dolphin cruise fort lauderdale

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321-978-5479 [email protected]

Swimming in the Dolphin and Manatee Lagoon

• Tour Duration: 2 Hours
• Monday – Sunday 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
• Min Age: All ages welcome
• Max People: 6 maximum

Our tour offers a unique experience that allows guests to swim in the same lagoon that wild dolphins and manatees freely roam in. This is an ethical and eco-friendly option that will give you an opportunity to see wildlife up close. We like to remind our guests that we are here to strictly observe the wildlife and never disturb them. Dolphins and Manatees are a protected species and it is illegal to pet, feed, or entice them per the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

What to Expect

The tour will start by cruising through the lagoon on a comfortable pontoon boat in search of wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, coastal birds, and many others. Our knowledgeable captain will share many facts about the native wildlife and surrounding areas. About half way through the tour we will stop at a sandbar island where you can get off the boat to swim in the lagoon, walk along the sandbar to collect shells, and take in the beauty that surrounds you. After the Sandbar we will take you for a final cruise through the lagoon back to the marina.

For more information call us at (321) 978-5479 .

Swimming Notice:

While we do offer swimming year round there are some circumstances that will prevent us from swimming on certain days such as inclement weather like high wind speeds, dangerous wildlife, or toxic algae blooms. If we are unable to do the swimming portion of the trip we will try to notify you prior to departure and give you the following options to choose from:

• Two hour boat ride with no swimming
• Book another tour
• Reschedule to another day and/or time

We call this tour Swimming in the Dolphin and Manatee Lagoon tour because you get to swim in the lagoon that is home to the Florida Manatee and our own sub species of Dolphins, but please note that all of the animals we encounter are wild which means none are trained or in an enclosure so we can never guarantee what type of interaction you will have with these animals. Here in Florida Dolphins and Manatees are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act which means that you legally cannot pet, feed, or entice these animals.

We have these laws to protect them so we do respect these laws and never disturb any of the wildlife, we are there to observe them in their natural habitats. Every experience is unique and unscripted which makes our tours a one of a kind!

Tour Highlights

• Visit the island accessible only by boat! Walk on the sandbar in the middle of the Lagoon.
• Swim in the natural habitat of dolphins and manatees!
• Have close encounters with local wildlife : dolphins, manatees, birds and some large cranes!
• Collect seashells for arts & crafts.
• Cozy boat with comfortable seats & warm blankets.
• Highly Knowledgeable Captains.
• Small Group Size or Private Experience

1360 S Banana River Dr Merritt Island, FL 32952

Opening Hours

Monday – Sunday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm

Important Notes

Alcohol is permitted for guests that are 21 years of age and up. The maximum number of seats on our pontoon boat is 6 people, including infants (this means passengers from 0 to 100 years old), not counting the captain.

Tip for the Captain. 18-20% is customary

Prohibitions & Limitations

Unfortunately, we can only bring six passengers per vessel. This is a strictly enforced coast guard regulation, so legally we cannot go over that limit regardless of age or participation in activities.

Sometimes we can arrange for multiple boats to go out at the same time. If this interests you, please call us for availability at (321) 978-5479 during office hours from 8am to 5pm EST.

What’s Included?

• Life Jackets

What to Bring?

• Water Shoes
• Polarize Sunglasses

Cancellation Policy

NON REFUNDABLE TICKETS

TERMS AND CONDITIONS : When you purchase your tickets YOU AGREE BY CHECKING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS BOX OF OUR COMPANY POLICY THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED NON REFUNDABLE TICKETS. All passengers will need a ticket regardless of age or participation of activities Payment details: Reservations are required and all payments must be made in advance so we can secure your spot and send your tickets. Most major credit cards accepted. Weather: This is a weather permitting activity. Being outside on the water we must always consider safety first! If your trip is cancelled due to weather related issues, you can get a full refund or reschedule for another time. We will notify you asap with a Captain cancel by email or phone. There is no fee to reschedule if we issue a Captain cancellation. No call, no show – Forfeit your payments If you don’t show up at departure time, your tickets will be considered a NO Show and forfeit your reservation (this includes vouchers). If you are running late please call before your scheduled time.

