About Us
Our Mission
When the owner Judy Narducci retired from nursing, she became determined to provide that service. These are the ideals that she and her guides/captains and crew live by, still:- We are enthusiastic about sharing the history and beauty of the Portage Lakes with visitors.
- We are constantly improving available activities while maintaining high standards of entertainment and amenities, including top-notch food and beverage options, while sharing exciting stories narration if desired.
- We are trustworthy and dependable in scheduling, safety, and boat maintenance. As a result, people have come to know they can depend on Portage Lakes Cruises to provide a quality experience at an excellent value – every time.
- We offer OHIO hospitality, we strive to be gracious hosts, and we give special assistance to people of all abilities in getting to the boats, boarding and seating.
- We genuinely care about our hosts and their guests and do our best to have fun while making sure everyone else does the same. That is why people come cruise with us repeatedly, bringing their family and friends to share the experience.
some interesting facts
Tours depart from multiple locations.
- Find us dockside for Public Cruises that depart from Pick’s at PLX. Tours are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 10, 2, 6p. Reservations required to guarantee your seats. Walk-ons are permitted when open seats are available. Maximum seating is 10 on these tours.
- You can schedule Private Cruise departures from Nauti Vine Winery or Old State Park Launch area, in addition to our docks at Smoke on the Water, or your even from your own Portage Lakes dock.
- Staying at a short-term rental? Let us pick you up there.
Frequently Asked Questions
We run our cruises rain or shine if the rain is light and it’s warm out. We have cover over half of the boat and carry ponchos and umbrellas. If it’s cold or if there are storms are in our area we will reschedule your cruise to a different time or date without charge. If that isn’t possible we will issue a gift card or refund your purchase price.
Yes, there are enough PFDs (Personal Floatation Devices) for adults and children on each boat for the full capacity of the boat. Parents are welcome to bring their own jacket that the child is familiar with, as well.
Guests are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages aboard. Bottled water is provided for all cruisers, and small bags of chips are complimentary on every Private cruise.
We can adjust the number of guests and credit your payment source with some advance notice. Please note: If this reduces the total number to fewer than four, the basic rate still applies and is $240.00.
Yes! You may add guests to the full capacity of your boat – usually 12 total. Just call to have us add guests and charge your same card or theirs.
For big groups we often take more than one boat at a time, riding in caravan. The guests enjoy taking photos of the other boats, and we can group together to allow everyone to mingle on the water.
For groups of 20 or more, there is a boat available that will carry up to 45 in your party. It’s bookable as: Portage Princess-The Big Boat– – NOTE: This option is not available on weekends or holidays. Please call for more information or assistance planning & booking.
Yes, a standard width wheelchair can be brought aboard. This is available at the Pick’s/Smoke on the Water location or the Old State Park locations.
While there are ten stairs at Pick’s location, there is a ramp and also golf cart assistance from the parking area to the boats. Please notify us in advance when this is needed. There are no stairs to navigate at the State Park location.
While there are ten stairs at Pick’s location, there is a ramp and also golf cart assistance from the parking area to the boats. Please notify us in advance when this is needed. There are no stairs to navigate at the State Park location.
While there are ten stairs at Pick’s location, there is a ramp and also golf cart assistance from the parking area to the boats. Please notify us in advance when this is needed. There are no stairs to navigate at the State Park location.
While there are ten stairs at Pick’s location, there is a ramp and also golf cart assistance from the parking area to the boats. Please notify us in advance when this is needed. There are no stairs to navigate at the State Park location.
While there are ten stairs at Pick’s location, there is a ramp and also golf cart assistance from the parking area to the boats. Please notify us in advance when this is needed. There are no stairs to navigate at the State Park location. PLEASE NOTE: Nauti Vine Winery does not have access to the boat other than by way a set of around 20 stairs (sturdy handrail).
While there are ten stairs at Pick’s location, there is a ramp and also golf cart assistance from the parking area to the boats. Please notify us in advance when this is needed. There are no stairs to navigate at the State Park location. PLEASE NOTE: Nauti Vine Winery does not have access to the boat other than by way a set of around 20 stairs (sturdy handrail).
Our service is available from May 1 to September 30 each year. Some dates may be arranged earlier or later, weather permitting. Please call to inquire about booking before or after our usual dates.
While tipping is not required, it is certainly appreciated. Your Captain/Guide puts a lot of effort into your experience and tipping is a great way to show your appreciation.
Bringing along familiar toys or diversions will help when your child tires of looking at scenery, which is often very soon.
Meet the Crew
Why cruise with us?
Portage Lakes Cruises is a pontoon charter service, designed for visitors as well as locals who want to enjoy our scenic lakes without being the one navigating and docking. We handle everything so you can relax.
Join us to:
- Hear about the Native American tribes who roamed these lakes, while also learning about current events.
- Take advantage of our experience and resources. Come out in the morning while the day is cool and calm or plan a perfect sunset cruise for that special moment.
- Call while dining lakeside for an impromptu ride.
- Bring your own snacks and order just what you want from our optional menus, full meals or extras like candy, balloons, and cupcakes.
- Decorate and celebrate! Order full decoration packages – Choose from several themes such as Sunflowers, Patriotic, and special birthday/anniversary/Bridal showers, etc..
Passengers with special needs find our wide docks and boats with open floor plans easy to maneuver, and our staff members are experienced in assisting with transfer and boarding issues.
If you need inspiration to help plan an excursion, please call us. Travel in style, let us do the driving and enjoy the trip.
Departure Locations
- Pick’s at PLX
- Old State Park
- Your Airbnb dock
- Any public dock by special arrangement. Please call to arrange.
