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

If you’re dreaming of cruising through Fort Lauderdale’s iconic waterways without the crowds or rigid schedules of group tours, a private yacht charter might be just the ticket. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews and details paint a pretty appealing picture. It’s a chance to enjoy the bay at your own pace, soaking up sunshine and scenery on a sleek 40 ft yacht with up to 12 friends or family.

What really catches the eye here are two standout features: the flexibility of the route and duration and the all-included amenities with BYOB options. You can tailor your experience from 2 to 6 hours, and the boat is stocked with a cooler of ice and bottled water—so no need to worry about drinks. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the captain’s fee is additional, which can add to the overall price depending on your chosen duration. This experience will suit those looking for a personalized, relaxed day on the water, whether celebrating a special occasion or just escaping for some sun and sea with friends.

Key Points

• Flexible duration options range from 2 to 6 hours, letting you choose how long to enjoy the water.
• No fixed route means you can tailor your trip to see what interests you most in Fort Lauderdale’s bay.
• Includes fuel and a stocked cooler, offering convenience and value for money.
• A private experience ensures you and your group have exclusive access, making it ideal for celebrations or intimate outings.
• Optional captain fee is extra; plan accordingly if you’d like professional navigation.
• Highly rated by 148 travelers, with a perfect 5-star rating and 99% recommending it.

What to Expect from Your Private Yacht Experience

The first thing to note is that this is a completely customizable experience. Departing from the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the Sundancer 40 offers a sleek, modern setting to relax in. The boat features a spacious sun deck, shaded seating, a bathroom, and a small kitchen, making it comfortable even during longer trips. You’ll enjoy Bluetooth sound for your playlists, and the cooler is stocked with ice and bottled water, making it easy to stay refreshed.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• 2-Hour Option: Perfect for a quick taste of Fort Lauderdale’s waterway charm. You’ll cruise the Intracoastal Waterway—dubbed the “Venice of America”—featuring waterfront mansions and mega-yachts. You might love the way one reviewer described it as “a quick yet unforgettable sightseeing cruise,” with the added bonus of music and BYOB fun. If you just want a taste of the luxury lifestyle or a relaxed afternoon, this is a good choice.

• 4-Hour Option: This gives you extra time to explore. You can anchor at a sandbar for swimming and relaxing or even stop at a waterfront restaurant for a quick snack. Multiple reviews mention how much they enjoyed anchoring at sandbars for swimming, with one reviewer noting, “We cruised the intercoastal while he pointed out different houses and boats. We anchored at a sandbar for a while to swim and have fun.” It’s an ideal length for a balance of sightseeing and water play.

• 6-Hour Option: Here, the experience becomes more comprehensive. You can combine sightseeing, beach stops, and even dine at a waterfront restaurant if you like. This is the most leisurely choice, giving ample time for swimming, chilling, and enjoying Fort Lauderdale’s scenic spots without feeling rushed. It’s perfect if you want to maximize your day on the water.

The Experience on Board

You’ll be cruising aboard a sleek Sundancer 40 yacht, which feels both luxurious and practical. The vessel is spacious, with shaded seating for comfort, and a sun deck that invites you to lie back and soak up the sun. The onboard bathroom adds convenience, especially during longer trips. Many reviews mention how well-maintained and pristine the boat looks—”the ship is pristine,” says one happy traveler.

The Route and Stops

Since there’s no fixed route, the captain will follow your lead or suggest scenic spots. The focus is on enjoying the water, views, and the experience. Popular options include floating at sandbars to swim, cruising past opulent waterfront mansions, or just relaxing with your favorite tunes. With a knowledgeable captain (extra fee applies), you get insights into the area’s highlights, making the trip both fun and informative.

The Value of the Price

At around $397.65 for up to 12 people, this experience is quite competitive for a private yacht. The price covers the boat, fuel, landing, facility fees, and a cooler with water and ice—so it’s straightforward. The cost of the captain is additional, but when split among the group, it becomes very affordable per person. Several reviews highlight how much better this private experience is compared to crowded group tours, making it a great bang for your buck, especially if you’re celebrating or simply want an exclusive day on the water.

