Catboat Escapes

This is not a manicured theme-park ride but a small, honest blast of the Real Florida. You strap into a compact catamaran, get a clear safety briefing, and before long you’re slicing across the Clermont chain at 25–35 mph beneath cypress canopies and open marsh. Guides like Nate and Dale mix local history, alligator lore and practical instruction with a light, jokey authority so first-time drivers feel competent and curious visitors feel at home. Boats have shade covers, radios for keeping the flotilla together, bottled water and sunscreen handed out like civilized necessities. Locals treat it as a weekend ritual; visitors leave with a different sense of Central Florida—less theme park, more wild waterways and waterfront homes. It’s equal parts sightseeing and hands-on joyride, ideal for family mornings, girls’ trips or anyone who wants a short, high-adrenaline nature lesson with approachable guides and real local color.