Customer photos

What are the age restrictions for passengers?

There is no age limit for our tour. Anyone who boards the boat will need a ticket regardless of age or participation in activities. We also provide coast guard approved life jackets from infant size to adult. Look forward to seeing you in paradise!

Can we bring a dog?

Yes, we are pet friendly and love to have our furry friends join for the fun! Please remember to bring “doggy bags” to clean any pet waste.

Also please note that we operate in brackish water, which contains salt water, that can quickly dehydrate animals if they drink it so be sure to bring a bowl and fresh water as well.

When should we arrive?

We ask guests to please arrive 10-15 minutes before your departure time.

What kind of boat?

Our tours are done on pontoon boats.

Are tours done all year?

Yes we offer tours year round and feel that each season has something different to offer.

Can we take pictures?

Yes you are welcome to take photos throughout the trip.

What kind of animals might we see?

There are hundreds of species of animals here in the lagoon such as dolphins, Manatees, coastal birds, bottom dwellers like stingrays and horseshoe crabs, alligators, river otters, and more.

Are there restrooms on the boat?

There is no restroom on the boat so recommend using the restroom at the marina prior to boarding.

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Steven McHugh

Splish Splash…….we had a BLAST!!! Lee was an incredible captain with a great personality that made our last day on the water the best day of our vaca!!! We will be back!!

Tosha Hollis

Very knowledgeable tour guide and we loved seeing the dolphins and manatee! Going on the island to gather rocks and seashells was absolutely wonderful. a 2 hour tour is the perfect amount of time. The best tour ever!

Lori Hatley

We did this on our last day at Cocoa Beach & I wish we had went sooner. We did the 4:45 tour & had such a great time. Captain Melody was amazing and made sure we saw the manatees & dolphins. She took us to an island and we find all kinds of unique shells. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone & if we come back to Cocoa Beach we will be sure to take this tour again

Very wonderful experience! We went on the dolphin manatee swim experience and it was fabulous! The captain is very experienced and his receptionist was very understanding when we had some payment issues through the emails but it worked out for my family. When looking for the animals there is a 90% to see dolphins and 40% for manatees. We were able to drink and eat snacks on the boat, very reasonably!

Tropical Sailing

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We offer two convenient locations Miami Marina at Bayside and Bahia Mar Resort in Fort Lauderdale providing great sailing access to South Florida’s finest destinations.

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During your trip, a professionally trained captain and crew will pamper your guests with tailor-made service while you cruise the world’s most desirable Caribbean destinations. Special menus can be arranged, transportation coordinated – everything necessary to assure an adventure that your group will remember for a long, long time!

Discover the ultimate in extravagance and personalized service as you step aboard our luxury crewed yachts. Stylish, spacious and elegant, our prestigious catamaran will delight you. Equipped to the highest standards, with special features and state-of-the-art electronic and water sports equipment, you can expect quality similar to that of a luxury five-star hotel.

We look forward to sharing our love of sailing and water sports with you, your family and your friends!

See Why We're Highly Rated!

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Bluefoot Pirate Boat Tour Fort Lauderdale, FL

Children's pirate ship cruise, birthday parties,byob adult cruises, and pirate adventures in fort lauderdale, fl.

Share an adventure with friends and family with a gift card!

Fort Lauderdale's Premier Pirate Boat Tour

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One Hour Family Pirate Ship Adventure

Come aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Certified vessel “Bluefoot” for a fully interactive children’s pirate adventure! Learn how to talk like a pirate, battle a real pirate with real water cannons, and more! Arrive 30 minutes early for dress up and pirate tattoos!

