Explore Stuart, Florida, dubbed the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” on a cruise down the St. Lucie River as it snakes its way along the old-fashioned downtown region and through a tropical landscape dotted with tiny islands and dense wetlands.
Island Princess Cruises offers boat rides along the surrounding waterways, including the St. Lucie River, Intracoastal Waterway, Indian River and throughout the Jupiter Sound. The 82-feet-long boat accommodates up to 130 passengers and has two decks, including an open-air top level and an air-conditioned, enclosed lower level. The line has two-hour narrated nature cruises where you’ll see bird sanctuaries, the 928-acre St. Lucie Inlet State Park and such animals as blue herons, manatees and porpoises. They also have four-hour lunch cruises that float by luxurious celebrity homes and special dinner cruises on various holidays. You can also book the boat for private charters.
Enjoy a meal upon the water with a trip by Stuart Riverboat Cruises. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch buffets are included as part of the line’s three-hour cruise down the St. Lucie and Indian rivers. There’s also a full bar on board and each cruise has dancing with either a DJ or live band. Designed to look like an old-fashioned river paddleboat, the three-level vessel has an open-air top deck and an enclosed lower deck.
Learn about the ecosystem in the Indian River, home to 4,000 species of animals, birds, fish and plants, by enjoying a riverboat ride with Sunshine Wildlife Tours. Set off from the 40-foot-long Sunshine Lady or the 35-foot-long Sirenia pontoon boats and navigate your way through seagrass and mangroves. The two-hour narrated tour provides detailed information on regional wildlife and glimpses of bottle-nosed dolphins and manatees. The boat also explores Bird Island, a sanctuary that shelters 18 species of birds. You can privately charter the boat for a half or full day and add on kayaking excursions.
Set sail upon the Lily, a schooner that accommodates up to 35 passengers, as you travel down the St. Lucie River via Treasure Coast Sailing Adventures. The line has 90-minute to two-hour journeys available in the morning, afternoon and at sunset. As a passenger, you are invited to relax during the excursion or help hoist the sails. You are also allowed to bring food and beverages on board. The boat is available for private parties, including pirate-themed children’s events.
