• Central Florida riverboat cruisesboat image by apeschi from Fotolia.com
  
  Central Florida riverboat cruises allow area residents and visitors to explore the Sunshine State in hourly time blocks. Cruise guests get to observe water life such as dolphins and largemouth bass in their natural habitat. Live music entertains boat riders as they sail down the river. Boat captains and tour guides can answer questions about the area and educate guests on lesser-known facts about Central Florida.
  
  

River Romance Cruise

• River Romance has been touring Central Florida's St. John's River since 1984. Each year, approximately 50,000 people take the cruise. While aboard the riverboat, dance to music played by a live DJ. Sample menu items include baked tilapia with cucumber salsa, roasted pork tenderloin, roasted chicken breast and fresh vegetables. All meals come with a salad, roll and dessert. Before or after the meal, explore the river from the boat's outdoor or indoor deck. Three- and four-hour brunch and lunch public cruises are available. Private dinner cruises can be held for special events. Passengers must be at least 14 years old to travel on the evening cruises. Reservations are required for all cruises. Private business and social functions should be reserved in advance. Arrangements can be made for couples to get married aboard a boat during a private cruise.
  
  River Romance Cruise
  433 North Palmetto Ave.
  Sanford, Florida 32771
  800-423-7401
  rivershipromance.com
  
  

St. John's River Cruises

• St. John's River Cruises move slowly down Central Florida's St. John's River. A staff member narrates the two-hour tours. While aboard the boat, passengers can observe the wildlife and birds in their natural habitats. Look through the observation window at the bottom of the boat and watch aquatic animals swim in the river. The boat sails down the river past Blue Spring State Park and Lake Monroe. It operates from May 1 through June 30. Reservations can be made for private groups of 15 to 50 people. The boat is wheelchair accessible. Barbecues and boxed lunches are available for special events.
  
  St. John's River Cruises
  2100 West French Ave.
  Orange City, Florida 32763
  407-330-1612
  sjrivercruises.com
  
  

Cape Canaveral Cruises

• Cape Canaveral Cruises are two-hour tours that take place aboard the Blue Dolphin, a 44-foot pontoon riverboat that is certified by the United States Coast Guard. The boat holds up to 48 people. Covered and uncovered seating is available. The tour sails past the Barge Canal, Port Canaveral, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Vehicle Assembly Building, NASA shuttle launch pads and Banana River. Watch the dolphin, manatee, alligator, eagles, blue heron and brown pelicans as they move above in their natural habitat. Private tours can be reserved for birthdays, weddings and other special events.
  
  Cape Canaveral Cruises
  2550 Sykes Creek Dr.
  Merritt Island, Florida 32953
  321-652-1052
  spacecoastwatertours.com