The Winter Haven Chain of Lakes is a famous set of canal-linked lakes in Polk County, split into a northern chain and a southern chain.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Winter Haven Chain, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
The southern chain sits almost entirely in Winter Haven with about 16 lakes, and the northern chain reaches Lake Alfred and Lake Hamilton with ten more.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Winter Haven Chain
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Winter Haven Chain.
- MasterCraft wakesurf & wakeboard boat rentals – premium surf boats seating 12 to 18, with surf boards, wakeboards, skis and tubes available.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Winter Haven Chain.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Winter Haven Chain while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Winter Haven Chain into a full beach party.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Winter Haven Chain at a glance
| Location | Winter Haven, Polk County |
|---|---|
| Southern chain | About 16 lakes |
| Northern chain | 10 lakes |
| Links | Canals between the lakes |
| Towns | Winter Haven, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton |
| Region | Central Florida |
Best things to do on Winter Haven Chain
- Lake hopping – cruising the canals from lake to lake.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
Where to launch at Winter Haven Chain
- Public ramps – city and county ramps around Winter Haven.
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 Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven Chain of Lakes
Winter Haven Chain rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Winter Haven Chain?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, and private charters with a driver-instructor — everything for a full day on the water.
Will my boat be at Winter Haven Chain when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Winter Haven Chain, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes?
In Winter Haven in Polk County, between Tampa and Orlando.
Can you jet ski on Winter Haven Chain of Lakes?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Winter Haven Chain of Lakes.
How many lakes are in the chain?
About 16 lakes in the southern chain and 10 in the northern chain, linked by canals.
Can you boat between the lakes?
Yes. Canals connect the lakes within each chain, at slow speed through the canals.