Lake and Sumter counties are a haven for water enthusiasts, boasting a combined total of over 1,000 lakes and 202 square miles of water in Lake County alone. 

This abundance of waterways offers a plethora of activities, from boating and fishing to kayaking and sailing. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil paddle or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the options are as vast as the lakes themselves.

For thrill-seekers craving speed and excitement, we’ve uncovered two exhilarating experiences that will surely get your heart racing.

Catboat Escapes, Clermont

Nate Crawford has always felt at home on the water, so turning a lake into his office was a dream come true. Running Catboat Escapes in Clermont, he gets to share that passion with people from all over the world.

“I still pinch myself that I get to do this every day,” he says. “Being out on the lake isn’t just fun, it’s a way to ease stress and connect with nature.”

With a background in stunts and entertainment, Nate wanted to offer something different from the artificial escapes of theme parks. He believes people crave real connections to the environment, history and each other.

Part slow cruise, part full-throttle adventure, the catboat experience puts you in the driver’s seat. Piloting your own two-seater catamaran, you’ll skim across the pristine waters of the Clermont Chain of Lakes at speeds up to 30 mph.

The two-hour guided tour starts at Cypress Cove Marina and winds through multiple lakes and rivers. Guests listen via walkie-talkie as Nate shares stories about barefoot skier Banana George, the Miami Vice house and the Citrus Tower. 

Along the way, you’ll pass ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss and view wildlife like Sandhill cranes, bald eagles, blue herons and the occasional roseate spoonbill. The only gators you’ll encounter are in Nate’s trivia game, a fun way to test your Florida knowledge over the radio.

While staying dry is an option, the throttle is in your hands. “A little splashing only adds to the fun,” Nate says. 

Catboat Escapes – 10354 Cypress Cove Ln., Clermont

Tom and Jerry’s Airboat Tours, Lake Panasoffkee

If you’ve ever driven on the turnpike near Lake Panasoffkee, chances are you’ve seen a sign for the legendary Tom and Jerry’s Airboat Tours. Locals have known about Tom and Jerry’s for years, but many don’t take a tour until they have visitors in town. And without fail, they always say the same thing: “We should have done this sooner.”

Jeaneen and Tim Chrisante took over the company last summer and have kept the excitement going with five airboats and tours running on the hour. Captains “Barefoot” Brent, Captain Joe, and Captain Chad take passengers on a ride that’s part thrill, part wildlife documentary. 

The boats glide through marshes and canals where regular boats can’t go, offering an up-close view of Florida’s wild side.

 “I love everything about it,” Jeaneen says. “Giving people the experience to see the gators is magical because that’s why they come from everywhere in the world.”

Tourists from as far away as Canada chose an airboat ride because they heard it was the safest way to see gators. came from Montreal just to see the gators and heard the airboat was the best, safest way to get up close in the wild. 

There are two juvenile female alligators that live in an enclosure right outside, plus two baby gators inside, all hatched right there on site.

During the winter months, you can spot gators sunning and then slipping into the water just as the airboat passes nearby. In March and April, they come out of hibernation and start actively swimming and hunting. 

Airboat tours aren’t just about the alligators, although you’re likely to spot up to 15 on any given ride. The captains also share history, point out turtles basking in the sun and identify birds like Anhingas drying their wings. 

Top-rated on TripAdvisor and U.S. Coast Guard-approved, the airboat experience shows off Florida’s wild, untamed beauty for visitors and locals alike.   

Tom and Jerry’s Airboat Tours – 68 North Main Terrace, Lake Panasoffkee

Photos: Nicole Hamel, Matthew Gaulin and Provided