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Private Sunset Cruise

Round up your roughest and toughest gang of pirates and BYOB for a fun and memorable Fort Lauderdale sunset cruise aboard the Bluefoot, perfect for all you “big pirates.”

Private Birthday Adventure

Search for treasure on a pirate ship in Fort Lauderdale!

Party Like A Pirate with a Birthday Pirate Adventure!

It’s swashbuckling fun for everyone honoring the birthday captain during our interactive pirate adventure! The children will become pirates and battle on the high seas with the notorious pirate Barnacle Bill. At the end of their journey, all the children get to take home their share of the salvaged treasure.

About Bluefoot Pirates' Boat Tour

Established in 2011, Bluefoot Pirate Adventures is South Florida’s top-rated boating attraction! Consistently rated five stars on Tripadvisor, our entire crew is dedicated to bringing a swashbuckling good time to your whole crew. Join us as we set sail daily on a pirate ship along Ft. Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway filled with action, adventure, and just a touch of magic! Check our calendar for sail times as they vary day to day, reservations are highly recommended, and be sure to bring the whole family as all ages are welcome. Book your Ft. Lauderdale pirate cruise today!

Top 5 Boat Tours in Ft. Lauderdale on TripAdvisor!

I took my grandchildren there for a fun day and it was quite fantastic! It was the crew's enthusiasm and the water fights with approaching vessels that the kids went crazy over. Bring a napsack of water and snacks- it's expensive dockside.

The crew was fun and enthusiastic! My 4 year old had a blast shooting the "bad guy with the water canons" Highly recommended for young kids. Will go back soon!

We just finished our trip with Capitan Black Sparrow and his crew and had a blast. Our kids had an awesome time playing pirates and we enjoyed the whole experience. Highly recommended for families with young kids.

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Pirate News

Bluefoot pirate adventures recommends chill tikis: the ultimate relaxing tiki boat experience.

Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, the beloved family-oriented pirate boat adventure company, is excited to announce the launch of its newest venture – Chill Tikis. Located at 301 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, just a few blocks from the heart of the pirate adventure, Chill Tikis offers a unique, intimate boating experience for adults seeking a peaceful respite…

Wednesday – Sunday • 90-min Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise: 2:30pm • Island Dinner, Show & Sightseeing Cruise: 6:00pm

Saturday & Sunday Only • 90-min Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise: NOON

FORT LAUDERDALE'S LONGEST RUNNING TOURIST ATTRACTION

RIVER CRUISE + ISLAND EXPERIENCE

90-MINUTE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES ON THE RIVER

GROUPS & CHARTERS FOR CORPORATE AND FAMILIES

PRIVATE EVENTS: CRUISE OR ISLAND

Jungle queen riverboat, a riverboat cruise to an island adventure.

IGNITE THE NIGHT

Polynesian Fire Dancing featured on our Dinner Cruise .

Since 1935 and getting BETTER with age!

MEGA YACHTS, MILLIONAIRES ROW AND MORE!

Cruise down the “Venice of America,”  with homes of the Rich and Famous and sights beyond belief.

CHEERS TO ADVENTURE

Enjoy our full-service bar and signature cocktails for the perfect cruising experience.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Guests enjoy all-you-can-eat BBQ ribs, chicken tenders, and all the fixings PLUS live entertainment . Vegetarian meals are a fixed amount, not all-you-can-eat but include all the fixings!

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

We are family-friendly for all ages!

Cruises Rain or Shine

Jungle queen.

The Jungle Queen Riverboat has been enjoyed by many since 1935.

In addition to the famous Island Dinner & Show Cruise, the Riverboat offers a 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise.

Quick Links

• Our Cruises
• Customer Service
• Covid-19 Precautions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 954-462-5596
• [email protected]
• 10am-5pm (Mon) 10am-6:30pm (Tues - Sun) Subject to change during peak & holiday season.

