Book a private charter on Lake Minnetonka for your next celebration and get a tailored itinerary that puts your group first. Regarding comfort and safety, the captain and crew handle navigation while you are enjoying a hands-free experience with the lake breeze, plush seating, and customizable playlists.
Choose your vessel and plan a private tour that fits your group: a 36-foot luxury bowrider with seating for up to 12, or a 50-foot party boat for bigger groups. Each option can offer tasty catering add-ons, climate control, and a smooth ride. We can accommodate families, mothers, friends, and corporate teams for up to 14 guests, ensuring everyone enjoys the trip.
Our exciting routes circle Lake Minnetonka’s coves, including options for sunset tours and private waterfront picnics onshore. Though weather varies, we adjust departures to deliver calm conditions and ensure a smooth ride into the evening. If weather pushes back your plans, we reschedule quickly with minimal disruption. For accessibility, we provide ramp access and shaded seating to keep everyone comfortable, and you can add a photographer or on-board musician for added charm.
Pricing is transparent: private two-hour tours typically range from $400 to $800 depending on boat size and season. For fall bookings, we offer specials that can reduce the base rate by 15-20% when you book a weekday afternoon. No ticket is needed per person for private charters; you bring your guest list and the crew handles the rest. For groups, we offer a 10% discount when you reserve two boats. This is a super value for private cruises, and it includes tasty catering options and flexible start times.
Ready to reserve? Visit our booking page or call our team to confirm a date, select a boat, and lock in a fall or winter trip. We respond quickly, and definitely help you find a time that fits your schedule. People often say the experience feels memorable, and they return for anniversaries and mother-daughter outings.
Private Cruises on Lake Minnetonka
Book a private cruise for your group this weekend to secure exclusive views of Lake Minnetonka. This private tour is fully customizable, and this charter puts you in control of the route, timing, and onboard vibe–you would be amazed at how tailored a private outing can feel. We offer a range of catering options to match your style and mood.
- Standard private charter: accommodates 8–20 passengers on a luxury motor yacht or cabin cruiser. This option is available for groups and private tours.
- Combined charter: two boats paired for groups up to 40 passengers, with synchronized schedules and shared stops.
- Private boat rental: available for shorter or longer blocks, with full crew and safety oversight.
What’s included: a professional crew, a captain, and a driver if you need tenders. Weather can shift, but you still have a sheltered interior or flexible routing, and you can plan meals, drinks, or a curated menu. If you’ve already brought a cake, we’ll store it and serve it at the right moment. Our team works with you to craft an itinerary that highlights shoreline views, coves, and back-channel routes, ensuring incredibly smooth cruising from start to finish. We would work with you to finalize the plan and bring your dream outing to life.
Pricing and availability: private cruises range from about $1,000 for a 2-hour session on a mid-range vessel to around $3,000 for 4 hours on a premium yacht, plus fuel, catering, or permit fees as applicable. All charters are private and entirely yours; there is no public schedule to contend with. A 50% deposit secures your date, with the balance due at the start of the cruise. Sure, we can tailor the package with additional services or equipment based on your needs. This option is available year-round in favorable weather conditions.
- Plan your date and duration (2–4 hours works well for most groups).
- Confirm passengers and any special requests or celebration needs.
- Choose boat(s) and route to maximize views and photo opportunities.
- Contact us to finalize details and complete the booking.
Ready to start? Contact our team to discuss dates, vessel options, and any special touches you’d like to include. We’ll bring together the right crew, route, and amenities to ensure your private lakes experience is memorable for every passenger on board and the entire group.
About the Captain: Kameron Cook, Detrice Wrencher, Monique Wirwahn
Book Kameron Cook as captain and invite Detrice Wrencher and Monique Wirwahn aboard to tailor every moment around your group.
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Kameron Cook – Captain
He keeps a still calm on board and guides every tour with clear purpose. Kameron maps a scenic route around the minnetonkas shoreline and departs from the dock with precise timing, so your trip starts smoothly and stays on track. He can adapt to going at a relaxed pace for some rests or push for a full, immersive experience when you want more scenery and photo moments. With years of coastal ops behind him, Kameron ensures the entire crew operates like a well-oiled team, making safety, hospitality, and amazing views the priority of each departing cruise.
