One of South Florida’s most treasured attractions has entered its next chapter.
Entrepreneur and preservationist Bill Fuller, whose work includes the restoration of Miami’s iconic Ball & Chain and the celebrated revival of the legendary MAI-KAI Restaurant & Polynesian Show, has acquired the historic Jungle Queen Riverboat and Tropical Isle, Fort Lauderdale’s beloved waterfront destination that has welcomed millions of visitors since 1935.
The acquisition represents the passing of stewardship from the Faber family, who faithfully operated the Jungle Queen for nearly seven decades, to Fuller, whose passion for preserving and strengthening legacy businesses has become the hallmark of his career. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
For more than nine decades, the Jungle Queen has been woven into the fabric of South Florida, introducing generations of visitors to Fort Lauderdale’s scenic waterways while creating lifelong memories through narrated sightseeing cruises, dinner excursions, and unforgettable evenings on Tropical Isle.
The attraction also holds a special place in the region’s holiday traditions as “Santa’s Showboat,” carrying Santa Claus along the New River during Fort Lauderdale’s nationally recognized Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.
“I have a deep love and appreciation for historic businesses like the Jungle Queen,” Fuller said. “These places become part of a community’s identity. They hold memories that span generations, and with that comes a tremendous responsibility. My goal isn’t to reinvent the Jungle Queen—it’s to honor its extraordinary history while investing in its future so families will continue making memories here for generations to come.”
Just days after the acquisition, the Jungle Queen welcomed more than 1,000 members of Scotland’s famed Tartan Army, whose colorful traditions, music and celebration transformed the riverfront into one of the largest international fan gatherings in Fort Lauderdale ahead of Scotland’s FIFA World Cup match against Brazil.
Originally launched in 1935 by Capt. Al Starts, the Jungle Queen quickly became one of Florida’s signature attractions. In 1958, Earl Faber and his wife, former Ziegfeld Follies performer Mary Faber, acquired the business and spent decades building it into one of the state’s most recognized tourism brands.
Fuller views his role as preserving that legacy while thoughtfully investing in its future. His plans include maintaining the experiences guests have loved for generations—including the narrated sightseeing cruises, the iconic dinner cruise, live entertainment, and Tropical Isle—while enhancing the overall guest experience, supporting employees, and ensuring the attraction remains vibrant for decades to come.
“I often say that ownership of a legacy business is simply the passing of a baton,” Fuller said. “The Faber family carried that baton with distinction, and I am honored to carry it into the next chapter. Our responsibility is to leave the Jungle Queen even stronger than we found it.”
The Jungle Queen departs daily from Marina Village at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale and continues to offer its signature sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, and live entertainment on Tropical Isle.
About Bill Fuller
Bill Fuller is a Miami-based entrepreneur, preservationist and hospitality executive with more than two decades of experience restoring and operating iconic South Florida destinations. He is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Barlington Group and Mad Room Hospitality, where he has led the revitalization of historic hospitality properties including Ball & Chain in Miami’s Little Havana and the landmark MAI-KAI Restaurant & Polynesian Show in Fort Lauderdale. Fuller is widely recognized for preserving culturally significant institutions while positioning them for long-term success through thoughtful investment, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to community.