Born with “boat” and “water” as his first words, founder Nate created Catboat Escapes to share a lifetime of nautical passion on the Clermont Chain of Lakes. Guests captain their own nimble two-person catboat while an experienced ...
Visitors consistently rave about this unique boating experience through Clermont's chain of lakes, praising the perfect blend of guided tour and independent adventure. Guides like Trayvor, Dale, Grace, and Nathan earn special mention for being knowledgeable, engaging, and full of interesting local trivia and Florida history. The two-hour tours take you through scenic "old Florida" waterways and rivers, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like alligators while learning about the area's natural environment. What makes this stand out is the hands-on element. You captain your own catboat through the tour, getting chances to open up the throttle on larger lakes while feeling completely safe under expert instruction. First-time drivers report feeling confident quickly, and families appreciate how the stable catboats handle. The whole operation runs smoothly, with friendly staff creating a welcoming atmosphere from arrival to departure. Multiple reviewers specifically call it a refreshing break from theme parks and mention planning return visits, which speaks volumes about the quality of the experience.
My son and I had a great experience on the Catboat tour today! Dale our tour guide was knowledgeable but didn’t overpower the enjoyment. My son loved the 15 minutes of “freestyle “ on the lake. We’ll be back again!
ann stewart
April 3, 2026
My son and I had a great experience on the Catboat tour today! Dale our tour guide was knowledgeable but didn’t overpower the enjoyment. My son loved the 15 minutes of “freestyle “ on the lake. We’ll be back again!
ann stewart
April 3, 2026