Sightseeing and Dinner Cruises in Daytona Beach, FL
A cruise along the waterways of Daytona Beach, both the rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway or Atlantic Ocean, provides a terrific way to see the entire area and experience its beauty. And while boating of all sorts is a popular pastime in this part of the Sunshine State, combining a boat trip with lunch or dinner and perhaps even entertainment makes for a fun time for all.
There are a variety of different kinds of sightseeing and dinner cruises available to you in the Daytona area. Some are suitable for all members of the family while others are most appropriate for adults. Listed below are some of the options available.
· StarLite Princess Riverboat – Docked behind Caribbean Jack’s at 721 Ballough Rd. in Daytona Beach, the StarLite Princess Riverboat is one of the few authentic paddle wheelers remaining in the U.S. Victorian in style, this attractive red-and-white boat offers plush seating, large windows, chandeliers, and plenty of wood and brass accents. Dinner cruises on the StarLite Princess are offered daily at 7 pm and guests can enjoy an excellent meal while viewing the sights of the Atlantic coast in and around Daytona. The entire trip takes about 3 hours, with the boat returning at 10 pm. The menu includes a choice of several dinner entrees. This cruise is best suited for adults.
· Turtle Mound Boat Tours – Departing from nearby New Smyrna Beach, Turtle Mound Boat Tours conducts a scenic pontoon boat tour on the Indian River lagoons. Ideal for nature lovers, the company promises that it will put guests within close proximity of manatee, dolphins, and a variety of species of birds, depending on the time of year. Turtle Mound also offers the opportunity to fish from their pontoon boats and will include the gear and bait in your tour price. The company is also eager to customize your sightseeing tour and will include time to swim, cocktails and appetizers, a picnic lunch or dinner, or any number of other options as part of your cruise package.
· A Tiny Cruise Line – This little Daytona Beach company offers several different cruise options aboard their 1890s-style fantail launch, complete with red-and-white striped surrey top to protect passengers from the elements. The trips take place along the Halifax River and include the following choices: Midday Waterway – this two-hour cruise invites passengers to bring their lunch and search for dolphins and manatees along the way; Riverfront Estates – Captain Jim takes passengers past some of Daytona Beach’s finest houses and provides the history of these breathtaking homes; Rivertown Treasures – this one-hour narrated tour includes plenty of river lore and stories of Old Daytona; and Sunset/City Lights – this two-hour relaxing cruise departs at a time (varies according to time of year) when guests can enjoy the soft colors of sunset and the vibrant lights of Daytona. Snacks and soft drinks are included.
· Daytona Beach River Cruise Company – Located at the Halifax Harbor Marina, passengers will enjoy a 3-hour cruise aboard a 71-foot, 148-passenger boat along the Halifax River and a chance to view the diverse wildlife found there. Dock and dine cruises are available, which include a stop at a waterfront restaurant for dinner or lunch.
·
Safari River Tours – Departing from DeLand
and DeLeon Springs, Safari River Tours takes passengers on a narrated ride
down the St. Johns River. Visit an old logging canal, glide through the Lake
Woodruff Wildlife Refuge, view tons of species of birds, and hear amusing
stories of old Florida. Tours operate twice per day, year round, with a
choice of two different tours.
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