The Bama Belle was built in 1970 by the Dubuque Boat & Boiler Company in Dubuque, Iowa.  She cruised most of her like in the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tennessee, entertaining guests at Operyland.  At this time, she was affectionately know as the Captain Ann.

She made her way to the Port of Tuscaloosa in 10 days when previous owners, Captain Mike and Nikki Medeiros, purchased her from Destin, Florida.  At that time she was know as the Emerald Queen.  Re-documented and re-certified by the United States Coast Guard as the Bama Belle, with a capacity or 150 passengers, she is proud to call Tuscaloosa her Port of Call.  After the tragic death of Captain Mike in December 2005, Nikki continued to operate the Belle until she sold it in July 2009.  Under new management, the Bama Belle is operated by Sandi Wyatt, Captains Bobby Wyatt and John Gray, First Mate Conrad James and deckhand Toby Gresko.

Stretching 90’  from tip of the stage to the rear of the bustle, she has a 28’  beam and a 5’draft.  The Bama Belle is an authentic split wheel paddle wheeler and weighs in at 54 gross tons.  Her only means of propulsion are two paddle wheels.  Power is provided by two Detroit diesel engines affectionately named Thelma & Louise.

The Bama Belle is a unique setting for weddings, rehearsal dinners, family reunions, church and school functions, birthday parties, public dinners and sightseeing cruises as well as holiday events.