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St Johns Rivership Co.

• Location: 433 N. Palmetto Ave. Sanford, Florida 32771
• Phone: (321) 441-3030
• Website: http://www.stjohnsrivershipco.com/

Things to do at St Johns Rivership Co.

Here's a totally different way to experience Florida,  its wildlife, its beauty, and its warmth. All while enjoying the very best in chef-prepared cuisine, live entertainment and endless hospitality in climate-controlled comfort. Family-owned and operated, the St. Johns Rivership Co. is the latest in a long line of sternwheelers that have been serving and sailing the St. Johns River for centuries. 

Did You Know?

Interesting & useful facts

Measuring 105 feet from stem to stern, the ship was built in 1986.

All enclosed decks are climate controlled by air conditioning and heating.

All narrated cruises include your choice of chef-prepared entrée, live entertainment, and endless hospitality.

Photos of St Johns Rivership Co.

News About St Johns Rivership Co.

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All Aboard St Johns Rivership

Glancing out across Lake Monroe from the marina in historic Sanford you might be fooled into thinking you'd gone back in time 100 years. Making its way…

The Barbara-Lee

Welcome to the Rivership Barbara-Lee. The only authentic sternwheeler sailing the St. Johns River. Measuring 105 feet from stem to stern, the ship was built in 1986 and was extensively refurbished prior to its inaugural St. Johns cruise in 2012. Featuring ornate wrought iron railings and massive wooden paddle wheels, the five-story rivership accommodates up to 194 guests, making it ideally suited to host events of varying sizes. Plus, all enclosed decks are climate controlled by air conditioning and heating.

Grand Salon Deck

Seats 94 and features an elevated Main Stage, dance floor and well-stocked bar

Mezzanine Deck

Seats 40 and offers views of the paddlewheel and Main Stage

Lookout Deck

Seats 60 and features its own dance floor with a “lookout” through to the Main Stage.

Paddlewheel Deck

A covered open-air deck overlooking the wheels allows you to stay out of the sun while enjoying unobstructed views of the river and its wildlife.

Captain’s Deck

The topmost, open-air deck featuring benches and the captain’s steering cabin

Sip perfectly Poured Cocktails As You Stroll The Decks.

The Barbara-Lee features a well-stocked bar and a professional bartender ready to serve a glass of wine, beer or one of our Signature Cocktails. BEVERAGE MENU

Cruises & Fares

The Barbara-Lee departs from Historic Downtown Sanford almost daily. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO CRUISE.

All narrated cruises include your choice of chef-prepared entrée, live entertainment, and endless hospitality, as well as a well-stocked bar. Lunch cruises depart the dock in downtown Sanford Wednesday through Sunday with dinner cruises available on Saturday nights.

River Visit Luncheon Cruise – Wednesday 11am to 2pm River Escape Lunch Cruise – Thursday 11am to 3pm Saturday Luncheon Cruise – Saturday 11am to 2pm Dinner Dance Cruise  – Saturday Evenings 7:30pm to 10:30pm Sunday Luncheon Cruise – Sunday 11am to 2pm

*PLEASE NOTE BOARDING BEGINS 30 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE

THE BARBARA-LEE MENU

Once you’ve been seated, you’re able to select your entrée from The Barbara-Lee Menu. Should you have questions, helpful staff are on hand to answer them. Upon selection of your meal, you simply give your menu slip to your server. Then, just sit back and relax or take a stroll about the ship.

Entrées are chef-prepared to your liking and served with side salad, freshly baked rolls, chef’s choice vegetables and dessert.

USDA choice cut prime rib prepared to your specifications. Served alongside buttery mashed potatoes.

Tropical Chicken

Slow-roasted chicken breast with Parmesan and a savory mango-pineapple chutney atop rice.

Chicken Marsala

Chicken breast prepared in a Marsala sauce reduction with mushrooms and Parmesan and served alongside buttery mashed potatoes.

Chicken Parmesan

Grilled chicken breast with Parmesan cheese and marinara sauce alongside pasta and a side of chef’s choice vegetables.

Salmon Fillet

Thick-cut salmon prepared with your choice of Lemon Butter Sauce or Teriyaki Glaze atop rice.

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

Layers of slow-roasted vegetables, pasta, marinara sauce and three kinds of cheese. Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in our signature Caesar dressing, with homemade croutons and Parmesan topped with your choice of grilled Chicken Breast or Salmon Fillet.

St Johns Rivership Shuttle

COURTESY SHUTTLE

For your comfort and convenience, a Courtesy Shuttle is available for groups of 8 to 14 guests. Shuttle availability varies. Prior booking required. Must have same pickup and drop-off location. Maximum 40-mile distance.

Start Exploring

Welcome to Our Eco Tours

St. John's River Eco Tours operate the most eco-friendly sightseeing boat cruise on the St. Johns River.  We operate from the  Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort in Debary, Florida.  We offer several boat tours daily, exploring the river, observing the wildlife, and experiencing a section of the St. Johns that is little changed from the days when early explorers visited these enchanting waters.  

