Glide along the northward-flowing St. Johns River aboard the sternwheeler Barbara-Lee for a three-hour lunch or dinner that pairs cooked-to-order entrées with live music and riverside scenery. Ideal for relaxed celebrations, the cruise departs from Lake Monroe in Sanford.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step aboard the sternwheeler Barbara-Lee and the city’s noise peels away—wooden pilings and tupelo trees slide past as the boat eases onto Lake Monroe and the broad St. Johns River. The current is patient and green; oyster beds and grassy marshes brush the hull while gulls and great herons call from the shoreline. Inside, linen-set tables and the low thrum of live music set a relaxed rhythm for the next three hours.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; primarily a seated, leisure activity with short walking required for boarding
Wildlife
History
Sanford grew in the late 19th century as a steamboat and citrus shipping hub; the St. Johns River was the primary transport artery connecting inland Central Florida to the ocean.
Conservation
The St. Johns faces pollution and runoff pressures; follow leave-no-trace practices, avoid single-use plastics, and respect wildlife viewing distances to help protect river habitats.
Reserve your spot on the St. Johns River Lunch and Dinner Cruises in Sanford, Florida today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive 20 minutes early
Allow extra time for parking and boarding; the gangway can be narrow and staff check reservations before boarding.
Request main-deck seating if needed
If stairs are difficult, notify staff in advance to reserve a seat on the main deck where access is easiest.
Bring a light layer
Evenings on the water can be breezy—pack a windbreaker or shawl for comfort after sunset.
Plan for dietary needs
Menu items are cooked to order and vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options are available when requested ahead of time.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Keeps you comfortable against cool river breezes, especially at dusk.
spring
Nonslip shoes
Helpful for stable footing on the gangway and boat decks.
Camera or smartphone
Capture river views, wildlife, and the boat’s vintage detailing.
Motion-sickness remedy
Useful for those sensitive to gentle boat movement on open water.