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Detrice Wrencher – Crew & Guest Services
Detrice leads guest services with a welcoming smile, coordinating groups from some families to larger gatherings. She handles check-in, explains options for shoreline stops, and keeps the schedule flexible so you can stay longer around a favorite overlook or move quickly if the weather shifts. She brings along a practical approach, brings together the crew, and ensures every guest feels cared for while you enjoy the deck, the breeze, and the full surround of lake scenery.
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Monique Wirwahn – Catering & Hospitality
Monique designs a full menu that fits the trip length, offering tasty bites and a well-curated buffet that travels well on the water. She plans around departures and rest times so the entire group can mingle and still catch the best views. Her team creates an amazing mood on board, with select options to accommodate dietary needs; if you brought preferences or restrictions, she adjusts the plan so everyone stays comfortable while the crew delivers attentive service around the entire boat.
Choose select experiences that suit your crew: a relaxed shoreline cruise, a full Minnetonkas circuit, or a sunset depart with a curated tasting. This setup lets you enjoy more time on the water, depart feeling refreshed, and imagine the next trip you would book again with the same team, sure to deliver an incredibly memorable escape for family, groups, and moms alike.
Plan Your Next Event With Us: Carly Saben, Trae Janisch
Book your private cruise along Lake Minnetonka now to lock in Saturdays for your celebration with Carly Saben and Trae Janisch. Our private charters combine a premium onboard experience with a driver-led tour, seamless reservations, and a plan that lets you focus on family and friends. Thank you for choosing an experience designed for memorable moments.
Choose from three boats in our fleet: a 40-foot luxury cruiser for up to 40 guests, a 28-foot yacht for around 20, and a 12-foot pontoon for intimate gatherings. Each boat offers generous deck spaces (10–18 feet) and a professional driver, so you can mingle, enjoy awesome views, and take in Lake Minnetonka’s shoreline.
Our specialty catering includes a chef-curated buffet, a pizza bar with multiple crusts and toppings, and combined menu packages to mix stations with plated options. This setup works for family milestones, mothers groups, and corporate trips, with super attentive service that brings the best out of your event.
On board, choose beverages from a curated list of cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic options. We keep the flow smooth while guests enjoy the scenery and lakeside homes. We offer cash or card payments, and seasonal specials that maximize value; though change requests are welcome, reservations stay flexible and straightforward.
Reservations are easy: contact us by phone or email to book, or you can also start online. Saturdays fill quickly, so plan 6–8 weeks ahead. Bring your guest list, event date, and timing, and we’ll tailor an itinerary–brought to life by the wells of experience we draw from–so the trip stays on track. We thank you for trusting Carly Saben and Trae Janisch to deliver a private, best-in-class outing that exceeds expectations.
Private Charters, Scenic Tours, and Boat Rentals: Booking Options

Definitely book a private charter for your Lake Minnetonka outing to secure a dedicated crew, a flexible schedule, and a vessel tailored to your group.
Private charters give you control over route, timing, and onboard amenities. Choose a pontoon, cabin cruiser, or sport yacht, with capacity from 6 to 20 guests depending on the boat. Most private charters include captain and crew, fuel, and a safety briefing; durations run 2–8 hours. Prices vary by boat size and season, but typical ranges are around $800–$1,200 for a 4-hour pontoon and $1,800–$3,000 for a half day on a larger vessel. You can purchase and confirm online or by phone; accepted payments usually include credit cards and checks. Our team helps plan a smooth day, and we tailor routes along the lake’s coves and islands here in minnetonkas, where demand for private charters was strong this summer.
Scenic tours provide a low-friction way to enjoy Minnetonka’s beauty. A captain guides a relaxed itinerary that circles around the coves, along the shoreline, and around the bigger islands, with wildlife viewing along the way. Most tours run 1–2 hours and can be combined with a private upgrade for a more intimate experience. Sunset sessions are wonderful for photography and offer a unique view of lakeside homes and natural scenery.
Boat rentals for self-drive on minnetonkas let you set your own pace. Pontoon rentals are the most common option; check operator requirements for age, safety briefing, and required life jackets. Rentals include a quick safety briefing, a basic lake map, and labeled buoys. Plan a simple loop: start near Excelsior, cruise along the west side, and return past Wayzata.
