Lake Minnetonka

Public Cruises Rates & Schedule

*Visit our FAQ’s regarding Handicap Accessibility and other questions you may have regarding your cruise with us.
Reservations may be made ONLINE.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Departing From The Port of Excelsior

The name Minnetonka derives from the Sioux language, where “Minne” means water and “Tonka” means big or great, together signifying “Big Water.”

  • Mother’s Day weekend through mid-October.
  • Boarding begins 10-15 minutes prior to cruise time.
  • Concessions and beverages are available on board.
  • Ask about our special group pricing. Additional public cruises upon request. We require a minimum capacity of 20 passengers for each scheduled cruise to depart.
  • No outside food or beverages may be brought on board.

ADDRESS: 2 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331

*Visit our FAQ’s regarding Handicap Accessibility and other questions you may have regarding your cruise with us.

Sightseeing Cruises

Departing from The Port of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka

Mother’s Day Weekend through Fall Colors:
May, September & October:
Mondays & Fridays: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays: 12:00 (noon) – 1:30 p.m. & 2 – 3:30 p.m.

June, July & August:
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays: 12:00 (noon) – 1:30 p.m. & 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Advanced reservations are recommended. Walk-ups are NOT guaranteed.

Enjoy this narrated tour on one of America’s most popular lakes! Learn about Lake Minnetonka’s history as you enjoy a relaxing cruise with onboard concessions and full bar service available. Cash and Credit are accepted.
NOTE: Schedule is subject to change.

Group Sightseeing Cruise Luncheon Special – $44.00 per person

For groups of 20 or more. Tour Groups, Business meetings, Department Parties, or Birthdays. Whatever the occasion, any event will be so much more special aboard one of our Sightseeing Cruises!

Reservations are required at least 2 weeks in advance. Your group will be combined with other public passengers. Price includes ticket and full lunch. Click here to view the menu. *Senior discounts may be available. Please call for pricing.

To reserve this cruise for your group, please call 952-474-8058.

Cheeseburger In Paradise Cruise:​ $45.00 Per Person

Departing from The Port of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka.

Starting Mother’s Day through Fall Colors:

Sundays 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Reservations are required by 10 a.m. on the day of the cruise.

Enjoy a 1/3 lb hamburger built to your liking, served with garden salad, potato salad, chips, and condiments, along with full bar service and drink specials.

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change.

Margarita Fiesta Cruise: $45.00 Per Person

Departing from The Port of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka.

Starting the Monday following Mother’s Day through Fall Colors

Mondays 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Reservations are required by 10 a.m. on the day of the cruise.

Our escape on the Lake! Take an exciting “South of the border” cruise on Lake Minnetonka while enjoying a build-your-burrito bowl buffet and drink specials with a full bar available. Cash or Credit accepted.

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change.

Happy Hour Pizza Cruise:​ $45.00 Per Person

Departing from The Port of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka

Tuesday following Mother’s Day through Fall Colors:

Tuesday’s 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Reservations are required by 3 p.m. on the day of the cruise.

Our most popular cruise! Take a narrated cruise of Lake Minnetonka while enjoying a selection of tasty pizza, along with a salad buffet and happy hour drink specials with a full bar available. Cash or Credit accepted.

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change.

Sunday Brunch Cruise: $49.00 Per Person

Departing from The Port of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka.

Mother’s Day through Fall Colors:

Sundays: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Cruising the beautiful Lake Minnetonka shoreline, enjoying our tasty Captain’s Sunday Brunch Buffet menu, complete with full cash bar service and spectacular views!

Reservations are required by 10 a.m. on the Saturday prior to the cruise.

Click here to view the menu.

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change.

Italian Mama Mia Cruise:​ $45.00 Per Person

Departing from The Port of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka. This cruise is in the FALL ONLY.

Select Evenings (typically in the fall only).

Reservations are required by 10 a.m. on the day of the cruise.

This exciting cruise includes a build-your-own-pasta bar- with your choice of grilled chicken breast in a creamy alfredo or marinara sauce, served over penne noodles, along with green bean almondine, Caesar salad, and garlic breadsticks, with a full cash bar available.

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change.

Groups and Special Cruises

Groups of 20 or more may receive a group discount. Brunch, lunch, pizza, or dinner options are available for group reservations. Groups of 20 or more are combined with the other public passengers.

All of our boats are also available for private charters. Contact us for additional information on group reservations or private events.

Contact us for additional information on group reservations or private events at 952.474.8058.

Specialty Added Cruises

Look for our exciting “Specialty Added Cruises” throughout our calendar such as:

  • Entertainment Cruises
  • Fireworks Cruises
  • Cinco De Mayo Cruises
  • Mother’s / Father’s Day Cruises
  • Fall Color Cruises
  • Additional added “Regular Scheduled Cruises”
  • added to weekends and more!

Additional Pricing Information

  • Senior Discount (60+) $2.00 off
  • Infants (under 2) Free.
  • One discount per ticket purchase. Call for info.
  • Prices subject to change
  • Above prices include port charge and tax.
  • Fuel Surcharge may apply.
  • A 20 Passenger minimum is required for us to cruise.
  • Gift Certificates are available for purchase and redemption.
  • American Express, Discover, VISA, and MasterCard are accepted. (Cash is accepted for bar purchases as well.)

Plan Your Next Event With Us!

Thank you for considering Paradise Charter Cruises & The Minneapolis Queen for your event. Please provide your contact information and specific needs below. Our team will respond promptly. We look forward to working with you!