saint john river boat tours

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

St. Johns Rivership Co.

See the real florida.

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Weekly Schedule

Three and four-hour sternwheeler cruises

River Visit Luncheon Cruise : Wednesday, 11am ‐ 2 pm

River Escape Luncheon Cruise : Thursday, 11am ‐ 3pm

“Rockin’ on the River” : Friday: 6:30pm ‐ 9:30 pm

River Visit Luncheon Cruise : Saturday, 11am ‐ 2pm

Dinner Dance Cruise : Saturday, 7:30pm ‐ 10:30pm

River Visit Luncheon Cruise : Sunday, 12pm ‐ 3pm

Upcoming Special Events

More than a cruise.

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.

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Scenic boat tour into the st. johns river.

By Lauren Tjaden The brochure describes it as a tour into pristine areas to see and experience the wildlife and history of the St. Johns River in one of the amazing scenic boat tours through the river.

True enough, but to us it was a two-hour, 20-mile round trip escape into beauty and serenity on St. Johns River , one of the longest rivers in the world that flows north. Our boat was the Osprey, a 21-foot skiff, hosted by affable, knowledgeable Captain Ernie. We headed downriver toward Jacksonville where St. Johns empties into the Atlantic.

One of the prettiest and most tranquil stretches came when we swung off the main river into the several-mile-long waterway of Blue Creek, with the Ocala National Forest on one side and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge on the other.

No development marked the land, which gave us nostalgic insights as how it looked 100 years ago. It was overflowing with birds, wild life and tropical flowers. We even tracked a manatee.

While in the boat tour in St. Johns River , we cruised just into the edge of Lake George -- Florida's second largest lake, at 14 miles across -- before turning for home into St. Johns' main channel.

The channel swirled with boats, including a have-to-see-it-to-believe-it pontoon rig. Someone had mounted a bright red MG automobile on it, with all the controls transferred into the car's cockpit. 

When we arrived back at the docks, we were smiling and relaxed. And we’re already planning our next trip. Next time we'll go the other way, upriver to Lake Dexter and Hontoon Island.

Boats depart from the Blackwater Inn (55716 Front Street) in Astor. Other tours are available. For more information call 866-349-0674 or visit St. John’s River Tours .

For this and other tips on Florida tours , go to VISIT FLORIDA's official tours and attractions guide.

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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.

BACK ON THE RIVER!

Well, it seems as though the river gods are finally going in our favor.  The river is going down from chest deep water to ankle deep to board the boat.  We have a forecast of rain for the week and will probably pick up 5 inches, but we will also be losing water especially on Tuesday when we will have a red moon or total lunar eclipse.  

Who knows what we will have, but it's looking good.  I will keep you informed as to what happens. 

Get ready to be able to see the river in a new way. Record high water and I don't know what that will be even after 14 years on this section of the river. I do know one thing. For sure, within a week we will be back on the river in a safe way, seeing things, and I will be narrating. I look forward to seeing you.

-Doug Little

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Saint John Marina Boat Tour

The Saint John Marina offers narrated sightseeing cruises on the Saint John and Kennebecasis rivers aboard a Mississippi-style river boat.  Highlights of this three-hour tour will include:

• Lighthouses
• Covered bridge
• Local history and folklore
• Wildlife sightings
• Maritime hospitality

The river boat is climate controlled and features two enclosed levels with lots of seating and a fully licensed bar. There are washrooms onboard and the lower level is barrier free. 

In addition to their regularly scheduled public cruises available June through November, keep an eye on their schedule for specialty dinner cruises, tasting tours, fall foliage cruises and more.   Private charters are also available. 

Before or after your cruise enjoy a meal or some drinks in the beautiful Saint John Marina Restaurant.  Enjoy the view of the Saint John River from either the 105 seat restaurant or the beautiful patio.