Booking tips to streamline the process: decide guest count, preferred boat type, and desired duration first, then compare three options to avoid overpaying. If you want a combined experience, request a plan that blends a private charter for most of the day with a scenic tour for part of the afternoon. To secure a booking, plan ahead and purchase the option you prefer; most operators accept credit cards and checks. If you’re unsure, here on minnetonkas our crew can propose a plan that fits your group and budget, helping anyone enjoy a wonderful day on the water with a trusted operator.
Public Cruises and Operators: Al Alma’s, Jay Copland, Al Michalek
Book ahead for a public cruise with Al Alma’s to secure reservations and enjoy a shoreline tour with a buffet served on most trips. Take a rest on deck between landmarks, and on fall Wednesdays departures are available, so you can join a popular time frame.
Al Alma’s operates a small fleet of boats designed for public tours along the shoreline. Your experience includes clear narration and attentive service, with seating arranged for comfort and your feet resting on non-slip decks. The capacity is balanced for groups of varying sizes, and most trips provide a scenic, relaxing ride, going at a gentle pace.
Jay Copland runs a straightforward public cruise program with a fleet of intimate boats. Reservations are accepted, and you can choose from options for shorter or longer trips with driver-led commentary and beautiful views of the lake. just bring your curiosity and a light jacket for comfort.
Al Michalek offers classic and modern craft for public tours, with drivers steering the way and shorelines unfolding at each stop. This operator keeps your mothers and your group in mind, delivering a friendly, memorable trip that fits a busy schedule and a reasonable capacity.
| Operator | Boats | Public Tours | Reservations | Buffet | Pojemność | Best Time | Uwagi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Alma’s | Two deckboats, one mid-size tour boat | Public tours daily | Reservations accepted | Buffet served on most trips | Full on peak days; comfortable for groups | Fall and Wednesdays are popular | Shoreline views; driver on board |
| Jay Copland | Small fleet of intimate boats | Public tours scheduled weekly | Reservations accepted | Buffet not included | Capacity 25–45 per boat | Midday to late afternoon | Driver-led narration; scenic shoreline stops |
| Al Michalek | Classic schooner and modern pontoon | Public and private options | Reservations encouraged | Buffet on select trips | Capacity up to 50 | Fall and summer weekends peak | Family-friendly; smooth, relaxed trips |
Sights, History, and How to Book a Lake Minnetonka Cruise: Julie Harn, Pa Moua, and More
Plan a private cruise on wednesdays for an incredible, amazing experience along the Lake Minnetonka shoreline. Julie Harn and Pa Moua lead private charters that fit group sizes from four to twenty, with a friendly crew, a buffet on board, and a pontoon option for an incredibly smooth ride. reservations are easy via their site, and departures are from Wayzata, Excelsior, or nearby docks. The cruise takes in coves and shoreline estates, and the guide offers a story of the lake’s history. This experience is definitely a favorite, and you would want to book again.
The sights along the shoreline include historic boathouses, private docks, and modern estates, with vantage points perfect for photos. The history of Lake Minnetonka ties to early trade routes and resort days; источник records note the origin of the lake’s name and its evolution as a playground for locals. Today, private tours offered by Julie Harn and Pa Moua bring the story to life with the crew sharing local anecdotes. The events calendar features summer concerts, markets, and water-based gatherings that bring people to the water’s edge–wonderful for families, groups, and first-time visitors alike. The vibe remains nice and welcoming, with calm moments and exciting viewpoints still easy to reach from the water.
To secure reservations, visit the operator’s page or call; group discounts apply for corporate and family gatherings. The crew will tailor a tour, pausing for photo opportunities and to answer questions. Expect to depart from the dock with a warm welcome to guests. The experience is incredibly smooth, and many visitors say the views are wonderful, even on a misty morning. After the cruise, guests thank the crew and share stories with fellow travelers. If you want to sample Minnetonka in a private setting, this is the option to choose, and you would definitely want to book again. Here you can compare options, reservations, and plan a private pontoon tour that fits your timeline.
Private Cruises on Lake Minnetonka – Luxury Charters, Scenic Tours, and Private Boat Rentals">