Since we we’re already in coastal Florida for the day, I figured I stop back in for a little piece about a popular Fort Lauderdale attraction that always seems to be winning all the local praise: JungleQueen Riverboat Cruises.
If you’re traveling in to Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach or even Miami, consider a drive up to the “Venice of America” for a fun-filled sightseeing or dinner cruise. Head to the Bahia Mar docks on the northwestern island and load up on the JungleQueen, a beautiful 550-passenger, 3-level riverboat with looks straight out of the mid-1800’s (and that’s a good thing).
In the morning and afternoon, look forward to a three-hour sightseeing cruise of the New River, Fort Lauderdale coastline and historic downtown complemented by the captain’s sometimes informational but always entertaining interjections. A little less than halfway into the tour, you’ll stop at the JungleQueen Tropical Isle, an actual island operated by the tour company. The walking tour includes rare plant and animal sightings and also an alligator show. All in all, a fun, laidback kind of afternoon.
If you’re still making dinner plans, though, go ahead and skip the afternoon cruise for the nightly dinner cruise, embarking from the docks every evening at 6:00 p.m. You still get the awesome sights, and you still get the captain’s ramblings to go with them, but this time the cruise is highlighted by a tasty all-you-can-eat meal featuring barbeque ribs, chicken, steamed shrimp, bread, sides and drinks (extra charge for alcohol). After dinner, head to the performance stage for variety show-style entertainment, and then enjoy a tranquil, reflective moonlit sail back to the docks. You can see videos of the act on the Web site to make sure it’s your thing.
With room for 550, getting a seat is not usually a problem, but the JungleQueen can and will sell out, so take advantage of the reservation option on the Web site, or skip the hassle and just buy your tickets online. Speaking of that, here it is.
We’re big fans of Hollywood, Florida here at USA Travel Guide so whenever traveling to the Fort Lauderdale area, that’s where we often end up staying. We’re fans of the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Resort. If you have a vehicle, it’s a swift trip to just about anywhere in Fort Lauderdale, including the Bahia Mar docks.
Have fun!
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One Comment
With all the great places to stay within walking distance of the main Fort Lauderdale Beach it is surprising you choose to stay in Hollywood. We own and run a great apartment hotel directly on the Intracoastal Waterway and just three blocks from the beach. Manhattan Tower is an updated mid-century modern marvel. For what you would pay in a modest hotel you can have a whole apartment with a fully equipped kitchen. Please visit our website and check us out the next time you get to Fort Lauderdale.
Russel