Embarkation & Box Office

Bahia Mar Yachting Center 801 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33316

Parking available on site

Contact Form

Island Time Cruises offers a variety of activities you can experience out on the water.  All cruises are private and can be customized to meet your needs. Shelling Excursions Dolphin Tours Eco & Historical Tours Out Island Lunch Trips​

Tiki Bar Hopping Cruises

Boca Grande Cruise

Useppa Island Cruise ​

Sunset Cruises

Boating Lessons

Caloosa Cruise

Burials at Sea

• Your Captain

WE ARE OPEN!!  THANKFUL & BLESSED TO HAVE SURRIVED HURRICANE IAN! NOW MORE THAN EVER WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU & GETTING YOU BACK OUT ON THE WATER.

• 4 reviews of Island Time Dolphin and Shelling Cruises in Fort Myers Beach

cALL OR EMAIL US TO Book Your Private Cruise NOW!

  ISLAND TIME DOLPHIN & SHELLING CRUISES | 17990 San Carlos Blvd.  Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931   | 239-898-6155

Swim with Dolphins Near Ft Lauderdale

Scroll Down & Click on Miami and Florida Keys Dolphin Program for More Information

Dolphin Swim / Odyssey Program

from $219.00 USD

Dolphin Encounter Non-Swim Program

from $119.00 USD

Includes: Dolphin Encounter Program – A 30 minute shallow water experience including touching, feeding and training with a dolphin. Perfect for non-swimmers! In this program there is NO Swimming with the Dolphins. Plus, General Admission to Park, Dolphin Show, Marine Tour, and other Marine Animal Shows. Must be 38″/3.6’/96.5cm and up to participate. A short car ride from Ft Lauderdale to Miami, about 1 hour.   MORE INFORMATION >>>

Seal Swim Program

from $99.00 USD

Includes: Seal Swim Program – A 20 minute shallow and deep water experience including touching, feeding and training with the seal and the opportunity for a deep-water free swimming interaction with the seal too. Plus, General Admission to Park, Dolphin Show, Marine Tour, and other Marine Animal Shows. Must be 38″/3.6’/96.5cm and up to participate. A short car ride from Ft Lauderdale to Miami, about 1 hour. MORE INFORMATION >>>

Why Take a Trip from Ft Lauderdale to Miami for a Dolphin Program?

This location is great for anyone in staying in Ft Lauderdale / Hollywood / Pompano Beach area as it is only 40 minutes to 1 hour to Miami by car.

Don’t have a ride? Don’t worry, Uber or Lyft transportation services will escort you both to the front entrance of the park and back to where you are staying. You can expect to spend about a 1/2 day of activities, 3 to 4 hours in Miami. So this trip to Miami will be worth while for you, your family and your friends.

The Dolphin Swim Programs and Encounters in Miami are sure to give you unique memories of your vacation that will last a lifetime! These programs are specially designed to be fun, very informative, and extremely interactive just for you! They are a perfect way for a family to spend quality time together, a unique and romantic experience for a honeymoon couple, or a special event for young adults learning about Marine Biology and Land Animal behaviors. Dolphins love shallow water, but competition for these tickets runs deep- so book early!

Florida Keys Dolphin Swim Program

from $225.00 USD

Includes:  Dolphin Swim Program – A 30 minute shallow and deep water experience including touching, feeding and training with a dolphin and the opportunity for a deep-water interaction with a dolphin like a dorsal fin ride from one end of the salt water lagoon to the other, foot push, belly ride, free swimming with the dolphin, plus, General Admission to Park, Dolphin Show, Marine Tour, and other Marine Animal Shows.  An easy car ride from Ft Lauderdale to the Islamorada about 2 1/2 hours.   MORE INFORMATION >>>

