While away the day as you cruise down some of the most scenic and beautiful rivers in the Dunnellon, Florida area.
It’s no secret there are a lot of fun and exciting things to do in and around the Villages of Citrus Hills. But sometimes you’re looking to just sit back and relax.
When it comes to kicking back and relaxing on the Withlacoochee River, no one does it better than Captain Mike’s Lazy River Cruises. These 1 or 2 hour tours operate out of a popular waterfront restaurant right in Dunnellon, 20 minutes northwest of the Villages of Citrus Hills.
http://blog.citrushills.com/blog/day-trip-dunnellon-the-treasure-of-the-nature-coast
Meet Captain Mike
Captain Mike has become one of the most popular tour boat guides in all of Florida. He is originally from Wichita Kansas and has lived in a number of places since then.
While in his early 30s, Mike relocated to Florida and fell in love with the Withlacoochee River. He purchased a home right on the river and in 1997 he began operating Captain Mike’s Lazy River Cruises.
Partnering with one of his favorite local restaurants, Mike’s tours were a huge success right from the start and have grown in popularity ever since.
Captain Mike’s Boat
When you sign up to head out on one of Captain Mike’s tours, you’ll be taking his 24-foot long pontoon boat. The boat is covered to protect passengers from the sun, and the seating is very comfortable.
Unlike many of the local airboat tours, using a pontoon boat allows Captain Mike to offer a calm and quiet experience exploring the beautiful Withlacoochee River.
Exploring the Withlacoochee
As we have previously discussed in articles about airboat tours, kayaking, and tubing, the Withlacoochee River is absolutely beautiful and is filled with great wildlife. You will see alligators, turtles, and otters and it is also a fabulous location for bird watching. And with the thick foliage along the banks you will observe many variating plants.
No experience with wildlife is necessary though, because Captain Mike has enough knowledge and experience to go around. He knows everything there is to know about the Withlacoochee River and just about everything in it.
You will no doubt be impressed both by the range of wildlife you encounter, and what Captain Mike has to say about it!
Dinner at Stumpknockers
Captain Mike’s Lazy River Cruises operates out of Stumpknockers Restaurant, on State Road 200 in Dunnellon, so it’s a wonderful place to eat before or after your cruise. It is a fantastic local seafood restaurant that would be worth the drive even without the river cruise!
Known for their friendly, casual atmosphere and for their excellent fried catfish, Stumpknockers is a place that also serves great frog legs, sea scallops, steaks, and Florida gator. If you are visiting on a nice day, make sure you ask to sit out on their deck overlooking the river.
There is definitely no shortage of great things throughout Citrus County, but when you are in the mood for something a little more relaxing that can be accompanied by a great dinner, Captain Mike’s Lazy River Cruises and dinner at Stumpknockers is definitely the way to go. See you at the dock!
You can make reservations with Captain Mike by phone at 352-637-2726 or by email at captmike@netzero.net.