Kraken CycleBoats offers a fun time party on the river.You brink your own drinks and snacks and sit at the bar in the middle of the boat on your bike seats to pedal along the water. The bar tables have compartments filled with ice where they keep the drinks cold and the table tops are perfect for laying our your own snacks.The setting is just perfect to have your own party on the water making this a very affordable outing. We also appreciated the boat being accessible. The first mate assisted a wheelchair user and the entire experience was was very accommodating plus there are options to sit on a regular seat without pedaling. The boat itself has ample shade so even on a sunny day we did not ever feel too hot or risk too much sun exposure. For those who wanted to bask in the sun, some non-cycle seats were out in the open.
We have done the cycle party pub crawls in Savannah and when I spotted a Kraken CycleBoat in the Tampa Bay area, I knew this would be perfect for our girls day out group, so when they started in Jacksonville we had to get on one of the first tours. I was a little concerned because the strong currents in the St Johns River, and thought we might be challenged to actually make the boat maneuver properly. I was also concerned it may be too physically challenging for those of us who do not bike often. Fortunately there is a motor, and a designated Captain steering for the group. Also because several riders never even attempted to pedal their bikes, I also am skeptical that the pedaling actually added any power to the boat at all. The bike seats are not the most comfortable, so even after just a 90 minute ride (with a 20 minute break) several of us did have saddle sore the next day. However, the idea of pedaling a boat down the river, with party music blaring, while enjoying cold drinks and snacks, this boat is perfect for a party. Likely, unless you have a very large group you are going to be sharing the boat with others. You can request the music or bring your own devices to play your own play list. We did not come prepared, so while we loved the music and sound system the Kraken started with, when they other group plugged in their device with rap style music and a poorer quality sound, we were temporarily unhappy with the music. Fortunately we took a break and the party got better again. Because the ride is 90 minute and the Kraken does not have restrooms, you will have a choice of stopping at River City Brewing Company or the Landing for a break. Seems like a no brainer to us, the vote was unanimously RCBC. As a bonus you can bring your "Drink, Drink, Pedal" Kraken cups inside for a discount $4 beer or cocktail. If you cannot decide on a beer choice at RCBC, tastes are complimentary and you will find something you want.
The boat usually picks up at Metro Park, but due to the music festival happening, they picked us up on the south bank near Chart House this past weekend. While you really do not go anywhere, we basically did big circles between the Fuller Warren Bridge and the Main Street Bridge you are on the river, and the ride is fun. I would recommend doing this with friends, and don't forget to pack your own drinks, snacks, and bring your music or make a play list suggestion early, or better yet fill the boat with your entire group then all the choices are yours. read more