Florida Keys Dolphin Encounter Non-Swim Program

from $210.00 USD

Includes:  Dolphin Encounter Program – A 30 minute shallow water experience including touching, feeding and training with a dolphin. Perfect for non-swimmers! In this program there is NO Swimming with the Dolphins. Plus, General Admission to Park, Dolphin Show, Marine Tour, and other Marine Animal Shows. Must be 1 year old and up to participate. An easy car ride from Ft Lauderdale to the Islamorada about 2 1/2 hours .  MORE INFORMATION >>>

Florida Keys Area Dolphin Swim & Snorkel Trip

from $299.00 USD

Includes : Dolphin Swim Program – A 30 minute shallow and deep water experience including touching, feeding and training with a dolphin and the opportunity for a deep-water interaction with a dolphin like a dorsal fin ride from one of the pool to the other, foot push, belly ride, free swimming with the dolphin, 1 1/2 Hours Guided Instructional John Pennekamp Ocean Reef Snorkel Trip, General Admission to Park, Dolphin Show, Marine Tour, and other Marine Animal Shows.  An easy car ride from Ft Lauderdale to the Islamorada about 2 hours.   MORE INFORMATION >>>

Why the Florida Keys for a Dolphin Program?

Plus the Keys are one of most unique areas of Florida. The Florida Keys are a coral cay archipelago in the southeast United States. They begin at the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula, about 15 miles south of Miami, and extend from Key Largo and to Key West, the westernmost of the inhabited islands. The Florida Keys are only 2 1/2 hours from Ft Lauderdale so it is an easy car  or van ride.

Your Dolphin Swim is where you get to spend 30 minutes in the natural salt water lagoon where you get to pet, play, hold, get a ride from one end of the lagoon to the other. Plus you will get to free swim and snorkel with the dolphin. If you love dolphins, the Keys is the place to come to. Your Swim with Dolphins in the Upper Keys, Islamorada and Key Largo if you take our snorkel trip. It will be a trip you won’t forget.

Ft Lauderdale Mailing Address

Dolphin World 757 SE 17 th  Street Causeway, #688 Ft Lauderdale,  FL 33316

Other Activities

• Miami – Seals, SeaTrek, Touch&Feed
• FL Keys – Sea Lions, Dolphin Paint, Dolphin Touch

Hotel Suggetions

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• Pelican Cove Islamorada
• Hyatt Regency

St Augustine Beach

• Hammock Beach Resort

Panama City Beach

• Legacy by the Sea

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Fort Lauderdale Dolphin Activities

Dolphin activities: tickets & tours, florida keys eco - adventure.

Head out to the spectacular sea grass flats with a marine biologist on a single or double kayak, or SUP (stand up paddle board). This is your chance to see

South Beach Dolphin Adventure - 2 Day Tour

Dive into the culture, action and excitement of world-famous South Beach, Miami. Enjoy two days of exploring as you the hit the everglades on an airboat,

Miami Seaquarium Dolphin Odyssey

Meet fun-loving dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium and observe these amazing mammals in a deep-water pool. Choose to dive in further by touching and feeding a

Miami Seaquarium Dolphin Encounter

During an Encounter, the dolphin swims to you while you stand in just a few feet of water. You’ll have approximately 30 minutes to do things like shake

MIAMI SEAQUARIUM WITH TRANSPORTATION

Discover the best aquarium in southern Florida and the favorite attraction for visitors! Enjoy amazing marine mammal shows with dolphins and sea lions delight

Explore other Water Sports & Activities in Fort Lauderdale

Shark diving.

Come face to face with the big bosses of the ocean.

Parasailing

Take water sports to new heights and go parasailing.

Race across the waves or enjoy some exploring from the surface in a kayak.

River Tubing

Follow the twists and turns in a tube down the ever-racing river.

See the amazing world below the waves with a snorkel.

Waterskiing & Jetskiing

Kick your adrenaline into gear and hit high speeds on the water.

Scuba Diving

There's nothing like scuba diving for the ultimate underwater excursion.

Windsurfing

Take advantage of more than one element as the wind adds another dimension of fun to the water.

