If you are a fan of classic movies like I am, you’ll love this. You can still step aboard and even take a ride on the original African Queen. While Humphrey Bogart won’t be there to constantly kick the boiler, it’s still a great chance to relive cinematic history. Docked at the Marina Del Mar in Key Largo, Florida, this storied steamboat invites guests to experience in real life the magic of the 1951 film that starred Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.
A Storied Past
Constructed in 1912 by Lytham Shipbuilding in England, the vessel—originally named the S/L Livingstone—was designed for service on Africa’s Victoria Nile and Lake Albert. Its narrow build allowed it to navigate the region’s winding waterways, transporting missionaries, mercenaries, and cargo.
The boat’s cinematic journey began when director John Huston discovered it during a location scout in Africa. Recognizing its potential, he cast the vessel in a leading role for The African Queen, renaming it after the film. The movie, set during World War I, follows the unlikely partnership between a gin-soaked riverboat captain (Bogart) and a prim missionary (Hepburn) as they navigate treacherous waters to confront a German gunboat.
The movie quickly became a classic.
The African Queen (1951) garnered critical acclaim and several prestigious awards. At the 24th Academy Awards in 1952, Humphrey Bogart won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Charlie Allnut, marking his only Academy Award win. The film also received nominations for Best Actress (Katharine Hepburn), Best Director (John Huston), and Best Screenplay (James Agee and John Huston).
Katharine Hepburn’s performance as Rose Sayer earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the same ceremony, adding to her record-setting 12 Oscar nominations throughout her career. Although she did not win for The African Queen, Hepburn holds the record for the most Academy Awards for Best Actress, with four wins in total.
From Silver Screen to Sunshine State
After its Hollywood debut, the African Queen changed hands multiple times. In 1982, Florida attorney and Bogart enthusiast Jim Hendricks Sr. purchased the vessel from a pasture in Ocala, Florida, for a reported $65,000. He invested an equal amount to restore it, eventually offering rides from Key Largo’s Holiday Inn starting in 1983.
Following Hendricks’s death in 2001, the boat’s engine failed, and it remained on display until 2012. That year, Captain Lance and Suzanne Holmquist undertook a comprehensive restoration, replacing steel in the hull, installing a new boiler, and refurbishing the vessel’s African mahogany to match its film appearance.
Cruise Details
Today, the African Queen offers 1.5-hour canal cruises departing from the Marina Del Mar. The journey travels down the Port Largo Canals to the Atlantic Ocean before turning around to return. Cruises are available at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. The boat is licensed to carry up to six passengers, ensuring an intimate experience. Guests can even ask the captain for a turn at the helm and enjoy the old steam whistle blowing along the way. (How cool would that be? To be able to say that you actually piloted the original African Queen?)
The cost for the canal cruise is $59 per adult and $25 for children aged 4 to 12; children 3 and younger ride for free. Advance purchase is recommended as cruises sell out quickly.
A Living Piece of Cinema
The African Queen remains a testament to early 20th-century engineering and cinematic history. Its presence in Key Largo offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with an icon of film heritage. For more information or to book a cruise, visit the African Queen‘s official website.
Of all the things to see and do in Florida, this one rates really high on our list. Whether you’re a film aficionado, a history buff, or simply seeking a unique adventure, cruising aboard the African Queen promises an unforgettable journey through both time and storytelling.
