jungle queen riverboat fort lauderdale

Jungle Queen

The world is a canvas to your imagination. You’ll see sights beyond belief. Now imagine cruising on something extraordinary for a day or night. Where the sightseeing, dinner, and show are indescribable. Where you can enjoy things visitors have been enjoying since 1935. Where you can look up into the sky at night and hear the stars talking to you. No wonder over 18 million people from all over the world have discovered it. But then, there’s always room for one more. Paint your own canvas.

JUNGLE QUEEN & RIVER QUEEN CRUISES

JUNGLE QUEEN, 90-MINUTE MORNING SIGHTSEEING CRUISE DEPARTS: Wed-Fri 2:30pm Sat & Sun Noon and 2:30pm A fully narrated morning cruise down the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale’s New River, sailing through Millionaire’s Row with homes of the Rich and Famous, spectacular Mega Yachts, and sights beyond belief.

RIVER QUEEN, AFTERNOON & EVENING 90-MINUTE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES DEPARTS: 4:30 pm Thursday-Sunday, year-round & 7:00 pm, Thursday-Sunday, December thru August. A fully narrated, 90-minute morning cruise down the “Venice of America” sailing through Ft. Lauderdale’s Millionaire’s Row with homes of the Rich and Famous, spectacular Mega Yachts, and sights beyond belief.

JUNGLE QUEEN, AFTERNOON SIGHTSEEING CRUISE & TROPICAL ISLE TOUR DEPARTS: 1:30pm, Daily, year-round. Jungle Queen’s Spectacular Afternoon Tropical Isle Sightseeing Cruise. A daily, fully narrated cruise down the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale’s historic New River. See Millionaire’s Row with homes of the Rich and Famous, spectacular Mega Yachts, and sights beyond belief. The cruise takes you to our own lush tropical isle where you can watch an alligator show, see exotic birds, lemurs and monkeys, hold a baby alligator or one of our birds, and have your picture taken with them. Hungry? Thirsty? Enjoy our extensive concession stand menu – burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, chips, ice cream, soda and much more. Don’t forget to visit our gift shop before you leave.

JUNGLE QUEEN, SIGHTSEEING, DINNER & SHOW CRUISE DEPARTS: Tuesday – Sunday, 6:00 pm – December thru August & Wednesday – Sunday, 6:00 pm – September thru November Fully narrated cruise down the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale’s New River, sailing through Millionaire’s Row with homes of the Rich and Famous, spectacular Mega Yachts, and sights beyond belief. When you arrive at our tropical isle, you’ll be treated to an All-You-Can-Eat Dinner featuring barbeque baby back ribs, chicken, and all the fixin’s. Live entertainment during dinner, and a laugh out loud variety show after dinner. Be sure to take a few minutes to tour our beautiful tropical isle with lush foliage, exotic animals, and yummy soft serve ice cream at our gift shop.

To confirm availability of cruises, please visit the book now page on this site or call our box office at 954-462-5596.

801 Seabreeze Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

(954) 462-5596

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Hours & Rates

Wed-Fri 2:30pm Sat & Sun Noon and 2:30pm 90 Min below plus taxes and fees ADULT (13+) $21.95 | CHILD (3-12) $12.95 | SENIOR $20.15

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Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruises

• 801 Seabreeze Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
• (954) 462-5596

Restaurants, Food and Drink | Fort Lauderdale’s Historic Downtowner and…

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Restaurants, food and drink, restaurants, food and drink | fort lauderdale’s historic downtowner and maxwell room set to close in october.

“Sadly, I must announce the closure of the Historic Downtowner and Maxwell Room, effective October 6,” owner Roger Craft wrote in a Facebook post that took staffers by surprise.

“This decision was not made lightly,” he said. “I carefully weighed the hard facts and numerous complex issues against every possible solution and alternative.  In the end, there just wasn’t a reasonable or viable option to keep the business going at this location. I hope that the legacy of the Downtowner will live on through the fun times, the friendships, the happy guests, and the countless memories we’ve all created.”

The post said his “greatest joy” in owning the establishment was the “incredible people I’ve had the privilege to meet, and the friendships formed over the years. As this chapter of the Downtowner and Maxwell Room closes, I sincerely thank you all for your unwavering support, love, and the unforgettable memories we’ve shared together.”

The Labor Day announcement stunned patrons and staff members. The latter declined to comment for the record until they heard the news in person from their boss. He was not available at the restaurant Monday afternoon and did not respond to a voicemail.

But responses to his social media post quickly mounted, with more than 500 posts accumulating by 5 p.m.

“My first Hurricane experience in South Florida was in 2004 when I moved there and it was at the Downtowner,” wrote Dusty Wigmore. “I was amazed how the business stayed open to support the locals and be there when they may have not been able to go home, or didn’t want to venture out far from home. They were amazing and it was a great experience for just getting settled into the neighborhood. Thanks for all the great memories!”

But inside the restaurant,  one longtime customer, Brewster Knott, who said he lives in a nearby high rise, was not as charitable.

