All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise

This Fort Lauderdale experience offers a combination of scenic river cruising, a hearty barbecue dinner, and lively entertainment for $80 per person. The tour runs approximately 4 hours and departs from the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, making it a popular choice with over 1,000 reviews and a solid 4.5-star rating. This cruise is perfect for those seeking a relaxed evening of sightseeing, delicious food, and engaging stage shows.

The journey aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat takes travelers past luxurious mansions and yachts along Millionaires Row, showcasing some of the most opulent properties in Fort Lauderdale. After the scenic river cruise, guests are treated to an endless BBQ dinner featuring ribs and chicken, complemented by a laugh-out-loud variety show. While the experience offers great value and memorable sights, it does have some considerations such as parking fees and limited vegetarian options.

• Four-hour experience including scenic river cruise, dinner, and entertainment.
• All-you-can-eat BBQ featuring ribs and chicken with all the traditional trimmings.
• Scenic tour along Fort Lauderdale’s New River, passing Millionaires Row.
• Entertaining variety show, including comedians, jugglers, and Polynesian revue.
• Departure from Bahia Mar Yachting Center at 6:00 pm, with guests advised to arrive 45 minutes early.
• Optional snacks and beverages available for purchase during the cruise.

Starting at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the Jungle Queen Riverboat departs on a fully narrated cruise along the New River, also called the “Venice of America.” The boat ride, lasting about 1 hour, provides insights into the area’s historic homes and luxurious yachts in Millionaires Row. Passengers see notable landmarks like Port Everglades and the Intracoastal Waterway.

The guides are praised for their knowledgeable narration, which highlights the grandeur of the waterfront mansions and the vibrant waterway life. The boat itself is designed for sightseeing and comfort, featuring on-board restrooms and sufficient space for a relaxing cruise. Travelers find this part of the experience engaging and informative, making it a good introduction to Fort Lauderdale’s waterways.

After the initial cruise, the boat docks at the Tropical Isle, a dedicated island stop. Here, an endless buffet awaits, featuring barbecue ribs and chicken with all the traditional trimmings such as sides and sauces. The meal is served for about an hour, and reviews note the generous portions and good quality food, especially the ribs.

Guests can also purchase additional snacks and beverages, including beer and wine, from the onboard menu during dinner. However, the food is generally considered hearty and satisfying, though some mention that vegetarian options are limited. The lively and upbeat atmosphere during dinner, often accompanied by live entertainment, creates a fun and casual dining environment.

Following dinner, the tour continues with a hilarious variety show that lasts about an hour. The show features a comedian, jugglers, ventriloquists, singers, and magicians, culminating with the world-famous Polynesian Revue. Reviewers repeatedly praise the fun, engaging, and family-friendly nature of the entertainment, often describing the show as laugh-out-loud funny.

This stage act adds a lively and humorous finish to the evening, making the experience ideal for those looking for more than just sightseeing and dining. The performers are described as professional and high-energy, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the night.

After the stage show, guests cruise back to Bahia Mar Yachting Center for about another hour. The return trip offers a chance to relax and reflect on the sights and sounds of the evening. The boat’s design makes for a comfortable journey back, with passengers able to enjoy the illuminated skyline and waterfront views.

The entire experience concludes at the original meeting point, with most travelers feeling satisfied with the combination of scenic views, hearty food, and lively entertainment.

Departure is at 6:00 pm, and travelers are advised to arrive 45 minutes early at 801 Seabreeze Blvd to ensure smooth boarding. The maximum group size is around 385 guests, which helps maintain a lively but not overly crowded atmosphere. All Jungle Queen boats are specially designed for sightseeing, with on-board restrooms for convenience.

Parking at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center costs $20 if prepaid, a tip many reviewers recommend to avoid higher fees and parking difficulties. The tour provides private transportation but does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. Guests can purchase alcoholic beverages and soft drinks during the cruise, but these are not included in the ticket price.

Weather conditions are a factor; if the tour is canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or rescheduling is offered. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with guests under 16 required to be accompanied by an adult.

Limited Vegetarian Options and Food Quality

While the all-you-can-eat BBQ is well-liked for its generous portions and flavor, some reviews mention that vegetarian options are absent, and the food can sometimes be cold if not served promptly. The dinner timing is tight, with only 30 minutes allocated, so arriving promptly is recommended.

Overall Value and Guest Experience

Most travelers find the $80 price point to be good value considering the combination of scenic cruise, all-you-can-eat barbecue, and stage entertainment. The entertainment and views are consistently praised, though some note that additional charges for drinks and extras can add up.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience suits families, couples, and groups looking for an entertaining evening filled with scenic views, delicious food, and lively performances. It is ideal for those wanting a relaxed pace with friendly staff and a casual atmosphere. Note that vegetarians might find the menu lacking options, and parking can be an additional expense.

The All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle delivers scenic views, heartwarming food, and fun entertainment in a compact four-hour package. The scenic river cruise offers a glimpse of Fort Lauderdale’s luxurious waterfront, while the dinner and variety show keep the energy lively.

While the food quality is generally good, some minor criticisms about cold food or limited vegetarian options exist. However, the overall value remains strong, especially for those who enjoy entertaining stage shows and beautiful waterway views. This tour is a reliable choice for an enjoyable evening experience with a relaxed pace and ample entertainment.

Is parking included in the tour price?
No, parking at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center costs $20 if prepaid. It is recommended to arrive early and prepay to avoid higher parking fees or difficulties.

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 6:00 pm, and travelers should arrive 45 minutes early for boarding at 801 Seabreeze Blvd.

Are vegetarian options available?
No, reviews indicate that vegetarian options are limited or unavailable. The menu primarily features BBQ ribs and chicken.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and the lively entertainment is family-friendly.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers the scenic narrated cruise, endless BBQ dinner, live variety show, and onboard restroom facilities.

Can I purchase drinks during the cruise?
Yes, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available for purchase, but not included in the ticket price.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If canceled due to poor weather, the tour offers a full refund or the option to reschedule.

How long is each segment of the tour?
The cruise to the island lasts about 1 hour, dinner about 1 hour, the stage show about 1 hour, and the return cruise another hour.

Is this experience good value for money?
Most reviewers agree that the combination of scenic views, food, and entertainment provides good value at $80 per person.

What makes this tour stand out?
The scenic river cruise, endless BBQ, and lively stage show combined into a relaxed yet entertaining four-hour package make this tour particularly appealing.