45.2793925, -66.1543929

Contact info, you may also like, reversing falls rapids jet boat tours with see sight jetboats, zip through the trees at timbertop snider mountain ranch zip tours, spooner island nature park, wander the saint john public gardens.

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• 506 471 8680
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A scenic cruise on the majestic Saint John River is a relaxing way to see the city and enjoy your time!

Call today to book, (506) 471-8680, fully stocked, licensed bar, silvers limo, wolastoq boat tours & private charters, come enjoy a scenic tour of fredericton`s saint john river, private charter, public boat tours, testimonials.

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Guided Boat Trips/Eco Tours

St. johns river tours.

Depart from Big River Marina & Lodge in historic Astor for a cruise along some of the tributaries of the St. Johns River. Keep an eye out for native plants and wildlife and ask your captain about the area's rich history.

Learn about the history, flora and fauna of the St. Johns River in Astor, FL. Depart from Big River Marina & Lodge in historic Astor for a cruise along some of the tributaries of the St. Johns River. Keep an eye out for native plants and wildlife and ask your captain about the area's rich history. On your St. Johns River eco tour you may encounter alligators, bald eagles, manatees, air plants, ferns, large cypress trees and much more.

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St. Johns River Boat Tours and Cruises (My Top 6 Picks)

Travel author

Hi there! My name is Joe, and I am a travel writer and blogger with a passion for discovering new places and sharing my experiences with others. From city breaks to epic road trips, I am always on the lookout for my next adventure

Cruising the St. Johns River is one of the most relaxing and interesting things to do in Florida.

I have had the privilege of meandering along the gentle currents of the St. Johns River, and I can attest that few activities rival its charm.

As such, in this article, I will highlight the top 6 St. Johns River Boat Tours and Cruises that you should consider.

Table of Contents

#6. St. Johns River Eco Tours

View this post on Instagram A post shared by St Johns River Eco Tours (@stjohnsriverecotour)

Enjoy a boat tour along St. John’s River aboard the most eco-friendly boat on the river.

Operating from the Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort, the tour enables tourists to see alligators, manatees, and birds and take nature pictures. 

stjohnsriverecotours.com

#5. St. Johns River Cruises

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SpringHunters (@springhunters)

This company operates from Blue Spring State Park and provides one-and-a-half-hour tours on St Johns River.

The rides are eco-friendly, and you also get to see wildlife like manatees and alligators.

There are two sizes of pontoon boats: the 60-passenger and 47-passenger, depending on the size of the group or whichever is available at the time.

bluespringadventures.com

#4. Blue Heron River Tours

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gary S. Randlett (@blueheronrivertours)

With a capacity of 49 passengers, Blue Heron River Tours operates daily between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The knowledgeable captain indulges the tourists and tells them all about old settlements in the area.

You will also see different vegetation and wildlife, like birds, alligators, and manatees.

blueheronrivertours.com

#3. St. Johns River Airboat Tour, LLC

View this post on Instagram A post shared by A St Johns River Airboat Tour (@astjohnsriverairboattourllc)

This family-owned airboat is open daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and has several shifts throughout the day.

If you can book a sunset cruise, that would be best as the views are pristine.

The captain will take you to spots where you can see alligators and birds such as herons, ibis, eagles, turkeys, and vultures.

stjohnsairboatour.com

Take a boat trip on the Saint John’s River, see local wildlife from an airship, and learn about nearby wetlands with this GetYourGuide tour.

#2. Rivership Barbara-Lee

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Irwin Lopez (@wanderingshow)

Take a three-hour cruise on a Rivership Barbara Lee paddle boat along St. Johns River.

This tour company provides a feel of party beaches in Florida with its live entertainment, scenic views, and relaxing atmosphere.

It also offers its famous sticky buns for lunch and a selection of cuisines for dinner.

stjohnsrivershipco.com

#1. Astor Bridge Marina & Boat Tours

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ken Bryant (@ken_bryant117a)

The marina offers different boat tours on St. Johns River: scenic tours, sunset cruises, and wildlife-watching trips.