Conveniently located approximately 40 minutes from Daytona and Orlando, our boat tours are a refreshing change from the usual tourist paths.  So whether you're a birdwatcher, a fan of alligators or manatees, a nature photographer, or are just looking for something a little different, our St. Johns riverboat tours may be just what you are looking for.  

Our small boat is a 20-foot pontoon boat with a Bimini cover and a head. It is more intimate and affords the photographer to be able to go into places other boats can't get in to. Get up close and personal with nature with one of our USCG licensed captain today.

• Secure Booking

• Public Cruises
• Annual Pass
• Private Charters
• Field Trips
• Wedding Planner
• Dockside Tour
• Menu Options
• Beverage Options
• Flower Plans
• Photography
• Videography
• Other Services
• Testimonials

talk to our event plannERS  +1.3213054753

LIMITED AVAILABILITY ...Don’t miss the boat! To book a PRIVATE CHARTER call (321) 302-0544 to speak directly to Penny,  the Queen’s Event & Wedding Planner.  PLEASE NOTE OUR REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY:  24 hours notice is required for all cancellations in order to receive a full refund.  

PUBLIC CRUISES

MAGICAL CRUISES - PERFECT FOR ALL ~ public cruises ~ dinner boat cruises ~ daily riverboat day cruises

DINNER SHOW CRUISE

The Indian River Queen cruises on Florida's gentle intracoastal waterway, which is also part of the Indian River Lagoon, one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems and estuaries. Meet new friends with our cruise ship style dining in the Queen's room or find a private table on the outside decks. This is a wonderful opportunity for small celebrations and gatherings. The Queen's party and event planners will be happy to reserve seating for groups or parties of 6 or more. These public cruises are only available once a month due to the Queen's busy private charter service -  available for corporate events, weddings and reunions. These special public dinner boat cruises are limited to 85 passengers. Advance reservations are required.

BOARDING   6:30pm UNDERWAY  7:00pm CONCLUDES 9:30pm

ADULT: $60 pp+ CHILD:  $40 pp+ (3-12 yrs)

THIS 2 HOUR CRUISE INCLUDES: Souvenir Boarding Photo Full Service Cash Bar Live Music & Entertainment

DINNER MENU Chips & Homemade Salsa Fresh Fruit Platter House Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Cucumbers Seasonal Vegetables ~ Fish of the Day with Fresh Fruit Salsa Braised Ribs with Peppers & Onions

in a Burgundy Wine Sauce ~ Roasted Red Potatoes Garlic Rolls & Herb Butter ~

Delightful Chocolate Cake &

The Tulip’s Famous Bread Pudding Coffee, Tea & Water

(321) 454-7414

HOP ABOARD & ENJOY

Magical cruises along the beautiful indian river., perfect for all...married or single...  young or old...night owl or early bird, sunday scenic music cruise.

Gather with your friends and family on a relaxing scenic cruise aboard the Indian River Queen. Passengers will enjoy Live Music, beautiful scenery and wonderful views as they cruise majestically along the Indian River Lagoon. A great excursion for all ages!

The Indian River Lagoon is one of the world's most diverse Eco-systems and home to herds of manatees, playful bottle-nosed dolphin as well as a variety of coastal birds. Our knowledgeable crew will be delighted to answer any of your questions.

BOARDING   2:00pm UNDERWAY  2:30pm CONCLUDES 4:30pm ADULT: $30 pp+ CHILD:  $25 pp+ (3-12 yrs)

THIS 2 HOUR CRUISE INCLUDES: Live Music

Full Service Cash Bar*

Snacks & Riverboat Hot Dogs available for purchase

*PLEASE NOTE: Due to our liquor license, passengers are NOT permitted to bring alcohol on board or off the vessel.

PRIVATE PARTIES

This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate birthday parties, anniversaries, small weddings and other special occasions. Book a private party in the Queen’s Room during this public event. The Queen’s Room is an enclosed air-conditioned dining room with large windows to enjoy the views, a full service bar, catering, restrooms and room to dance. Catered food service and entertainment can be provided for your private party. This is the perfect opportunity for groups of 20-100 guests to party on the Queen without having to charter the entire boat. The Queen’s Room will be restricted to passengers in the private party during public scenic cruises.

Copyright © Indian River Queen. All rights reserved

 +1.3213054753

Orlando North - Seminole County

Take a Charming Trip on an Authentic Paddlewheel Ship with St. Johns River Cruises

Home / Local Blog / Take a Charming Trip on an Authentic Paddlewheel Ship with St. Johns River Cruises

Big wheel keep on turnin’

Barbara-Lee keep on burnin’

Rollin’ rollin’, rollin’ on the river

Go ahead and sing along if you like. It’ll get you in the mood for a truly wonderful cruise on the  Rivership Barbara-Lee , an authentic, 105-foot “sternwheeler” paddleboat that operates out of downtown Sanford. The ship is not steam-powered — so there won’t be a whole lot of burnin’ going on — but it does have big, red paddle wheels that propel it northward through Lake Monroe, up the St. Johns River, then south back to Sanford, a round trip of about 25 miles. In all, it’s a relaxing excursion that one TripAdvisor reviewer called “by far one of the most wonderful evenings and afternoons you can spend in Florida.”

