Lake Okeechobee Tours

Lake Okeechobee showing landscape views and a lake or waterhole
Lake Okeechobee showing landscape views, a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Lake Okeechobee showing tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and boating
Lake Okeechobee featuring landscape views and a lake or waterhole
Lake Okeechobee showing a lake or waterhole and landscape views


Florida’s largest freshwater lake is a popular spot to fish and hike. 

Lake Okeechobee, meaning “Big Water,” is an important recreational destination for boating, fishing, bird watching and hiking. The massive lake covers 730 square miles (1,891 square kilometers). It measures 38 miles long by 29 miles wide (59 by 48 kilometers), and has an average depth of nine feet (three meters). The lake and surrounding wetlands drain into the Florida Everglades, making this a vital part of the local ecosystem and South Florida’s freshwater supply.

Book a fishing charter at Clewiston, a town on the southwest corner of the lake. Trips cater to every skill level, from beginner to experienced angler. The area is renowned for largemouth bass fishing, and both commercial and recreational fishermen use the lake. The best time to fish is from December through March.

The 110-mile (177-kilometer) Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail runs around the lake along the Herbert Hoover Dike. This is a beautiful route for hiking or cycling year-round. Take in views of the lake and surrounding agricultural area from the top of the embankment. Hike as much or as little of the trail as you like, and stop for a rest at picnic tables along the way. Expect to see herons and egrets around the edge of the lake, and huge flocks of a wide variety of birds during the migratory seasons.

Visit the nearby town of Belle Glade, on the south end of the lake, to play a round of golf at the Sugar Cane Golf Club. The city of Okeechobee, on the north end of the lake, hosts regular events at the Rodeo Arena. Check the arena’s website for a schedule of events.

The lake is about 70 miles (111 kilometers) northwest of Fort Lauderdale. You’ll need a car if you plan to visit on your own as a day trip from Fort Lauderdale. Tour companies run hiking trips to the lake from Fort Lauderdale and Clewiston.

Plan a trip to see Lake Okeechobee

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
ette hotel
The Retreat Collection at 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach

Reviews of Lake Okeechobee

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
70
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
64
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
19
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 4%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Eagle Bay Airboat Rides 900 Hwy 78 west, Okeechobee, FL 34974 (863) 824-0500 https://maps.app.goo.gl/xPBVB Fun. Farmstand there too

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great birding - we rode our bikes on the dike at the north end of the lake.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lake Okeechobee

Days Inn Lake Okeechobee
Days Inn Lake Okeechobee
2.5 out of 5
2200 US Highway 441 SE, Okeechobee, FL
Days Inn Lake Okeechobee
Best Western Lake Okeechobee
Best Western Lake Okeechobee
2.5 out of 5
3975 Highway 441 South, Okeechobee, FL
Best Western Lake Okeechobee
Travelodge Suites by Wyndham Lake Okeechobee
Travelodge Suites by Wyndham Lake Okeechobee
2 out of 5
1527 Us Highway 441 Se, Okeechobee, FL
Travelodge Suites by Wyndham Lake Okeechobee
Americas Best Value Inn Historic Clewiston Inn
Americas Best Value Inn Historic Clewiston Inn
2.5 out of 5
108 Royal Palm Avenue, Clewiston, FL
Americas Best Value Inn Historic Clewiston Inn
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lake Okeechobee by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lake Okeechobee by IHG
2.5 out of 5
3101 Us Highway 441 S, Okeechobee, FL
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lake Okeechobee by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Clewiston by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Clewiston by IHG
2.5 out of 5
1024 W Sugarland Hwy, Clewiston, FL
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Clewiston by IHG
Hampton Inn Okeechobee - Lake Okeechobee
Hampton Inn Okeechobee - Lake Okeechobee
2.5 out of 5
1200 State Road 70 East, Okeechobee, FL
Hampton Inn Okeechobee - Lake Okeechobee
Tru by Hilton Port St. Lucie Tradition
Tru by Hilton Port St. Lucie Tradition
2.5 out of 5
11560 SW Village Pkwy, Port Saint Lucie, FL
Tru by Hilton Port St. Lucie Tradition
WoodSpring Suites Port St. Lucie
WoodSpring Suites Port St. Lucie
2.5 out of 5
11600 SW Village Parkway, Port Saint Lucie, FL
WoodSpring Suites Port St. Lucie
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.