back the departure time to avoid the weather. If this does not work with your schedule you will be offered a 15 % rebooking discount to reschedule. If that is not an option for you, we will issue a full refund. If we are able to depart and the radar shifts showing rain will arrive mid-tour, the captains will immediately return to the dock to keep everyone safe and dry. At that time, we will prorate the time and refund the difference to the card on file. Click Here to visit our full weather policy.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require a minimum of 24 hours notice to receive a full refund of your fare. If you cancel with less than 24 hours there is a $50.00 cancellation fee that will be deducted from the fare and we will refund the difference. If they fare is less than $50.00 it will be non-refundable. However, we do have options for people that run into circumstances beyond their control and need to cancel with less than 24 hours notice. You can opt for our digital gift card option. If you do this you will receive a digital gift card that never expires, is transferrable and can be used towards any tour. It would be emailed to you at the time you opt-in. NOTE: All no shows will be charged in full and will not qualify for a digital gift card. You must call to cancel in order to qualify for a refund of any kind per our policy. See full policy here.
Can I bring a small dog?
Although we love our furry friends we do have some limitations. If you have a group of 7 or more and request a private boat you can bring your dog on board provided he/she is well behaved and will not bark the entire tour or be a danger to anyone on board. If you have less than 7 and want to bring your furry friend along you can upgrade to a private boat for a $75.00 fee (plus tickets) and bring them along. Unfortunately, this is necessary due to instances in the past where dogs have come on board and we had to refund all guests due to constant barking or allergic reactions to dander. You cannot show up for your tour with a dog without prior permission and will likely be turned away and not be entitled to a refund. If you have a dog you must contact our office to make special arrangements per our policy. 863-268-0577
What about service dogs?
Trained service animals are welcome and must remain under the handler's control at all times. However, pursuant to Florida law we have the right to prohibit pets and emotional-support animals on board our vessels. However, we love our furry friends and do have options for you. If you have a pet or emotional-support animal please see our dog policy above.
Do you make dining reservations for me at Harborside or do I make my own?
When you book online or over the phone you will be asked a question as to whether or not you would like reservations at Harborside restaurant. If you select yes, we handle the reservations for you. Harborside does not accept reservations for parties of 7 or more so making a reservation through us gives you exclusive access to a reservation with preferred seating! We call all reservations in each morning to avoid holding tables unnecessarily if someone changes their travel date.
Why should I choose The Living Water Boat Cruises?
Our company is Family-Owned and operated by Winter Haven native with over 40 years experience on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. We have been awarded the Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor ten years in a row, since we opened in 2017. This award is only received for a consistent five-star rating each year. We have also received Tripadvisor's Best of the Best Award, been featured on the cover of Polk Life Magazine, approached by and featured on Good Day Tampa Bay with Charlie Belcher and Good Day Orlando with David Martin. We have also appeared on PGTV where they approached us to do an entire show about our award-winning tours here in Winter Haven. All of our tour guides are local natives who have been extensively trained in the flora, fauna, wildlife species and local history and bring with them years of experience and personal stories of the area that add to the unique familiar tours that we offer.
-
perform a disability-related task.