Journey Through Time: The Jungle Queen Legacy

1914

1928

1935

1935 - 49

1939

1945-46

1947

1949

1954

1958

1959

1964-2014

1971

2014-Today

Fort Lauderdale Incorporated

In 1914, Fort Lauderdale officially became a city. This pivotal moment laid the foundation for the vibrant, bustling destination we know today. Explore the rich history that set the stage for our scenic Jungle Queen Cruise.

Fort Lauderdale Airport Starts Service

In 1928, Fort Lauderdale welcomed its first airport, opening new avenues for travel and adventure. This milestone paved the way for the city's growth and accessibility, enhancing the experience of every Jungle Queen Cruise guest.

Historic photo of captain and family in front of Jungle Queen

Captain Al Starts Launches JQ

Captain Al Starts moves to Fort Lauderdale in 1935, bringing with him a Jacksonville -built ship he called the Jungle Queen. It was a 60-foot craft that carried 50 passengers. At the same time, he purchased land on the New River and created an Indian Trading Post for his boat to visit. This Village still stands today on the South Fork of the New River west of I-95.

Jungle Queen Indian Trading Post New River Ft Lauderdale

Seminole Indian Trading Post

Captain Al started the village as a Seminole Indian Trading Post, where Seminoles sold handmade crafts and wrestled alligators for entertainment. One of South Florida’s most popular and longest-running pre-Disney attractions JQ promoted alligator wrestling, Indian arts and crafts, and provided significant support to the Seminole community.

Historic photo of owners family in front of Jungle Queen Box Office

JQ's First Location

The Jungle Queen operated from the west side of the Las Olas Bridge, at the corner of Las Olas Blvd and Poinciana (S.E. 26 Avenue), until Bahia Mar Yachting Center is built in 1949.

Historic photo of guests enjoying all you can eat BBQ dinner on Jungle Queen Island

JQ Adds Dinner and a Show

Barbeque Dinner and a Show on the island. As the pictures show, people enjoyed the dinner outside on picnic tables until a wooden pavilion is built, around the mid 40’s

Guests enjoying all you can eat BBQ on Jungle Queen Island

The Restaurant Pavilion is Built

Still here to this day!

JQ goes Double Decker

Jungle Queen 1 is converted to a double decker passenger vessel bringing capacity to 115.

Historic photo of Bahia Mar Marina andJungle Queen Box Office

JQ moves to Bahia Mar

Jungle Queen Moves to the just completed Bahia Mar Yachting Center, and becomes the first commercial tenant at the yachting center.

Historic photo of Jungle Queen II on New River

JQ2 is Built

Jungle Queen II is commissioned to be built for a capacity of 250 passengers. It was built on the New River in what is now downtown Ft. Lauderdale. It is pictured in backdrop on hoists and in water after completion.

Historic photo of Jungle Queen III on New River

JQ3 is Built

Jungle Queen III is commissioned to be built in Tampa, Florida with a capacity of 175 passengers.

Comedian Earl Faber Buys JQ

Ownership Changes: Comedian Earl Faber and his wife Catherine, a Ziegfeld Follies Girl from the famous Musical Broadway Revue of the 20’-30’s, and both of them Vaudeville headliners in New York City in the 20’s and 30’s, retires to Ft. Lauderdale in 1956 on their yacht “Laff A Lot”. While living on his boat at Bahia Mar Yacht Center, he becomes good friends with Captain Al Starts, founder of the Jungle Queen. During this time Earl Faber negotiates the purchases of the Jungle Queen in December 1958. Earl Faber’s passion for comedy and Vaudeville puts him back on stage at the Jungle Queen.

Miss America Visits JQ

Miss America (Mary Ann Mobley) visits the Jungle Queen after winning the 1959 crown.

Jerome C. Faber, Takes Over

Son, Jerome C. Faber, takes over operations and continues to run the family business for the next 50 years.

JQ4 is Built

Jungle Queen IV is commissioned for construction with a capacity of 532 passengers with Halter Marine in New Orleans.

Third Generation Takes the Helm

Join us on the Jungle Queen Cruise and become part of our storied history. Experience the magic, adventure, and tradition that have delighted guests for generations. Don’t just witness history—make it with us!

Be a Part of History

Jungle Queen Riverboat has been sailing the waterways of Fort Lauderdale since 1935, that is over 80 years of expertise! The experience really shines when it comes to treating guests, navigating the sometimes tight river ways, and providing an entertaining atmosphere. Besides all of the history, we also have one of the best looking tour boats on the water.

See Millionaire’s Row

The main section of the tour, near the New River, is home to some of the most amazing and expensive homes in Florida. These homes are reserved for the ultra rich; rightfully so, it should be called billionaire’s row. From television producer Michael Mann, who created the hit show Miami Vice, to the heir of Kohl’s department stores, some of the most wealthy individuals in the world have showcase homes here. Not to mention, yachts from Steven Spielberg and the like are also viewable.

You may not recognize the names of some of these rich and powerful people, such as Wayne Huizenga, who co-founded companies including Blockbuster, AutoNation, and Waste Management, but their massive multi-million dollar compounds are worthy of admiration and plenty of photos during your Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise.

Expert Guides

With decades of experience sailing up and down the Intercoastal Waterway, our expert guides will certainly make your trip informative and memorable. The guides are knowledgeable and quick as they give you details about the surrounding homes, boats, and other noteworthy landmarks, adding in a bit of humor along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either. Why risk taking a tour of this “Venice of America” that “might” have a knowledgeable guide onboard?

Sip and Sail

You are on vacation after all! Our fully equipped river boat comes stocked with an onboard bar. Along with seeing some amazing sights, you can sip on beer, wine, or even a mixed drink from the comfort of the boat. There is also bottled water, soda, and energy drinks available. All drinks are additional costs but are reasonably priced. Exploring the Ft. Lauderdale waterways is bound to make you thirsty. Luckily, you can quench that thirst in style when you take a Jungle Queen Riverboat cruise.

JQ History Reel

Play Video about Historic photo of Jungle Queen on New River Ft Lauderdale