11 Boat Tours in Fort Lauderdale That Repay the Ticket

1.Water Taxi All Day hop-on hop-off Venice of America Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,932 reviews · 1 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $38Our pick

Spend up to 12 hours on Fort Lauderdale’s Water Taxi, boarding at stops along the Intracoastal Waterway. Listen to live narration, admire waterfront homes and yachts, and hop off for Las Olas, the beach, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Hollywood, or a meal by the water. The full route works best with an early start.

“The taxi schedule was pretty easy to figure out and the trip up and down the waterway was really cool. The guys with the mics were funny and informative. If we knew the area better we’d have hopped on and off more to go do things but we didn’t so we just rode up and down and that was pretty fun for a cheap ticket.”

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2.Jungle Queen Riverboat 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,753 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $31Best value

Take a 90-minute narrated Jungle Queen cruise from 801 Seabreeze Boulevard through Fort Lauderdale’s New River. Guides such as Mason, Monica, Steve, and Nick add local stories and humor while you view waterfront mansions, mega yachts, downtown sights, and part of Port Everglades. Food and drinks are sold onboard, and the boat has restrooms.

“Booking is very easy and uncomplicated.The trip is wonderful and full of interesting facts about the area”

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3.1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise (arrive 30 minutes early)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,483 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $35Top rated

Board the pirate ship Bluefoot at Dania Beach Marina for a one-hour family adventure with Captain Moe, Black Rose, Lady Lilian Red, and other costumed crew members. Children learn pirate talk, search for treasure, use water cannons against Barnacle Bill, and take home a certificate and loot bag. Arrive 30 minutes early for tattoos and pirate dress-up.

“You will get wet, lots of fun, the crew is great. You will get wet, lots of fun, the crew is great. You will get wet, lots of fun, the crew is great.”

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4.All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,158 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $80

Cruise Fort Lauderdale’s New River aboard the Jungle Queen, passing Millionaire’s Row and mega-yachts before reaching Tropical Isle. Enjoy all-you-can-eat ribs, chicken, sides, live dinner music, and a variety show with Polynesian dancing and fire acts. The four-hour evening begins at 6 p.m. and returns to Bahia Mar.

“This was a wonderful experience. Definitely a must do. The cruise was very entertaining and the food was tasty.”

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5.Evening Boat Cruise through Downtown Ft. Lauderdale

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 902 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55

Spend about two hours cruising Fort Lauderdale’s canals with party music, bottled water, onboard coolers, and views of yachts, mansions, Port Everglades, and Las Olas Isles. Captains and hosts such as Ross, BJ, Jennifer, Mike, and Ryan add stories, jokes, trivia, and local color. Bring your own food, drinks, ice, cups, and napkins.

“1) a waiver was sent out 2 hours after purchase to sign via text which says even the boat or driver is negligent, they are not responsible. The boat stopped at a gas station for 30 minutes. They said we can buy a cocktail and bring it on the boat or feed the fish. This was part of the two hour tour that was “not” listed. 3) BJ talked maybe 20 minutes about the bones and area. 4) Ross at the beginning and at the end said • we work for the tips and stressed “make sure we tip with a strong elaboration as if it is a requirement. 5)…”

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6.Sunset Catamaran Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 692 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

Set out from Spirit of Lauderdale at 5 pm for a two-hour catamaran ride past waterfront mansions, Port Everglades, and Fort Lauderdale Beach. The boat motors through the canals, then raises its sails offshore. You get a complimentary glass of champagne, shaded seating, a restroom, music, and a cash bar. Recent sailings have featured Captains Jim, Joe, and John, with crew such as Justin and Marcos.

“Great relaxing sailboat ride with beautiful views. However, some of the Viator information was incorrect so call the company to confirm times and address.”

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7.Ft. Lauderdale Mini Powerboat Rental. Canal, Yacht, Mansion Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 494 reviews · 1 hour (approx.)

Drive your own mini powerboat from Las Olas Paddle Boards through Fort Lauderdale’s canals and Intracoastal Waterway. Staff members, including Elizabeth and Taylor, provide clear instruction, a route map, fuel, and safety guidance. The boat fits up to two people, requires no prior boating experience, and gives you about an hour to enjoy yachts, mansions, mangroves, and waterfront views at your own pace.

“It's a fun amd light water activity. Elizabeth and Taylor (yes, those were their names!) were amazing! They gave clear instructions and were very patient. The water was perfect, it wasn't too hot. The views were stunning! We really enjoyed it!”

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8.Island Time Boat Cruise in Fort Lauderdale

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 482 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55

Spend about two hours cruising Fort Lauderdale’s canals, yacht-lined waterways, downtown, Las Olas Isles, and the port before stopping at a shallow sandbar for swimming. Captains such as John, Ryan, Ross, and Damien keep the mood lively with jokes, music, and local sights. Bring your own food and drinks, but leave glass containers at home.

“This is a great time, we’re from out of state and wanted to have something fun to do. I checked around for the best boat on this website and i’m happy i picked this one, it’s a vibe for sure. totally awesome 100%, BYOB with coolers, for the price this is 100% the move for anyone wondering, and this exact boat is the one to do without a doubt.”

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9.Fort Lauderdale Sailing Charter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 387 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $150

Captain Dan takes your private group from a Fort Lauderdale residence along the New River, past grand homes and yachts, then out toward the Atlantic when weather allows. Bring your own food and drinks, take the helm, swim, snorkel, or relax on the bow. The boat holds up to six people and includes water, ice, cups, plates, cutlery, and safety gear.

“I booked this trip to celebrate my husband's birthday, and we had a really wonderful day. Perfect weather and perfect water. Captain Dan was very kind to answer all of our questions. My husband has dreamed of buying a sailboat, so he had lots of questions to ask. Captain Dan was generous in sharing knowledge and advice from his years of experience. He explained the basics of sailing and let both of us take a turn steering the boat to get a feel for it. We also met Captain Dan's wonderful wife, Tracey, when we arrived and chatted with her when we got back from our sail. I absolutely recommend…”

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10.Millionaire’s Row Cruise with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 372 reviews · 1h 15m · from $45

Spend 75 minutes on Fort Lauderdale’s waterways with a Coast Guard licensed captain and tour host. Sip complimentary beer, wine, or soda while passing Millionaire’s Row, Las Olas Isles, Port Everglades, mega yachts, and the city skyline. Choose a daytime sailing for fuller narration, since the 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM trips have limited commentary.

“A great little cruise to learn and see things about Ft. lauderdale! Crew was friendly and knowledgeable!”

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11.Private tour for 12 people on a 40 ft Yacht, Ft Lauderdale bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 341 reviews · 2 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $184

Take a private yacht from Bahia Mar Yachting Center and shape the outing around your group. Cruise Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway, view waterfront homes and mega-yachts, anchor at a sandbar, or add a waterfront meal. Captain Andre, Simon, Luis, and others have guided past trips. Fuel, water, ice, and a restroom are included.

“Horrible. Unreliable . Do not recommend . Captain never showed up. Paid for party of 6 and parking . Called company and was hung up on .”

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