The St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida, flowing 310 miles north from Indian River County near Lake Okeechobee north to its mouth near Jacksonville. The St. Johns River is such a large part of Florida's ecological and recreational resources that its water management district covers 21% of Florida's landmass. The river is fed primarily by rainfall that results in an average flow of approximately one-third of a mile per hour, making it a "lazy river." St Johns River is home to some of Florida's most unique wildlife, including river otters and manatees. Take a river cruise to see the surroundings up close.
Rivership Romance has been providing dinner and nature cruises on the St Johns River for more than 25 years. The operation runs out of the Monroe Harbour Marina in downtown Sanford, which lies halfway between Orlando and Daytona Beach along Interstate 4. Lunch cruises are available seven days a week with dinner cruises offered exclusively on Saturday nights. Specialty cruises and private charters are also available. Nearly every cruise brings guests close to countless birds, turtles, snakes, alligators, deer and manatees.
Rivership Romance
433 North Palmetto Ave.
Sanford, FL 32771
800-423-7401
www.rivershipromance.com/
With a special-made vessel, the Native II, customized to maximize access and visibility of the shallow backwaters along the river, St. Johns River Cruise is possibly the most popular nature cruise operator in the area. It offers daily nature cruises several times a day, seven days a week. It also reserves charters upon request. A Florida wildlife tour guide leads every tour, positioning guests for the best photographs and intimate wildlife encounters on the St Johns River.
St. Johns River Cruises
Blue Spring State Park
2100 West French Ave
Orange City, Florida 32763
407-330-1612
www.sjrivercruises.com/
Jacksonville's Party Boats operates two vessels, the Lady St. Johns and the Annabelle Lee. Lady accommodates 250 guests and has two full bars and two dance floors. Primarily used for special events like weddings and corporate events, the Annabelle Lee has been cruising the St. Johns River since 1984. It accommodates 150 passengers and is available for special event charters just like its larger cousin, Lady St Johns. In addition to private charters, Jacksonville's Party Boats offers monthly public party cruises with dinner and dancing.
Jacksonville's Party Boats
1840 Perry Place
Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-306-2200
www.jaxrivercruises.com
