River Rambler Cruises on the Hakuna Matata

Hakuna Matata, a 49 passenger tour boat can take you on a wonderful adventure on the Illinois andMississippi Rivers. The Hakuna Matata is an all-weather, 53’ foot, 49-passenger Coast Guard licensed tour boat. There is seating and cafe tables on both the upper and the lower decks. The first level of the boat is fully enclosed with large windows and is seasonally air-conditioned and heated. The upper deck is a huge open air patio offering 360 degree views of the river, bluffs, islands and historical points of interest along the way making it perfect for nature, photography and family photos. The cruise is made even more comfortable as the boat has restrooms and the TIKI BAR offering a cash bar, light snacks and souvenirs. Turn your cruise into a picnic by ordering a Box Lunch when you purchase your tickets in advance. Scheduled cruises will depart from Grafton Harbor and Pere Marquette Harbor. Arrangements can be made for cruises to depart from St. Charles, Alton and other local departure sights. The Hakuna Matata cruises run year round; weather and river conditions permitting. A variety of scheduled cruising opportunities will be offered and the Hakuna Matata will also be available to rent for private parties.

The River Rambler Tour is a fun and educational 1 hour boat ride on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers highlighting the historical and geographical points of interest. Throughout the summer and fall, the River Rambler tour will be offered 7-days per week. On the cruise, you may see animals such as deer, fox, eagles, blue herons, pelicans, geese, beavers, turtles and flying Asian carp. You will learn about the history and the legends of the river, including the expedition of Marquette and Joliet and the Native American population that once thrived along the river. 

The Mississippi and the Illinois Rivers provide an important economic and transportation function to our Nation. We may even pass a barge pushing a load up or down river transporting items such as fuel, grain or large mechanical equipment too large to be transported on the Nation’s highways. Turn your River Rambler cruise into a picnic by ordering a Picnic Lunch when you make your reservation. The cost is only $7.50 per person and lunch includes a Ham and Cheese or a Turkey and Cheese Sub Sandwich with Chips and a Gourmet Cookie.