The Butler Chain of Lakes is a string of clear, connected lakes covering more than 5,000 acres in Windermere and Dr. Phillips, just southwest of Orlando.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Butler Chain, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Lake Butler is the biggest at about 1,600 acres, with Lake Tibet, Lake Down and Lake Sheen close behind, and canals link the whole chain so you can cruise from lake to lake.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Butler Chain
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Butler Chain.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Butler Chain.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Butler Chain.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Butler Chain while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Water toys – tubes, lily pads, water trampolines, paddle boards and more to keep the whole group busy.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Butler Chain at a glance
| Location | Windermere and Dr. Phillips |
|---|---|
| Size | More than 5,000 acres |
| Largest lake | Lake Butler |
| Other lakes | Tibet, Down, Sheen, Louise, Chase |
| Water | Clear, Outstanding Florida Waters |
| Public ramps | R.D. Keene Park and Lake Down |
Best things to do on Butler Chain
- Wakesurfing – Lake Butler and Lake Tibet on calm mornings.
- Water skiing and tubing – the long open water on Lake Butler.
- Sandbar stops – Bird Island on Lake Butler.
- Canal cruising – idle-speed canals between the lakes.
Where to launch at Butler Chain
- R.D. Keene Park – a public ramp on Lake Isleworth.
- Lake Down ramp – a small public ramp on Conroy-Windermere Road.
Summer afternoons bring heat and pop-up storms, so mornings are the best time on the water. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Butler Chain
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Florida requires an observer or a wide-angle mirror when towing.
- Jet skis can't run from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise in Florida.
Florida boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 6 must wear one on boats under 26 feet whenever the boat is underway, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver or a wide-angle rear-view mirror, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing isn't allowed from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.
- Jet skis can't be operated from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Follow posted idle-speed and slow-speed zones, including manatee zones where they're marked, and slow down near docks, marinas and swimmers.
Map of Butler Chain of Lakes
Butler Chain rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Butler Chain?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Do I have to tow the boat to Butler Chain myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Butler Chain, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is the Butler Chain of Lakes?
In Windermere and Dr. Phillips, about 15 minutes southwest of downtown Orlando.
Can you jet ski on Butler Chain of Lakes?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Butler Chain of Lakes.
How many lakes are in the Butler Chain?
About a dozen lakes linked by canals, led by Lake Butler, Lake Tibet, Lake Down and Lake Sheen.
Are the canals between the lakes no-wake?
Yes. The connecting canals are idle speed, so plan a little extra time to move between lakes.