The tours are one or two hours long, depending on the type of cruise. It is advisable to book early to confirm availability.

astorbridgemotelandmarina.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about the st. johns river.

The St. Johns River has one of the lowest drops in elevation, giving it a rank among the ‘laziest’ rivers in the world.

As such, its headwaters are only 27 inches higher than its ending. It drops only an inch per mile through its 310 miles.

Can you boat on St. Johns River?

Yes, you can boat the entire length of St. Johns River. Other activities that visitors can take part in in the river include kayaking and swimming, especially during summer.

Where does St. Johns River begin and end?

The St. John River starts inland at the Veron Beach Area of Indian River County. It converges north of Jacksonville at the Atlantic Ocean.

How far can you boat on the St. Johns River?

The river stretches over a distance of 310 miles, making it the longest in Florida. You can boat for whichever distance you want within this stretch or the whole length of the river if the conditions allow.

• 7 Best Cruise Luggage for Maximum Value

Final Words

Ensure you make the most out of the cruising along St. Johns River.

Take pictures to take home as mementos, and most of all, prioritize your safety. The tour companies may provide you with the utmost safety while onboard their boats, but you can never be too safe while on water.

For that reason, it is advisable to consider appropriate travel insurance options before embarking on your adventures.

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As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

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Explore Blue Spring State Park by taking one of our tours!

St. John's River Kayak Tour

Segway guided tour.

St. Johns Nature River Cruise

We offer up close and personal Nature Tours on St Johns River. If you are looking for something fun to do with your family, Blue Springs is the place.

Private Boat Charter

Enjoy a narrated 2 hour boat charter for up to 50 guests that can be customized to fit your needs!

We offer kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for self-guided hourly rentals or take a guided segway tour.

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Deep Water Happy

St. johns river // bartram frolic // riverboat tour in palatka, florida.

• On October 31, 2019
• By Kimberly

Every September, the Putnam County Bartram Trail in Putnam County, Florida hosts their annual Bartram Frolic commemorating William Bartram’s travels on the St. Johns River in 1774.

This year’s frolic was the 245th anniversary of William Bartram’s travels through Palatka. I serve as the riverboat captain, commanding a 45 foot pontoon boat powered with twin 200 hp Yamaha outboard‘s on jack plates. This boat is a dream to operate, and the guided riverboat tours are a favorite part of the historic weekend.

St. Johns River Tours

The river boat tours include running commentary as we cruise the St. Johns River. Local historian and Bartram Frolic organizer Sam Carr provides information and readings about how the Bartram Trail waterway system was established.

Locations along to Saint johns river where William Bartram explored and wrote about in his book “travels “are marked with historic preservation placard’s, describing Bartram’s activities there.

Riverkeeper Presentation

The St. Johns River keeper, Lisa Rinaman, provided the downstream commentary about flow rates, algae bloom, the effect of tapping the river for freshwater for increasing populations south of us, and what we can do to help preserve the river.

On the return trip, Sam Carr covered the upstream trip, noting sites of historical interest, naming riverside communities, and pointing out wildlife and other items of interest. We even got to wave at his wife as she watched us from their dock on the river.

The St. Johns River Flows North

This year, we conducted an afternoon tour that took us upstream on the St. Johns River, south, to Dunn’s Creek and back. Along the way, we passed several islands, stands of cypress trees, waterway markers with osprey nests on them, and waterfront settlements.

My favorite spot is above, the site of Rollestown, a 20,000 acre community. Rollestown is where Englishman Denys Rolle brought 200 indentured servants from the streets of London in 1767. His settlement was agricultural, with plans to raise cattle, citrus, and turpentine as the main products. The people were not farmers, the crops did not prosper, and they scattered.

