Expect to wait 90 minutes to two hours.

Yeah, that sounds about right. Late August Saturdays are peak season peak day — you’re competing with every tourist within 300 miles. The line starts forming before the ticket booth opens, and it snakes through the pavilion, down the ramp, and onto the dock.

The actual boat ride is only 20 minutes. The wait is the show. If you show up at 11am without a reservation, plan on standing around for an hour and a half minimum. If you hit it right at opening (9am) or late afternoon (after 4pm), you might shave 30–45 minutes off.

You’ll spend more time waiting than floating. That’s just how it goes.