What the Reviews Say

Travelers are consistently impressed, with all reviews rating it 5 stars. Michelle_R called her day “lovely,” praising her captain’s knowledge and friendliness. Sally_L appreciated the sunset views during her late afternoon trip, describing it as “a much better experience than general group tours.” Sarah_Z shared how André, the captain, kept everyone engaged, pointing out homes and boats, and making sure everyone had fun swimming with “plenty of swim toys.”

Celebrations like birthdays get special mentions, with one guest noting, “This was a great cruise—Captain Andre was very friendly, and the boat was perfect for us.” The consistency in positive feedback about the crew’s professionalism and the boat’s cleanliness makes this a dependable choice.

What Travelers Love

• The personalized experience and flexible itinerary
• The scenic views of waterfront mansions and yachts
• The swimming opportunities at sandbars
• The friendly, knowledgeable captains who ensure a fun day

Potential Drawbacks

While the experience is highly rated, keep in mind that the captain fee is extra and depends on the length of your charter. Planning your budget ahead of time is wise. Also, weather can impact plans—rescheduling is possible, but last-minute cancellations due to weather mean no refund if it’s within 24 hours. Lastly, the boat’s capacity is 12 people, so larger groups need to split or book multiple trips.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This private yacht trip is ideal for groups of friends, families, or small celebrations looking for a luxurious yet relaxed day on the water. It suits those who want to avoid the crowded group tours and enjoy a more intimate, customizable outing. If you love the idea of lounging in the sun, swimming at sandbars, and exploring Fort Lauderdale’s waterways with your own crew, this is a fantastic choice.

It’s less suitable if you’re seeking a guided tour with specific fixed stops or if budget constraints make the extra captain fee a concern. But for anyone wanting privacy, flexibility, and scenic beauty, this experience delivers.

The Sum Up

A private yacht charter in Fort Lauderdale offers a refreshing take on exploring the city’s famous waterways. With multiple durations, no fixed route, and the freedom to bring your own drinks, it’s a flexible way to enjoy the area’s stunning scenery at your own pace. You’ll love the chance to anchor at sandbars for swimming, admire waterfront mansions, and relax with your favorite tunes—an experience that’s both personal and luxurious.

The boat’s cleanliness and well-maintained condition, combined with friendly captains (many of whom come highly recommended), make this a low-stress, memorable outing. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just seeking a peaceful escape, this trip can be tailored to fit your needs.

If you’re after an experience that combines scenic views, water fun, and privacy, this private yacht trip is a solid pick. Just remember to plan for the additional captain fee, and consider your preferred length of trip to maximize your enjoyment. It’s an excellent way to make the most of your time in Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant bay.

FAQ

Is parking available near the departure point?
Yes, there is free parking available, but it’s limited, so arrive a bit early or plan accordingly.

Are there age restrictions for the boat rental?
No, there are no restrictions. Just keep in mind that every person counts as a passenger, regardless of age.

How many people can go on this yacht?
Up to 12 guests can fit comfortably on the boat, making it perfect for small groups looking for intimacy and space.

Are lifejackets provided?
Yes, all necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, is included. If you plan to bring more children, let the operator know to get additional child-sized jackets.

Can I bring my own drinks or food?
Absolutely. The cooler on board is stocked with ice and bottled water, and you’re invited to BYOB. Just be sure to clean up after yourself.

What happens if it rains or the weather is bad?
You can reschedule, and refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If the weather is unsafe on the day, the trip might be canceled or rescheduled without penalty.

Can I fish during the trip?
Catch and release fishing is permitted. You may need to show a license if asked, and fishing gear must be used responsibly.

Are pets allowed onboard?
Service animals are permitted, but other pets aren’t allowed unless explicitly arranged.

Feel like this private boat experience might be the perfect way to enjoy Fort Lauderdale? It definitely sounds like a memorable, personalized day to soak up everything this vibrant city’s waterways have to offer.