Boat Tours in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is the jumping-off point for an impressive range of boat trips. Whether you want to go gator spotting in the Everglades or sail over colorful coral reefs in the Florida Keys, the possibilities seem endless.

Check out these incredible Fort Lauderdale boat trips and get ready for an adventure like no other. Party like a pirate or sip Champagne on a sunset cruise – the choice is yours.

What are the most popular boat tours in Fort Lauderdale?

There is such a lot of choice when it comes to Fort Lauderdale boat trips that it can be difficult to decide which to include in your itinerary. Here are some of the best tours to get you started.

Sightseeing trips

Explore the hidden creeks and bustling canals that make Fort Lauderdale so famous, visiting the top sights in style on board catamarans, yachts, or the historic Jungle Queen riverboat. Want to get wet? Then see if you can master the water trampolines and inflatable slides that are put out on some of the excursions.

Airboat tours

The iconic airboats are what the Everglades are all about, and there is nothing quite like skimming along the water with the breeze in your hair. Admire the changing landscapes and meet the resident wildlife as you discover one of the country’s most mysterious national parks.

Glass-bottomed boat excursions

Head to the Florida Keys and watch fish darting about the reefs through the transparent boat floor. This is a relaxing way to encounter life beneath the waves while soaking up the sun on deck.

Private charters

Enjoy personal attention and have a say in the schedule on board an exclusive yacht or airboat charter. Anchor off tropical shores and jump into the warm ocean to swim in dramatic bays and snorkel above coral reefs.

Sunset boat trips

The best place to watch the sunset in Fort Lauderdale is from the water, so relax on deck with a glass of fizz and celebrate the end of the day in spectacular fashion. Some longer cruises include a barbecue dinner on board too.

Pirate ship cruises

Practice your “ahoys” and set sail on a swashbuckling adventure around the inlets of Fort Lauderdale. Breathe in the salty sea air as you hunt for treasure chests, enjoying epic water-cannon battles and learning the lingo befitting of a seasoned buccaneer.

Party boat jaunts

Get your glad rags on and those hips shaking as you boogie into the evening on a booze cruise. Sip cocktails and request your favorite tunes from the live DJ.

Duck boat trips

Traverse land and water on a unique amphibious vehicle, taking in key sights while being highly entertained by the amusing onboard guides. This is a favorite with 007 wannabes!

Boat Rentals

Want to do your own thing? Then hire an electric boat and explore the rivers and coastal waters of Fort Lauderdale on a day of independent adventure.

How much do boat tours in Fort Lauderdale cost?

When it comes to Fort Lauderdale boat trips, there is something to suit all budgets.

• Scenic Fort Lauderdale tours start at $25 per person for 1.5 hours, rising to $47 for 2.5 hours, and $87 for 3.5-hours.
• Airboat tours in the Everglades range from $25 for 30 minutes to $44 for a 4-hour trip. Night alligator-spotting excursions are $43 per person.
• For 2 hours on a glass-bottomed boat expect to pay $52 for 2 passengers, or $149 per person for a full day trip.
• Pirate ship cruises are $20 per person, while party boats cost $47 for 2 hours, or $103 for 3-hour sunset trips.
• Duck boat tours are priced at $23 for 1.5 hours exploring land and sea.
• Sunset excursions last from 1.5 – 2.5 hours with tickets costing $25 - $87 per person. Dinner cruises are $61 for 4 hours including a barbecue supper and an evening entertainment show.
• Private charters vary in price according to tour length, boat type, and passenger capacity. An hour-long exclusive airboat ride is $305, while a couple of hours on a private yacht ranges from $186 - $236. Half-day tours are $154 - $787, with a full-day excursion starting at $409.
• Independent boat rental costs $225 - $326 for 6 hours, or $605 for a whole day of hire.

Which places are visited on a boat tour from Fort Lauderdale?

Everglades National Park

This subtropical wilderness is one of Florida’s highlights, with legendary rivers and ancient swamps to explore. Cypress trees watch over this primeval park while alligators laze on logs and glide stealthily through the waterways.

Sawgrass Recreation Park is a popular destination for airboat tours from Fort Lauderdale. These unique vessels float across the meandering channels, propelling you into the heart of this untamed territory. See if you can spy iguanas and tortoises, or watch for gator eyes gleaming in the dark on a night ride.

The Venice of America

See how the other half live with a cruise along the New River in Fort Lauderdale, where the Millionaire’s Row houses stand loud and proud. Discover the history of the intricate waterway system and admire the mega-yachts bobbing at anchor.

