Fort Lauderdale: Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise & Narration

Summary

Narrated cruise along new river homes yachts and city life

You’ll float past mega yachts and wild mansions on Fort Lauderdale’s New River with a local guide narrating real stories (and some jokes). See Millionaire’s Row up close from the open deck, relax with families and travelers from everywhere, and catch those small moments you can’t plan for—like pelicans flying by or sunlight flickering off the water.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s Shaq’s old place,” our guide said, pointing at a white mansion half-hidden by palms. I was still trying to get my bearings — the sun bouncing off the water, kids waving from the dock, that faint smell of sunscreen and engine oil. The Jungle Queen riverboat glided past these wild-looking mega yachts, all glass and chrome. I kept wondering who actually lives in those houses along Fort Lauderdale’s New River. Probably not anyone who does their own laundry.

We squeezed onto the top deck for better views — there was this breeze that felt so good after the sticky heat near Riverwalk. Our guide kept up this steady stream of stories about Millionaire’s Row (some of them were pretty funny — he called one place “the house that WiFi built”). At one point a pelican swooped right by us, close enough to see its weird prehistoric feet. I caught myself zoning out just watching the water ripple behind us. You know how sometimes you get hypnotized by little things?

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed on a 90-minute sightseeing cruise — maybe it was the slow pace or just listening to families chat in three different languages around me. The boat had all these little details: old wooden benches, a snack bar (card only), and staff who actually seemed to enjoy being there. There were people of every age on board, some with strollers or wheelchairs, everyone finding their own spot to watch Fort Lauderdale drift by. When we turned back toward the dock, I realized I’d barely checked my phone at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 90-minute narrated riverboat cruise

• Board Jungle Queen Riverboat
• Enjoy narrated sightseeing cruise
• View Millionaire's Row homes
• See spectacular Mega Yachts
• Explore Fort Lauderdale's New River
• Disembark at Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Top questions

How long is the Jungle Queen Riverboat cruise?

The narrated sightseeing cruise lasts 90 minutes.

Is the Jungle Queen cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, all Jungle Queen boats have onboard restroom facilities.

Do I need to arrive early for boarding?

Guests should arrive at the dock 45 minutes prior to departure.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there food or drink available during the cruise?

An onboard concession/bar is available; purchases are cashless (card only).

What will I see during the cruise?

You’ll see Millionaire's Row homes, mega yachts, and city sights along Fort Lauderdale's New River.

Does the tour include narration or a guide?

Yes, cruises are fully narrated by a local guide.

What’s included

Your ticket covers a fully narrated 90-minute sightseeing cruise down Fort Lauderdale’s historic New River aboard the Jungle Queen riverboat—wheelchair accessible throughout—with restrooms onboard and snacks or drinks available for purchase using card payments only before returning to your starting point at the dock.