Your guide to Fort Lauderdale

Depending on your choice of activities, you can certainly make your way around town without a car. Between the Water Taxi, Sun Trolley, and Broward BCycle public bike sharing network, you can likely get to the hot spots with minimal need for a car. If you do opt for longer jaunts, you might want to rent a car or consider using a rideshare or taxi.

Fort Lauderdale is warmer than a lot of places in winter, with daytime temperatures between December and April ranging from the high 50s°F to the mid 80s°F. So if your hometown has icy winters, this is a great place to escape to. You'll be able to enjoy the stunning beaches close to the city without dealing with the crowds of summer. And yes, it will still be warm enough to wear your favorite bikini or boardshorts.

Fort Lauderdale is a great place for summery clothes throughout most of the year, but you should definitely bring some different layers in the cooler months. You'll also want:

• Sandals: There's a high likelihood you'll be seeing a lot of the beach, so make sure you have the right footwear. Sand in socks is the worst.
• Walking shoes: Bring comfy ones for walking in town and in the parklands, ideally hiking sneakers or boots.
• Deodorant and antiperspirant: Yes, we recommend both because this is Florida and that means one word: humidity. Need we say more?
• Waterproof pouch for phone and camera: Keep out the sand and moisture.

Fort Lauderdale

Getting to fort lauderdale.

Flights to Fort Lauderdale

Famed for Spring Break, beautiful beaches, and one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, “Venice of America” gives its neighbor to the south a run for its money.

Fort Lauderdale Packages

Fort Lauderdale Hotels

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It's always nice to wander around and get lost in a place - until you're actually lost. Tours take the mystery out of travel and bring you right to the action.

Food & Drink

Sightseeing alone won't satisfy your cultural palate. Great food and drink will make a good trip even better.

Night Activities

With sundown comes a whole new side to an area. Find the best places and activities to check out at night.

Outdoor Activities

Make the great outdoors even greater with these activities. Get in touch with nature and add some adrenaline wherever you are.

Classes & Workshops

Return home with more than just memories - add some knowledgeable tips and tricks gained from classes and workshops.

Concerts & Shows

Make your trip extra special with a concert or show. When it comes to entertainment, they should always have a place on the itinerary.

Day trips keep it simple and exciting while traveling. See all the best parts of a place by joining in on some great bite-sized excursions.

Bring home more than photos with a successful shopping venture.

Sights & Landmarks

Tick off some bucket-list-worthy sights and landmarks near you and fill your photo album with great snaps.

The world is better on the water. Let your travels continue beyond the shoreline with the fantastic boat tours on offer.

Water Sports

Do more than dip your toes in, with great opportunities to take to the water for some fun.

Fun & Games

There's always room for fun and games on any vacation. To get the endorphins going, find the good times near you.

Get your fill of culture, arts or history with a fantastic museum primed to impress.

Animals, Nature & Parks

For the world at its most spectacular, Mother Nature does it best. Head outdoors to find a whole new appreciation for nature and animals on your travels.

Water & Amusement Parks

Pick up the pace on vacation with a visit to water and amusement parks. Trust those in the business of good times to serve up some fun.

Family-Friendly

Vacationing is a great way to bring the family closer together. Make the most of your time with activities that everyone will enjoy.

Make special memories with special people while enjoying the romantic side to travel.

Find the best bargains and pocket-pleasing activities to keep your vacation full of fun.

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Disney cruise passenger with pending sex crimes case caught with child sex abuse videos, authorities say

Feds: he had just gotten off ship at port everglades.

Chris Gothner , Digital Journalist

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Federal agents caught a man facing two child sex crime charges in Ohio with child sexual abuse material on his phone after he disembarked a Disney cruise ship at Port Everglades, authorities said.

Dakota Anthony Ferguson, 22, of Columbus, Ohio, appeared in Fort Lauderdale federal court on Monday on charges of transportation and possession of child pornography. Authorities arrested him after a border search of his cellphone after he got off the Disney Magic on Saturday, a federal criminal complaint obtained on Tuesday states.

