The JAX Chamber is sponsoring expanded historic river tours on the St. Johns River on Saturdays this fall as part of the Chamber’s commitment to working with public and private partners to activate the riverfront.

The tours  began in September. The river tours expand Saturday river taxi service to and from the Riverside Arts Market, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the Museum of Science and History. River cruises to the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens departing from downtown are also offered every Saturday.

“This is a good first step as we look for ways for people to get out and enjoy being on the river,” JAX Chamber Chair Audrey Moran said. “Water is part of the foundation of who we are as a community and we need to provide more access for families to feel connected to our natural resources.”

Improving access to the St. Johns River was a key component of the JAX Chamber Leadership Trip that Moran led to Oklahoma City last fall. Oklahoma City leaders recently visited Jacksonville and spoke about how they opened up more access to their downtown river.

The tours are part of the OnBoard Jax! campaign that aims to support river activation by expanding opportunities for the public to experience the river. The Chamber joins other sponsors, including the St. Johns River Taxi, Jacksonville Jaguars, City of Jacksonville, The Florida Times-Union, Vesta Property Services, Lakeshore Marine Services and the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

“We are grateful for the Chamber’s support,” said Heather Surface, whose company assumed management of River Taxi operations in July 2015. “We believe the St. Johns River is our community’s greatest natural asset, and we will continue to explore new opportunities for Jacksonville residents and visitors to experience it first-hand.”

Expanded service for the fall includes narrated downtown tours on Friday and Saturday. Sunset cruises with live music will leave from Friendship Park every Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

To view a schedule of river cruises that are offered, visit here.

The JAX Chamber is the business membership organization dedicated to driving quality economic growth in Northeast Florida to make this region the best place to live, work and play. Membership provides the opportunity to connect with and buy from other Chamber members. The connections result in business growth and a more prosperous economy.