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

Experience the Best of Fort Lauderdale with a Dinner Cruise and Show

If you’re looking for an evening that combines scenic beauty, good food, and a touch of entertainment, the All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise offers a compelling option. For around $80 per person, you’ll spend approximately four hours exploring Fort Lauderdale’s iconic waterways aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat, enjoying a delicious barbecue dinner, and laughing along with a hilarious stage revue.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, we love how the cruise showcases the luxurious homes and yachts of Millionaires Row—a real visual treat. Second, the endless buffet of barbecue ribs and chicken ensures you’ll be well fed while soaking in the scenery. A potential consideration is that the dinner portion is limited to about 30 minutes on the island, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you prefer a more relaxed meal.

This tour suits travelers wanting a blend of sightseeing, good food, and entertainment in a laid-back setting. Families, couples, or groups looking for a memorable, fun night will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Scenic Waterway Tour: Cruise Fort Lauderdale’s historic New River and see the mansions of Millionaires Row.
• All-You-Can-Eat BBQ: Indulge in ribs, chicken, and classic sides, with options to purchase additional snacks and beverages.
• Entertaining Show: Enjoy a lively variety stage show featuring comedians, jugglers, ventriloquists, and a Polynesian revue.
• Informative Narration: The cruise features a knowledgeable guide who keeps the journey engaging.
• Flexible Dining & Entertainment: Dinner and show are scheduled tasks, but arrive early for the best experience.
• Great Value: Combining sightseeing, dining, and entertainment for around $80 offers a memorable night out.

A Deep Dive into the Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Show Cruise

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center at 6:00 pm. Arriving 45 minutes early is recommended so you can get your bearings and choose a good spot on the boat. The Jungle Queen Riverboat is specially designed for sightseeing and comfort, with onboard restrooms making the trip more convenient.

Getting there is straightforward—it’s near public transportation and offers options like parking at the site or pre-paid parking. Be aware that parking fees at Bahia Mar are around $20, but many reviews suggest parking across the street can be cheaper if you prefer to save a few bucks.

Cruising the New River

Once aboard, you’ll set off on a narrated cruise through Fort Lauderdale’s “Venice of America”. Guides like Tony (noted for being funny and knowledgeable) make the commentary lively and informative. You’ll pass Port Everglades and glimpse the multi-million dollar mansions and yachts lining Millionaires Row. These views are often highlighted as a major highlight, with travelers calling the boat ride “very comfortable” and “so interesting”.

This part of the cruise lasts about an hour, giving you plenty of time to relax and take photos. As one reviewer shared, “We loved the way the boat was comfortable and the scenery was fascinating. It’s a lot better than similar harbor tours in Miami.”

Tropical Isle and the Dinner Experience

Arriving at the Jungle Queen Tropical Isle, you’ll be greeted with the all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet featuring ribs, chicken, and all the fixings. The meal is often described as “good” or “satisfying,” though a few reviewers mention the ribs could be warmer and the menu might benefit from adding salads for non-meat eaters.

The dinner service lasts roughly 30 minutes, so arriving earlier can help you avoid feeling rushed. Many guests appreciate the “endless” aspect of the buffet, noting they left full and satisfied. Some reviews mention that drinks like beer and wine are available for purchase, adding to your dining experience—though alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price.

Live Entertainment & Variety Show

Post-dinner, you’ll enjoy a hilarious stage revue featuring comedians, jugglers, ventriloquists, magicians, and a Polynesian dance troupe. Reviews consistently praise this segment, with many calling it “laugh-out-loud funny” and “highly entertaining.” One guest shared, “The show was engaging, with a good mix of humor and talent,” and another commented that the “performance was awesome”.

The show lasts about an hour, providing lively, family-friendly entertainment that keeps the energy high. It’s a great way to unwind after the cruise and dinner, adding a memorable touch to the night.

Cruise Back and Additional Sightseeing

Finally, the boat returns to Bahia Mar after the show, delivering a relaxing one-hour cruise back. Passengers can enjoy the twilight views and perhaps reflect on the scenic homes and yachts that make Fort Lauderdale unique.

Although the highlight is the main cruise, some travelers also enjoy nearby stops like the Stranahan House or Colee Hammock Park, which are recommended for those who want more local flavor. Plus, the NSU Art Museum adds a cultural dimension if you have extra time in the area.

What’s the Experience Like?

Authentic and Relaxed

This cruise offers a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities for photos and socializing. The narration makes the experience educational without feeling heavy, and the combination of scenery and entertainment feels well-balanced.

Value for Money

At $80, the package provides a full evening of entertainment, sightseeing, and dining. The reviews reflect that many guests find this to be a good value, especially considering the quality of the show and the scenic views. Other tours that combine similar features often cost more, so this is a cost-effective option for a fun night out.

Considerations

One aspect to keep in mind is that the dinner timing is tight, so you might feel rushed if you arrive late. Also, the menu lacks vegetarian options, though salads could be added in the future. Lastly, additional snacks and drinks are available for purchase, so if you want a full bar experience, budget accordingly.

Who is it best suited for?

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or groups who want a laid-back, entertaining evening with beautiful views and good food. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy sightseeing the mansions and yachts or love stage shows. Those seeking a more intimate or gourmet dinner experience might prefer other options.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This experience offers a nice blend of scenic cruising, hearty barbecue, and lively entertainment—all for a reasonable price. The narrated boat ride is engaging, and the show is genuinely funny, making it a well-rounded night for visitors new to Fort Lauderdale or those wanting a fun family outing.

The comfort of the boat, the spectacular views, and the casual, family-friendly atmosphere make this a popular choice. While the dinner portion might feel a bit rushed and the menu could include more vegetarian options, most guests find the overall value and experience worth it.

If you’re after a relaxed, entertaining evening with a dash of local grandeur and a lot of laughs, this cruise ticks all the boxes. Just arrive early, bring your camera, and prepare for a memorable night on the water.

FAQ

Is parking available at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center?
Yes, parking is available, with options including paying $20 at the site or parking across the street for potentially less. Make sure to check the parking instructions in advance.

How early should I arrive for the cruise?
Arriving about 45 minutes early is recommended to allow time for check-in and to secure a good spot on the boat.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the narrated cruise, dinner of BBQ ribs and chicken, and the entertaining stage show. Be aware that alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available for purchase but not included.

Are there vegetarian options?
The menu primarily features barbecue ribs and chicken, with no specific vegetarian options mentioned. Some guests suggest that salads would improve the menu.

How long is each part of the experience?
The cruise around the New River lasts about an hour, dinner at the Tropical Isle about 30 minutes, the stage show around an hour, and the return cruise another hour.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, guests under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult, and the show is family-friendly with lots of humor and visual entertainment.

Can I buy drinks on board?
Yes, a selection of beers, wines, and snacks can be purchased during the cruise and at the island.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately four hours from boarding to return, making it a perfect evening activity.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

Final Note

All in all, the Jungle Queen Dinner Cruise and Show offers a fun, relaxed, and scenic way to spend an evening in Fort Lauderdale. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning waterfront mansions, enjoy hearty barbecue, or love a good laugh, this tour delivers on multiple fronts. Pack your camera, arrive early, and prepare to enjoy a memorable night on the water—an experience that balances sightseeing, good food, and lively entertainment quite nicely.