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Franklin County, Ohio court records obtained by Local 10 News show that Ferguson is facing two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor after being arrested by the Columbus Police Department. According to those records, Ferguson was indicted in that case in September 2022.

In the latest case, court documents state that U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials conducted a secondary examination on Ferguson and found “numerous videos” of child sexual abuse material on his cellphone, “the majority of which” depicted prepubescent girls being raped or otherwise sexually abused.

Authorities said Ferguson admitted that he began looking at child sexual abuse material three years ago and has viewed and shared it on platforms including messaging app Telegram and social media outlet X, formerly known as Twitter. Agents allege that he’s purchased videos depicting victims as young as 2.

In one instance, federal authorities said Ferguson sent a video to a Telegram user with a caption implying that the footage showed him raping a family member.

Ferguson “denied producing this video, stating his only intent was to give the perception of production,” Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Katherine Leonard wrote in the criminal complaint.

Ferguson’s Ohio indictment shows that he’s accused of engaging in “sexual conduct” with a victim between the ages of 13 and 15 in 2021, when he was 19. Records show he has pleaded not guilty in the case.

Local 10 News has contacted Disney Cruise Line inquiring about its background check procedures for passengers.

Ferguson remained held in the Broward Main Jail as of Tuesday; he’s scheduled to appear again in front of a Fort Lauderdale federal judge for a bond hearing next Monday.

Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Chris gothner.

Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist.

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Things to do | think you know all about fort lauderdale’s jungle queen cruise think again.

Passengers board the Jungle Queen Riverboat on Sunday, June 2, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Steven Gonzalez gives passengers a guided tour aboard the Jungle Queen. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Dancers interact with the audience during the Jungle Queen island experience. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Hula dancers interact with the audience during the Jungle Queen Riverboat island experience on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Ribs are served as a part of the Jungle Queen island experience. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Steven Gonzalez gives passengers a guided tour aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

The Jungle Queen Riverboat cruises down the New River on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Passengers cruise by a water taxi on the New River aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Kasai dances with fire during the Jungle Queen Riverboat island experience on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Astrel Tima proposes to Sheyraya Marseille during the Jungle Queen Riverboat island experience on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Bartender Malik Smith serves drinks aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Hula dancers perform during the Jungle Queen's Sightseeing Cruise + Island Experience. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Hula dancers perform during the Jungle Queen Riverboat island experience on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Passengers view waterfront property aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Meahalani performs with hula dancers during the Jungle Queen Riverboat island experience on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Passengers wave to bystanders from the Jungle Queen Riverboat on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Passengers view exotic birds as a part of the Jungle Queen Riverboat island experience on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Or maybe while strolling, jogging or biking along the New River, you’ve glanced over at these tourism boats with the throwback paddle wheels and thought, “Why am I sweating instead of showboating?”

The Jungle Queen has become synonymous with Fort Lauderdale waterway-watching, serving up old-school sightseeing cruises for tourists and tourist-wannabes since making its debut in 1935.

But now, the fleet has hit the refresh button with major makeover plans for their iconic Sightseeing Cruise + Island Experience.

CRUISING MILLIONAIRE’S ROW

The tour itself — winding around the waterways checking out the palatial mansions and mega yachts of corporate titans — is still a splash of stand-up comedy with a dash of gossip columnist … you know … giving a historical and hysterical PowerPoint of what has been billed as “The Venice of America.”

Tour guide Steven Gonzalez says it took him about a month and a half to learn the script, though spending a lifetime in Fort Lauderdale’s boating community is what gave him the little details that delight his audience.

“There is a script, one or two points on the houses,” he says. “Everything else is filler, knowing what you know. And you learn as you go.”

But once the Jungle Queen docks at its own little island for the dinner-and-show portion of the cruise, things are different.

