Her Name Is VADA
A Beneteau Swift Trawler 50, selected for her comfort, seaworthiness, and elegant design.
A typical 3-hour cruise aboard VADA
Please arrive 30 minutes before your requested departure time.
- Meet and greet at Lambs Yacht Center. We will escort you to and from VADA.
- Meet Captain Vance. Listen to a safety briefing and familiarization with VADA while getting settled and stowing your bring-ons.
- Depart the marina. Cruise out into the St. Johns River via a requested opening of the Ortega River bridge. Once in deeper water, VADA turns north toward downtown Jacksonville, where we cruise under the remaining five bridges, enjoy the views, and almost certainly see dolphins along the way.
- Enjoy the cruise. Enjoy your food and drinks and have a great time. Depending on your start time, you may also enjoy a beautiful sunset over the St. Johns River.
- Return to the marina. About two hours into a typical three-hour cruise, VADA heads back toward the Ortega River for docking.
What guests need to bring
BYOB. Bring your favorite spirits, wine, and other drinks. We provide drinkware, ice, and complimentary items; please review our complimentary stock.
Food. Bring your desired food and snacks if you wish. When guests bring their own food, no service staff is provided. Microwave use is available for reheating only; no cooking is permitted aboard VADA. Meals provided through Cruise Jacksonville include service staff from the catering company.
Dress for the weather. VADA has an air-conditioned cabin, but the flybridge — where the views are best — can get breezy underway. We suggest a layer you can throw on and a hat or sunglasses for sunny afternoons. In the cooler months, bring a light jacket for sunset cruises.
Footwear. Please wear only flip-flops or boat shoes on the boat. Other types of shoes will be collected upon boarding to protect the vessel's interior. This request is common in the boating world.
Animals. Pets and animals are not permitted aboard VADA or Hydro.
Drawn from the Italian verb andare — to go — “vada” carries the sense of an invitation: to proceed, to explore, to experience.
It is a quiet encouragement to move forward without urgency, guided only by the moment and the water beneath you. Go where the river flows.
A vessel built for beauty and comfort
VADA is a 50-foot Beneteau Swift Trawler. Every space aboard has been designed to ensure a safe, relaxed, and genuinely memorable cruise — whether you're hosting a private event or simply enjoying the river.
Spacious Interior Salon
A large, air-conditioned salon with comfortable seating and panoramic windows — a welcoming gathering space for dining, conversation, or simply watching the river pass by.
Expansive Flybridge Deck
The elevated flybridge offers 360-degree views, shaded lounge seating, and a wet bar — the perfect open-air perch for sunsets and sightseeing.
Private Guest Restroom
A private day head ensures comfort and convenience for all guests — a thoughtful detail that sets VADA apart from smaller vessels.
Please note: A marine head is much smaller than a residential toilet and is located in a compact room with a narrow 20-inch-wide door.
State-of-the-Art Navigation
Modern navigation technology and comprehensive safety systems for a smooth, secure cruise every time.
The team behind every cruise
Captain Vance and Dana personally welcome every guest aboard. From a smooth ride at the helm to a thoughtfully set table, the experience is hands-on.
Everything aboard, at a glance
- Spacious air-conditioned interior salon
- Expansive flybridge with wet bar
- Modern, upscale furnishings
- Smooth, stable ride
- Private restroom for guests
- Multiple outdoor seating areas
- Up to 6 guests (U.S. Coast Guard licensed)
