Frequently Asked Questions

Typically, June, July, and August offer the best conditions with ample daylight for evening boat tours. However, Michigan's unpredictable climate can sometimes surprise us with 80-degree days in April, and September.  Riva's pontoon is usually the first boat on the water and the last to come out of the lake each season.  So if summer strikes early and you can gather a last-minute group, don't hesitate to reach out.

Riva does not typically call off a tour for a patchy radar. In the case of extreme weather (if thunder, lightening or heavy winds are present) the captain reserves the right to call off the tour.  She will not make this call until 2 hours before your tour.  Any tour called off due to weather, will receive a raincheck (credit) good to reschedule for current boating season.  Sorry no refunds are offered for rained out tours. 

Reservations are non-refundable and non-interchangeable.  Being that it is such a short boating season, we need plenty of notice to know what our available dates are.  

Please subscribe to the captains mailing list on the contract page where it says "Subscribe".  Riva will host an open seating tour periodically for singles and couples.  Also good to follow  "Tour on Orion" on Facebook for last minute openings, and fun posts about the past. 

Yes, but with great power comes great responsibility. Just take it easy, there are no pit stops or bathroom onboard.  All alcohol must stay contained in coolers until onboard the boat.  This means no alcohol is allowed to be consumed in Greens Park.   Once you are onboard you can fix yourself a drink, sit back and relax. 

This 25' tri-toon is rated for 14 people.  If you want to be cozy you can have 13, just add $35 for the extra person upon boarding. 

Absolutely!  There will be an intermission from viewing the storybooks which is the perfect time for snacks and enjoying the views.   

Sorry pontoons don't have restrooms unfortunately but thankfully the tour isn't too long (only 90 minutes).  You are welcome to use the restrooms at Green's Park when we return to the dock.  

Depending on your location, this could be feasible.  Riva’s storybooks do correspond with a timed route around the lake starting from Green's Park.  So keep in mind a pick-up and drop-off will add time to your ride but should not be an issue.  

The tour pontoon goes thru several state inspections, and is specifically equipped for commercial charters.  For your safety, tours can only be given from Riva's vessel. 

Contact Riva via email, she may be able to make a special arrangement, especially if there's an old timer in town! She will do her best to accommodate your request.

Booking a Private Charter may be available upon request, feel free to send your captain an email with the date, and time you are looking for.

Typically this is an adults only ride.  But if you have some teenagers (13+) that are they are genuinely interested in Lake Orion History… then please bring them along.  In some cases they are the best listeners!  

Just tell the gate guard you are on Tour with Riva!  Your Captain takes care of park fees.