Go on a Fort Lauderdale boat tour

Exploring Fort Lauderdale by Boat: Top Tours and Excursions

One of the best ways to experience the breathtaking surroundings of Fort Lauderdale, often called the "Venice of America," is by embarking on a boat tour. Fort Lauderdale boat operators offer a variety of options, from traditional sightseeing outings to fishing charters and themed excursions on specialty boats. Here are some traveler favorites:

Carrie B Cruises

For a standard narrated tour of Fort Lauderdale's waterways, consider booking a cruise with Carrie B Cruises. These 90-minute sightseeing excursions travel up and down the New River and Intracoastal Waterway, passing notable sights like Port Everglades and Millionaires Row—a waterfront strip of mansions in the Las Olas Isles neighborhood. Tours depart daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 3 p.m.

• Adult tickets: $29.95
• Children (ages 3 to 12): $18.95
• Children (2 and under): Free

BlueFoot Pirate Adventures

Families will love exploring Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway with Bluefoot Pirate Adventures. These hour-long outings include rides on a replica pirate ship and commentary from captains and guides with pirate-inspired names like Barnacle Bill and Captain Black Sparrow. Excursions are available up to five times daily.

• Ticket prices: $16 or $32.90 per person, depending on age
• Extra charges apply for drinks and pirate accessories (eye patches, swords, bandanas)

Tropical Sailing

Tropical Sailing offers three tour options in Fort Lauderdale, including trips with stops for snorkeling and playing on water toys like a waterslide and water trampoline. The "Cast Away the Day Sunset Cruise" is particularly popular for its romantic atmosphere, soothing music, and cold beverages. Sunset tours last two hours.

• Children (ages 2 to 12): $69
• Seniors: $89
• General admission (ages 13 to 59): $99

Top Shot Sportfishing

Fort Lauderdale's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes it an ideal spot for fishing. Top Shot Sportfishing offers charters that last from four to nine hours for up to six people. Rates include a fishing license and the use of rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Departure times vary by excursion.

• Private charter: Starting at $875
• Shared boat: $250 per person

Fort Lauderdale Airboat Rides

If you’re not planning a visit to Sawgrass Recreation Park, consider an airboat tour with Fort Lauderdale Airboat Rides. These private excursions on smaller boats allow you to see alligators and explore parts of the Everglades that larger vessels can't reach. Tours last 60 to 90 minutes, with the 90-minute ride being the most commonly booked.

• 90-minute tour for two adults: $375
• Additional passengers: $75 each (reduced rates for children ages 6 to 12)
• Children age 5 and younger: Free

Jungle Queen Riverboats

For a unique twist on traditional sightseeing, book a cruise with Jungle Queen Riverboats. These classic riverboat tours come highly recommended by past visitors. The basic sightseeing cruise lasts one and a half hours and explores the New River and Millionaires Row.

• Ticket prices: $21 to $32 per person
• Cruises available daily at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., with additional time slots on specific days

To learn more about boat tours in Fort Lauderdale, visit the tour operators' individual websites. Boat excursions are also listed on Viator's website.