“I am upset because the staff of this establishment has made every day more powerful and happy for everyone,” Knott said. He vowed to mount a personal campaign to find a job for each employee.

The venue is nestled in a 23,000-square foot riverfront building at 10 South New River Drive E., just east of South Andrews Avenue, near a neighborhood where development has exploded with high-rise residential buildings. To the southeast is a familiar taxpayer-funded gated community, better known as the Main Jail, which is adjacent to the Broward County Courthouse.

Downtowner patrons who dine outdoors have a close-up view of recreational and commercial boats of all sizes as they ease their way along the New River. At one point Monday, one of the vessels represented another symbol of Fort Lauderdale history: a passenger boat belonging to the venerable Jungle Queen tour franchise stopped to wait for the Andrew Avenue drawbridge to rise and allow it to pass through.

To the rear of the restaurant, the Historic Maxwell Room with its wooden dance floor and a history that dates back to the Roaring 1920s, was empty and silent Monday.

A century-old history

According to the venue’s website, the ballroom was named after a developer, Fred Maxwell, and “opened its doors in 1925, showcasing the timeless elegance of Mediterranean Revival architecture. The hurricane of 1926 dealt a devastating blow to the Maxwell Arcade, damaging its iconic electric-lit sign, and much of the structure. Despite the destruction, the arcade endured and now houses both the Historic Downtowner and Historic Maxwell Room.”

The site notes the Downtowner has served the community for more than 30 years. The Maxwell Room hosted weddings, receptions and corporate gatherings while the Downtowner became “a cherished venue for various experiences such as Sunday brunch.”

In 2018, the building changed hands for $5.75 million, with the investor saying he was “just going to hold onto it in the short-term and mid-term and see what happens.” There was no immediate indication that another potential deal is in the offing this time.

One staffer who declined to be be quoted by name wondered Monday what the Downtowner’s customer traffic will be like through October, now that word of the impending closing has gone public.

There is one major event that could serve as a fond farewell for all: a “Craftober Fest,” a street festival with live music, craft beer and food.

It’s scheduled for Sept. 28, according to the restaurant’s Facebook account.

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River Queen Sightseeing Cruise

Sightseeing cruise.

Jungle Queen introduces its newest family member, The RIVER QUEEN. Fully narrated, 90-minute night cruises down the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale’s New River, sailing through Millionaire’s Row with homes of the Rich and Famous, spectacular Mega Yachts, and sights beyond belief.  

Morning 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise

• 12:00 PM  SHARP Departure
• Saturdays & Sundays

Afternoon 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise

• 2:30 PM SHARP Departure
• Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays

About the Vessel

Jungle Queen Riverboat holds up to 385 passengers on two levels, the upper and lower deck. A full bar is available servicing non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and snacks; there are lavatories onboard. 

Cruise Details

All cruises sail form the  Bahia Mar Yachting Center on A1A.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Please click here to book now or call 954-462-5596 to book over the phone.

The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes; the length of the tour may on occasion vary due to weather conditions, and/or traffic on waterways

Parking is available at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center at the same address as the Jungle Queen.

Parking will be $8.00 per vehicle and will need to pay for parking at Jungle Queen Box Office or on the Riverboat.

There is also public Ft Lauderdale metered parking.

Boarding starts approximately forty-five (45) minutes prior to departure.

The cruise returns to the Bahia Mar Yachting Center approximately 90 minutes after departure. 

Important Notices

To ensure you get on the cruise in time, it is recommended that you arrive at least 45-minutes prior to your cruise departure time to allow for traffic, parking, purchasing tickets or exchanging your vouchers for boarding passes and boarding. 

ONCE YOU PARK BE SURE TO PICK UP YOUR BOARDING PASSES AT THE BOX OFFICE WINDOW BEFORE GETTING IN LINE FOR BOAT!

There are no refunds once your ticket is purchased.  If your reservation is not cancelled or rescheduled at least 3 days in advance, then there will be no reschedules or credits for a future cruise. If you do not arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your cruise departure time, your seats will not be guaranteed, and there will be no refunds or credits, please arrive on time.

No weapons are permitted on the boat.

No food or beverages are permitted to be brought onto the boat.

Infants (under 2 years of age) must be in our passenger count. So, when you are making a reservation online, on the phone, or at our box office, please indicate if you have an infant accompanying you and how many.

Should you have any questions please call or email us.

954-462-5596 | [email protected]

Photo Gallery

Cruises rain or shine, jungle queen.

The Jungle Queen Riverboat has been enjoyed by many since 1935.

In addition to the famous Island Dinner & Show Cruise, the Riverboat offers a 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise.

Quick Links

• Our Cruises
• Customer Service
• Covid-19 Precautions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 954-462-5596
• [email protected]
• 10am-5pm (Mon) 10am-6:30pm (Tues - Sun) Subject to change during peak & holiday season.

Embarkation & Box Office

Bahia Mar Yachting Center 801 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33316

Parking available on site

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