Next, slaves were brought in to continue the efforts. However, in 1783 the colony was abandoned when Britain ceded Florida to Spain. Denys Rolle is known as a philanthropist because his hope was to provide an agricultural community for the poor – a land of “Peace and Plenty.”

The British withdrew in 1783, and Rolle moved everyone in the trading ship “Peace and Plenty” to the Exumas in the Bahamas. There he established Rolletown and Rolleville. Those people, over the next couple hundred years, spread all over the Bahamas, and the “Rolle” surname is very familiar throughout the islands.

Historic Marker at Rollestown

Evening Wine Cruise

For the evening wine cruise, we followed the same route. Sam Carr, plus the William Bartram and Long Warrior Indian characters read from Bartram‘s travels.

The two characters spent their day in tents on the bank of the St. Johns River entertaining and educating visitors about their character and their part in Bartram’s travels. They spent the week acting out scenes from Bartram’s visits for 300 second graders.

On the evening wine tour, they came with us to participate in the journey along part of the Bartram National Recreation Trail and provide historic readings.

Sunset Wine Tour

Many of the returning passengers chose to elevate the experience, and brought a variety of appetizers to share with their table mates, personalizing the experience and adding to the fun.

The pride of Palatka has several rows of bench seating, as well as areas of picnic table style seating. It was rewarding to greet returning passengers and see them putting their personal touch on the evening tour. Local restauranteur Hoyt Muir served as sommelier, keeping the wine flowing.

Evening Tour Route

We passed by Corky Bell’s restaurant, a seafood restaurant on a high Bank of the St. Johns River. I always like to toot the horn a couple times when we pass by there to let the diners know that we are operating on the river! They have a very long dock, and plenty of boat traffic comes and goes.

Very close to Corky Bell’s, in the location of the former Burger King, which used to have their own dock “back in the day” for water skiers and fishermen and anyone else on the river to stop by for a burger and fries. I sort imagine we had the only waterfront Burger King with dock access for boaters in the whole country!

Now, after over 10 years of vacancy, there is a Taco Bell and a Bojangles on this high river bank, prime riverfront real estate! I wonder if they will build a dock for patrons to come eat there?

Sunset on the St. Johns River

Returning to Palatka, our final approach brought us around Sunset Point. We knew that we would see spectacular views from there. As expected, we were treated to a spectacular sunset as we came around the point.

I don’t think there was a single person on the boat who could resist pulling out their cell phone and snapping a few shots.

As we rounded the corner and were treated to the view of the sunset over the St. Johns River, with Palatka situated on the bank of the St. Johns River, William Bartram read about seeing that exact view.

Modern Times on the River

I kept expecting to see one of those cypress dugout canoes Bartram described, with some Indians in it, silently paddling along the shore.

When I was a child, we used to dinghy over to Sunset Point to see the wreck of the Hiawatha. It was an old wooden paddle wheeler that had been abandoned there on shore. Old-timers tell stories about going to shore and looking for artifacts from the vessel. I remember my father taking black-and-white photos of it in the 1970s. It eventually broke apart, probably in the 80s or 90s. I don’t think there is any evidence at all left behind now.

Instead, I saw the modern day version: some people in a small boat casting shrimp nets, which made my heart soar.

Watching Shrimping on the River

All day long, we enjoyed watching people at the city dock cast nets, listening to the thump thump thump of the skirt lids hitting the metal dock.

Every year toward the end of August, sometimes throughout September, and this year well into October, we are seeing groups of 20 to 30 small boats around the Shands Bridge north of Palatka, and as many boats scattered around the bends of the river near Palatka. People who don’t have boats use the city docks for shrimping well into the night.

After we returned to the dock and unloaded our last passengers, we had one more view of these people shrimping at the next stop down, with their lights and friendly chatter as they fish for their own food from our bountiful Saint Johns River.

Don’t Forget: Toxic Sunscreen is banned in many vacation destinations; take care of our waterways!