GIVING POLYNESIA ITS PROPS

For the first time in 66 years, the après-supper performance has been reimagined, with producers ditching the variety show in favor of a Polynesian-themed tour of the Pacific with hula and fire dancers, fire eaters and more emphasis on southern Pacific culture.

“For the past many years, Jungle Queen has offered a nightly variety show with magicians, comedians and singers, always ending with a Polynesian fire act,” said Michael Faber, who inherited The Jungle Queen from his father, Jerome Faber, about 10 years ago. “Evolving trends and opinions of what the public enjoyed showed that making the experience more guest-focused was the way to go. This led to the decision that variety shows may have been a thing of the past and showcasing the Polynesian aspect of the evening was what was attributed to the guests’ utter enjoyment.”

Faber brought aboard Drums of Polynesia , a family-owned entertainment production company originally from New Zealand. (Tiki-culture fans may remember their performances at the still-under-renovation Mai-Kai Restaurant in Oakland Park in 1995, with dancers from Hawaii and New Zealand.)

This move is meant to “reinforce the island vibe by bringing a longer Polynesian show that includes not just the dancers on stage, but the full experience with the drummers, conch blower and narration, giving the audience a feel for the culture and history,” says R.J. Rewi , president and CEO of Drums of Polynesia. “Our performers also walk around the island to enhance the experience, take pictures with the guests and answer any questions they may have.”

THE QUEEN’S LONG REIGN 

The Faber family has owned and operated the Jungle Queen for three generations since 1958. Earl Faber, a Vaudeville comedian, and wife Catherine, a Ziegfeld Follies dancer, purchased the riverboat from Capt. Al Starts, who had brought the original vessel down from Jacksonville in 1935.

Prior to 2020 (and the COVID-19 pandemic), the Jungle Queen offered a daily, three-hour afternoon cruise a la Gilligan to the island, where guests had lunch, viewed animals such as lemurs and monkeys, and watched alligator wrestling. Faber says they are phasing out some of the animal displays and upgrading the landscaping.

Guests may choose from:

• 90-minute sightseeing tours during the afternoons that don’t include the Polynesian performance or food
• The dusk-departure Sightseeing Cruise + Island Experience, with the revamped show and dinner service offered nightly Tuesdays through Sundays

DOCK AND DINE GETS A DO-OVER

The island has been serving food to Jungle Queen guests since 1939, but that also has had a bit of a meal makeover. For starters, the Jungle Queen has brought in a Vulcan convection oven for faster and more even cooking, according to Faber.

In addition to revamped recipes for longtime favorites such as the baby back ribs (spice-rubbed and marinated for two hours) and the hand-battered chicken tenders (now prepared on-site), new sides are available, adding corn bread and coleslaw to the longstanding corn on the cob and seasoned french fries.

There is also a vegetarian option: a skewer of tofu, peppers, zucchini, squash and tomatoes, served on top of brown rice.

The island also has a new Zen Garden, Tiki Bar and an Ice Cream Bar (and cart).

“We offer a new, 16-seat gorgeous outdoor Tiki Bar where guests can enjoy our island’s vibrant drink scene in our bold Tiki architecture and tropical, open-air ambiance,” Faber says. “Our new Ice Cream Bar and Ice Cream Cart offer guests the perfect end to their meal, while keeping them cool in our outdoor venue.”

IF YOU GO 

WHAT: Jungle Queen’s Sightseeing Cruise + Island Experience

WHERE: Embarks from Bahia Mar Yachting Center, 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

WHEN: Departs at 6 p.m. (sharp!) Tuesday-Sundays; riverboat returns to Bahia Mar at 10 p.m.

COST: 

• Tickets are $69.95+ for adults, $49.95 for children age 3-12 and $20 for infants up to age 2.
• Parking at Bahia Mar is $13 (if paid on Jungle Queen).

INFORMATION: 954-462-5596; junglequeen.com

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