Sail at sunset in Florida
Founded as a fishing town in the late 1800s, Cocoa, Florida lies fifty miles east of Orlando on the Indian River near the Cape Canaveral space shuttle launch. One of the most diverse ecosystems in North America, the waterway is home to nearly 1,000 small islands, an array of sea life and dozens of species of birds. Also called the Indian River Lagoon, visitors can explore the area on a number of private and public cruises.
Indian River Queen
Holding up to 261 passengers, the Indian River Queen offers a variety of public and private cruises of the Indian River. With three large decks, the classic paddlewheel boat features a large main room with air-conditioning, a dance floor, catering area, full bar, plenty of seating and room for a band. Weekly events include the Friday Night Dinner Cruise, featuring live music, a buffet with seasonally appropriate cuisine and a cash bar and the Sunday Jazz Cruise, with a Southern style barbecue and a live jazz band for $30 per person.A popular choice for parties and weddings, the entire ship can be rented for private charters, which are tailored to accommodate individual needs. While cruising on the river, watch for dolphins, manatees and other sea life that calls the area home.
Indian River Queen
Cocoa Village Marina
90 Delannoy Ave
Cocoa, Florida 32923
321-454-7414
indianriverqueen.com
Indian River Cruises
Next to the historic Cocoa Village and surrounded by pristine shopping and sight seeing, Indian River Cruises offers a variety of tours along the river. The forty-seven foot catamaran, features two staterooms with modern furnishings, a full galley, two heads, air conditioning and sleeps up to six passengers not including the crew.During the day, there is a picnic lunch sail, which includes lunch, or the afternoon sail, which does not. At sunset, choose from the simple, beverage only sunset cruise, a pizza and beer cruise, or the deluxe cruise, with Carrabba's Italian cuisine. For couples, Indian River Cruises offers a casual date night with pizza and wings, a romantic dinner for two, or splurge on a personal chef serving freshly caught seafood, pork chop and stuffed chicken breast.
Indian River Cruises
W54 Cocoa Village Marina
90 Delannoy Avenue
Cocoa, FL 32923
321-223-6825
indianrivercruises.com
Island Boat Lines
Explore the 1,000 islands of Cocoa, Florida and the Indian River Lagoon, on Island Boat Lines two hour eco-adventure, In Search of Wildlife. For $28 per person, as of 2010, the forty-three passenger boat takes guests on a guided tour through the maze of canals created by past storms. Considered one of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States, along the way see dolphins, Manatees, an array of coastal birds and native plants. Island Boat Lines also offers custom private charters of the area, starting at $450 for a two hour cruise.
Island Boat Lines
1357 S. Banana River Dr.
Merritt Island, FL 32922
321-454-7414
islandboatlines.com
Tags: Indian River, Indian River Cruises, River Cruises, Boat Lines, Cocoa Florida, Island Boat