Exploring Fort Lauderdale from the Water: A Complete Look at the Private + Spacious Boat Tour
If you’re considering a day on the water in Fort Lauderdale, a private boat tour like this one might be just what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally taken this exact ride, I’ve seen enough reviews and itineraries to tell you it offers a relaxed, scenic experience perfect for small to medium groups eager to enjoy the city’s waterways without the hassle of navigating or pedaling. It’s an option that combines comfort, fun, and a touch of luxury at a reasonable price point for what’s included.
What really catches the eye about this tour are the spacious boat that can hold up to 21 people, and the variety of stops, especially the swim at the legendary Sandbar. Plus, with onboard features like a Bluetooth sound system and restroom, it’s designed to make your ride enjoyable and convenient. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the tour is BYOB—no alcohol is provided, so if you want drinks, you’ll need to bring your own. This experience seems well-suited for couples, friends, or small families looking for a laid-back day out on the water without overpaying for a large group cruise.
Key Points
- Spacious private boat accommodates up to 26 guests, giving plenty of room for comfort.
- Scenic routes along Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, with views of yachts and mansions.
- Multiple stops, including a fun swim at the Sandbar, with floats and Lilypad provided.
- Onboard amenities include a restroom and a Bluetooth sound system for music.
- BYOB policy means you can bring your own drinks but no alcohol is supplied.
- Flexible scheduling and a cancellation policy that offers full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.
What to Expect from This Fort Lauderdale Boat Tour

This tour is a 2-hour private adventure, perfect for those wanting a taste of the city’s waterways with some added fun. The boat itself is described as spacious and coast guard approved, which should give you peace of mind on safety and comfort. With a capacity of up to 21-26 people, it’s ideal for small groups seeking a more personalized experience compared to large cruise ships.
The tour kicks off at a centrally located meeting point, 1784 SE 15th St, and begins with a cruise along the New River, the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s waterway scene. This part of the trip allows you to admire the downtown skyline and get a feel for the city from a unique vantage point. Expect plenty of sights of luxurious yachts and billion-dollar mansions lining the shoreline—definitely a highlight for anyone interested in the area’s upscale side.
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The Sandbar Stop: The Highlight for Many
The second part of the tour is the main event: a swim at the legendary Sandbar. This is where floats and Lilypad are provided, creating a sort of floating pool in the middle of the water. Guests love this aspect, with one reviewer praising the “fun swim at the sandbar” and appreciating the floats included. It’s a relaxed, fun break from the cruising, and it’s ideal if you like a bit of aquatic play in your day. The sandbar stop lasts about an hour, giving you time to jump in, float around, or simply relax and enjoy the water.
Exploring “Millionaire Mile” and the Yachts
After the swim, the tour continues along Fort Lauderdale, giving you a front-row view of Millionaire Mile—a stretch famous for its luxurious yachts and sprawling mansions. The guide shares jokes and stories about the yachts and properties, adding a layer of local color and personality. This segment is about 30 minutes, allowing plenty of time to snap photos or just soak in the opulence from the water.
The Onboard Experience
One nice feature of this tour is the Bluetooth sound system. Whether you want to play your favorite playlist or some relaxing tunes, it makes the experience feel more personal. There’s also a restroom onboard, which is surprisingly convenient for a boat experience, especially during the summer months when a quick break can make a big difference.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks, making this a flexible outing—whether you want a picnic, some snacks, or drinks to sip while cruising. Just remember, alcohol isn’t included, but it’s BYOB, so plan accordingly.
The Practicalities

The tour costs $1,323.49 per group (up to 15 people), which breaks down to around $88 per person if you split evenly. Considering the size of the boat and what’s included—swimming, private space, onboard amenities—it’s a fair price. For larger groups, the boat can hold up to 21 people, which makes it a nice value for bigger parties.
Pickup service is offered, so you don’t have to worry about getting to the meeting point. The tour runs regardless of most weather conditions, with a full refund if canceled due to poor weather, so it’s reasonably flexible in planning.
Enjoy being on the water? Here are other boat experiences we've looked into in Fort Lauderdale
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- 6-Hour Sailing Charter from Fort Lauderdale
- Pontoon Boat Getaway of Fort Lauderdale
- Sea Rocket Sunset & Intracoastal Cruise in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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- 60ft Luxury Yacht Charter in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits couples or small groups who want a private, relaxed outing with plenty of opportunities for swimming and sightseeing. It’s perfect if your group appreciates comfort and a bit of luxury without the price tag of larger cruises. If you’re into yachts, mansions, and the glitz of Fort Lauderdale, you’ll enjoy the stories and scenery along Millionaire Mile.
However, if you’re expecting a lively party or a big group bash, this might feel a bit subdued. Also, keep in mind that alcohol isn’t included, so if you’re planning to drink, pack your BYOB accordingly.
Final Thoughts

This private boat tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Fort Lauderdale’s waterways with a good balance of sightseeing, fun swimming, and onboard comfort. The scenic routes and luxury homes are a treat, and the sandbar swim provides a memorable break. For groups who prefer a more intimate, customizable experience, the private boat option is a solid choice—especially with its onboard amenities and flexible food/drink policy.
While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the value lies in the privacy, comfort, and the ability to tailor your experience. It’s best for those who want a relaxed, scenic day with friends or loved ones and are okay with bringing their own drinks. Overall, a versatile, enjoyable way to explore Fort Lauderdale from the water.
Private + Spacious Boat in For Lauderdale, can hold up to 21 ppl
FAQ

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring any food and drinks you like on board. Just remember, alcohol isn’t provided, so bring your own if you want to enjoy some drinks.
How many people can the boat hold?
The boat can comfortably accommodate up to 26 guests, but the listed price is for a group of up to 15, which may be more affordable per person.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, it’s a relaxed boat ride with swimming stops, which could work for families with older children or teenagers.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes the boat, floats, Lilypad for swimming, Bluetooth sound system, restroom, and the guided cruise along the waterways and Sandbar stop.
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, covering cruising and swimming stops.
What happens in case of bad weather?
If the weather cancels the experience, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered from a central location, so you don’t need to worry about transportation.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially since this is a private experience with limited availability.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned. It’s a good idea to check if you have very young children or specific needs.
If you’re after a laid-back, scenic, and fun day on Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, this private boat tour is worth considering. It blends comfort, sightseeing, and water fun into a compact package that’s perfect for small groups looking to experience the city from a different perspective.
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