(The St. Johns River cruises boast five stars — green dots, actually — from TripAdvisor, with a whopping 460 reviews.)

Ready to eat and drink? The Barbara-Lee offers lunch and dinner cruises, most of which take three hours. All food is prepared by an experienced chef on board and provided with superb service. You can choose from  five entrees  — prime rib; chicken parmesan, marsala or tropical; salmon filet; roasted vegetable lasagna; and an entree Caesar salad topped with chicken breast or salmon filet. Meals come with sides, and guests can enjoy an array of appetizers. And don’t worry, you won’t miss out on dessert. Soft drinks are free, and the beer, wine, and craft cocktails are nicely priced. (If you really want to get into the spirit, try the bourbon-based Paddle Wheel.) This rivership experience gets very high marks.

The cruise embarks from the Monroe Harbour Marina on the north edge of Historic Downtown Sanford. There is plentiful parking at the facility. Your journey takes you through some developed areas where you can check out nice riverside homes, but a good portion of it runs through the wilderness, with moss-draped mangrove forest on both sides. Much of the jaunt is narrated, covering wildlife, points of interest, and the history of the 310-mile St. John’s River — the longest in Florida and also one of the few in North America that run northward! Keep your eyes peeled for alligators or manatees.

The five-level Barbara-Lee is big, but not too big. You can lean on wrought-iron railings and enjoy the sun, sights and breezes, or have a seat in covered areas. You can meander to the rear of the boat and watch the paddlewheels churn the water. The enclosed dining areas are climate-controlled and feature lots of windows. During dinner cruises, you’ll want to head up to the uncovered top deck to snap photos of colorful sunsets. The cruises feature live music — a lot of old rock ’n’ roll and early soul.

Like all hospitality and tourism businesses in Orlando North, Seminole County, the St. Johns Rivership Co. has put state-mandated health and safety protocols into practice. The Barbara-Lee can accommodate up to 194 guests but has been capping attendance to just 75. Tables are at least six feet from each other, and servers wear masks. You’ll be asked to remain six feet apart and wear a face-covering while boarding and disembarking, and where there are clusters of people. You can remove masks on outside decks and at your dining table.

Another TripAdvisor reviewer wrote in July, echoing a sentiment that all of us are probably feeling about now: “We were looking for something safe and fun to do during COVID-19. We decided to do a couples lunch on the river. This was a safe (mask and social distance in place) and fun activity. I would definitely recommend it.”

Lately, the St. Johns Rivership schedule has varied, so check  here  for available cruises. As always, reservations are required.

A safe, fun, leisurely and delicious sojourn aboard a charming watercraft along a picturesque river. What more can you ask for?

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Rivership Romance

Type: Day Trips , Food & Wine , Romantic , Tours and Excursions

Last updated on June 29, 2015

10Best Says

433 N Palmetto Ave Sanford, FL 32771

407-321-5091

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Florida on a Tankful: Taking a Riverboat Cruise on the St. Johns River

SANFORD, Fla. — The historic St. Johns River is an iconic spot in Sanford where you can take in the views from many different vantage points, but on the water is where you'll find the most relaxing adventure. 

What You Need To Know

Explore st. johns river while learning its history the riverboat cruise also offers meals learn more about the st. johns rivership co..

You can cruise the river in style aboard the St. Johns Rivership Co.’s classic riverboat. 

“We hope this means as much to Sanford as us. At one point there were about 150 paddlewheel boats that ran the St. Johns back in the 1800s, so it's just the perfect boat for the river and the history of the area," said co-owner Bill Maloney. 

This historic paddlewheel boat has been in Maloney's family. Since the ‘80s, his parents started up the business and he and his siblings carry on the dream. 

Aboard these three-hour cruises, you'll see all the sights while enjoying plenty of entertainment from live music to guided narration and history on the river to a delicious three-course meal... 

It's a perfect way to get better acquainted with the beauty of Sanford all while spending the afternoon on a little slice of history

Reservations are required for all tours. The company offers lunch and sunset dinner cruises.

LATEST NEWS

• 321.441.3030
• [email protected]
• 433 N. Palmetto Ave. Sanford, Florida 32771

St. Johns Rivership Co.

• Join us for an 18 passenger boat tour on the pristine Winter Park chain of Lakes
• Tours Leave Every Hour from 10am-4pm
• Last Tour Leaves At 4:00 p.m.

We are asking people to wear masks.

All tours are first come first serve. You may call ahead to book a large group 407-644-4056 .

Hours of Operation

Monday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Closed Christmas Day

Cash or Checks Only

Please reserve by phone for groups for 10 or more

Adults - $14.00 Taxes Incl. Children (2-11) - $7.00 Taxes Incl. Under 2 Years Old Ride Free!

Group Rates Available Please contact us for details

312 East Morse Blvd. Winter Park, FL 32789

Please call Ahead for Wheelchair Reservations.

Best Cruise in St. Cloud, FL

Public cruises.

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