This is the fast version of Fort Lauderdale's water tour. The boat is a 65-foot speedboat that leaves daily from Bahia Mar, a few minutes from Port Everglades, and covers the Intracoastal Waterway and the New River in about an hour. Expect Millionaires' Row mansions, celebrity estates, mega-yachts and the downtown skyline, with the captain sharing local history and wildlife notes. Weather permitting, the boat continues through the Port Everglades inlet into the Atlantic and runs along Fort Lauderdale Beach, with the chance to see cruise ships at one of the busiest ports in the world. There is comfortable seating, onboard restrooms and a bar serving cocktails and soft drinks. Ticket tiers range from general admission to middle-bench and VIP bow seating.
The pitch is speed with scenery. Compared with the Water Taxi's all-day loop or the older riverboats' slower tours, this is a compact hour that gets you onto open water quickly. The boat departs from Bahia Mar on the Intracoastal side of the beach, runs the waterway past the mansion mile and the yacht docks, and, if conditions allow, slips out the inlet at Port Everglades to ride the coastline. That ocean leg is the highlight, giving you the Atlantic view of Fort Lauderdale Beach that you cannot get from the river.
Port Everglades is the other draw. It is among the busiest cruise and cargo ports anywhere, and from the water the scale of the ships is a show in itself. The commentary mixes local history, landmark spotting and a bit of wildlife, with the captain pointing out what the day offers.
The vessel has comfortable seating, restrooms and a full bar, and infants must sit on an adult's lap. Seat choice is part of the booking: general admission is the budget pick, middle-bench seating sits in the middle of the action, and the VIP bow seats are the premium spot for wind and photographs.
Plan it as a short, flexible outing. It suits families with kids who would not sit through a long tour, couples after a short sunset-style outing, and anyone adding a boat ride to a cruise-embarkation day. Weather and sea conditions decide whether the boat goes through the inlet, so bring a light layer, sunglasses and a hat. Photo packages, alcohol, bottled water and snacks are not included. Full refunds are available for cancellations at least 24 hours before departure. Combine it with the beach, Las Olas or the Water Taxi for the full waterline picture.
What to expect
The experience
A roughly one-hour narrated run on a 65-foot speedboat from Bahia Mar: Intracoastal and New River first, then, weather permitting, the Port Everglades inlet and a run along the beach.
Best time
Daytime departures for cruise-ship watching; check the schedule for sunset-timed outings. Mornings tend to be calmer on the ocean leg.
How long
About an hour on the water, plus time to arrive and board.
Tips
Bring sunglasses, a hat and a light layer. Choose bow seats for the best view and the most wind. Check the sea conditions if you are prone to motion sickness.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A quick, breezy overview of the waterfront and the port.
- Families
- One hour keeps kids engaged, and onboard restrooms help.
- Couples
- A fast, scenic outing with a drink in hand and the beach skyline for backdrop.
- Pair with
- Bahia Mar's beach, the Water Taxi or an afternoon on Las Olas.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
Where does it depart?+
Daily from Bahia Mar, a few minutes from Port Everglades.
How long is the cruise?+
About one hour.
Does it go into the ocean?+
Weather permitting, the boat continues through the Port Everglades inlet into the Atlantic and runs along Fort Lauderdale Beach.
What is on board?+
Comfortable seating, restrooms and a bar serving cocktails and soft drinks. Photo packages, alcohol, bottled water and snacks are not included in the fare.
Are there seating options?+
Yes: general admission, middle-bench and VIP bow seating are offered at different prices.