Stream2Sea  is the only completely reef- and coral-larvae safe sunscreens and shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and sting relief, and they package it in sugar-cane resin containers, not single-use plastic containers! Don’t get sent to the sunscreen police! Use code “KimW” for 10% off your order.

What to Read Next:

Bartram Trail Cruise on the St. Johns River

Watch my vlog about the trip:  Bartram Trail St. Johns River Cruise

About Kimberly

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Tour Packages & Pricing

We offer a variety of airboat tour packages year-round to suit different preferences. A St Johns River Airboat Tour owns airboats that are perfect to fit six adults comfortably while providing an intimate experience. Whether you want a romantic moonlit night tour for you and your significant other or a fun-filled educational experience for the whole family !

Our airboats are flat-bottomed with no dangerous moving parts below the waterline making an airboat the safest and most eco-friendly way to experience the wetlands.

Day Time Tours: $65

Sunset time tours: $75, night time tours: $85, private tours: call for pricing.

Safest and Most Eco-Friendly

Our airboat rides start at $65  per person. We also offer private, sunset, and night tours.

A St Johns River Airboat Tour, LLC , provides airboats that comfortably fit up to six adults for a more personalized experience. As a flat-bottomed craft with no dangerous moving parts below the waterline, an airboat is the  safest and most eco-friendly way to experience the wetlands. Our family-run company is fully licensed & insured!

We offer a variety of airboat tour packages year-round to suit different preferences. We offer both sunny daytime tours, and mysterious moonlit evening rides. For extra romance or unique photo-ops, choose our special sunset tour and enjoy a pastel paradise as you glide along the golden, glowing St Johns River.

Daytime Airboat Tours $65 per person

Enjoy the sunshine and see the St Johns River in all its glory. You will see a variety of wildlife and have many sunny photo ops!

Sunset Airboat Tours  $75 per person

Our popular sunset tours give you a chance to enjoy the benefits of a daytime tour as well as a taste of the nightlife on the river. Plus the sunsets are amazing!

Night Airboat Tours   $85 per person

If you’re looking for a mysterious and romantic activity our night airboat ride is perfect for you! We guarantee it will be a date you’ll never forget!

Private Airboat Tours – Call For Pricing

Nothing beats having the airboat and Captain Mike all to yourself! You can book a private and intimate airboat ride for you and your guests.

Whether you want a romantic moonlit night tour for you and your significant other or a fun-filled educational experience for the whole family ,

A St Johns River Airboat Tour, LLC, will deliver the best airboat ride in Florida !

Text 321-615-8999 or Book the airboat tour of your choice with us online today

Experience an Airboat Tour in Central Florida

If you plan to visit Central Florida, don’t miss your chance to travel the swamps, marshes, and waterways of the St Johns River on an airboat ride with A St. Johns River Airboat Tour, LLC .

Our Airboat Tours Guarantee a Memorable & Unique Experience

You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a front-row seat on the St. Johns River when you travel by airboat.

You’ll comfortably skim up and down the river with Captain Mike as your knowledgeable guide . As a native of the area, he has a deep familiarity with the most intriguing details about life alongside St. Johns River and is happy to give guests the royal treatment when it comes to details and stories while exploring St Johns Rivers’ beautiful and fascinating ecosystem.

View our blog for videos of the beautiful river and wildlife, including lots of alligators !

St. Johns River is the longest river in the state of Florida

Also the most historically and ecologically significant. Aside from the beautiful vistas and lush wetland landscape, the river also provides visitors with a host of wildlife to glimpse as they glide along. You have the chance to spot bobcats, bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, turtles, herons, pelicans, and, of course, the famous Florida gator.

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Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. museum and exhibition center.

4. Park of Culture and Leisure

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

• Statue of Lenin
• Electrostal History and Art Museum
• Park of Culture and Leisure
• Museum and Exhibition Center
• Museum of Labor Glory

Elektrostal Attractions Information