As you sail along the canals there will be chances to enjoy tranquil beaches and anchor near the inshore reefs – will you spot a coral starfish?

Which day trips include boat tours in nearby destinations?

Using Fort Lauderdale as your base, you can enjoy boat trips in other local areas after a transfer by road.

Florida Keys

This string of tropical islands is a haven for boat tours, diving, and snorkeling. Dolphins are frequent visitors so keep your camera handy.

Famously located at the end of 42 bridges, Key West is the southernmost city in the US mainland. The coral reef is the third-largest in the world and taking a glass-bottomed boat trip here will be a favorite vacation moment.

Hidden beneath the waves in Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the perfect place for snorkeling in Key Largo and a popular stop on Fort Lauderdale boat trips too. The realm of abundant marine life, this shallow reef can be seen without even getting your feet wet.

Biscayne Bay

Biscayne Bay, a vast lagoon in Miami,  is home to glittering city skylines and long swathes of sandy beach, punctuated by lighthouses and palm trees. You will pass this Miami gem on your way south to the Florida Keys, and it gives a tantalizing taste of what lays ahead.

How long does a boat trip last?

There is a huge range of boat tours in Fort Lauderdale and you can be sure to find something that fits in with your schedule.

Scenic excursions last 1.5 – 3.5 hours, while glass-bottomed boat cruises are either 2 hours or a full day in length. Some of these shorter tours do not include transfer time from Fort Lauderdale.

4-hour airboat tours in the Everglades are a fun way to explore the park, with options for shorter trips too. 30-minute jaunts are available for those short on time.

Pirate ship cruises are an hour long, and party boats give you 2-3 hours of fun on the water. Fancy a ride on the duck boat? Then allow around 1.5 hours for this amphibious excursion.

Sunset tours are 1.5 – 2.5 hours, with an option for a 4-hour dinner cruise if you want a longer evening out.

Private charters can be anything from 1 hour to a full day, depending on your preferences. If you want to explore independently, you can hire your own boat for 6 hours or a whole day.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Hotel pick-ups are often included in boat tours from Fort Lauderdale, so do check this at the time of booking.

Local sightseeing trips around the waterways of Fort Lauderdale and evening sunset cruises usually depart from various points along Seabreeze Boulevard. Some private charters leave from Mandarin Isle or Marina Bay Drive in the center of town.

Meanwhile, Everglades tours begin on the edge of the city at different locations off Highway 27 including Griffin Road, and the entrance to Sawgrass Recreation Park.

Boat excursions in the Florida Keys include a land transfer, while others require you to make your own way to the embarkation point which is often in Key Largo. Your chosen provider will advise you on this.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Fort Lauderdale?

Sub-tropical Fort Lauderdale is a warm year-round destination, and particularly popular with visitors looking for a winter getaway in the sun. As a result, December – April is high season, so do book ahead to avoid disappointment as it does get busy here.

Summer can be hot with unpredictable weather, but this is still a great time to travel. Just plan on plenty of water activities to keep cool, and be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Pack a jacket as well as sun protection if you intend to travel during this time.

Fall brings slightly cooler and more settled weather, which makes this an ideal time for boat trips without the crowds. The water remains warm enough to swim in too.

Fort Lauderdale boat tours operate throughout the day, with evening sunset trips being particularly romantic.  

Which other water activities can be done in Fort Lauderdale?

• Fishing trips: cast your line out over the reefs and reel in a triggerfish, or go hunting for deep sea monsters on an adrenaline-filled day of fishing – beginners and experts are equally welcome.
• Jet skiing: slice through the waves as you power along the blue waterways of Fort Lauderdale, mastering maneuvers and enjoying the cooling spray on your face.
• Kayaking: go island-hopping and land on secluded beaches during an epic paddling adventure that takes in everything from mega mansions to marine life.
• Snorkeling: use your fins to propel you over coral reefs teeming with life and be at one with nature in this thriving underwater kingdom.
• Stand up paddle boarding: explore the tropical waters and idyllic islands around Fort Lauderdale on a relaxing nautical excursion that requires no prior experience.

Travel tips

• Pack your swimming kit and towel for boat tours that include snorkeling and water activities, as well as plenty of sunscreen to prevent getting burned out on the water.
• Book your Fort Lauderdale boat trip tickets in advance to bag the best online deals for your chosen dates.
• Make sure you arrive at the meeting point ahead of schedule and check your joining instructions for the location details.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for moving about the boat and pack a light jacket during the summer months in case of rain.