Downtown Fort Lauderdale canal view from a private cruise
Fort Lauderdale river and bridge viewed from the water
Aerial view of Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal waterways

Fort Lauderdale River Cruise & Private Boat Ride

A private Fort Lauderdale river cruise follows the New River and Intracoastal Waterway for close-up views of downtown, Las Olas, waterfront homes, marinas, and passing yachts.

Fort Lauderdale Activity

Explore Fort Lauderdale on a Private Boat Cruise

Enjoying a Fort Lauderdale boat cruise is an excellent way to explore the city’s waterways and its stunning architecture, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife. Known as the “Venice of America,” the city features an extensive network of canals that cut through the landscape. With so much to explore, it’s no surprise that boating has become a pillar of our culture. Choosing a Fort Lauderdale river cruise offers the experience of gaining a unique perspective of the area that many visitors never get the chance to see

If you’re up for the adventure, take a trip down to the Haulover. This iconic trip takes passengers on a scenic cruise through the Intracoastal Waterway. Along the way, passengers can enjoy music, snacks, sunshine, and a glimpse into the state’s rich history and culture.

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Fort Lauderdale River Cruise

Also recognized as the Las Olas River cruise (named after the iconic street that runs parallel to the river), our standard route takes you through the renowned New River. The New River got its name early in US history when settlers were still mapping the area. The mouth of the river would constantly change, leading surveyors to mark it as a “New River.” Or so the story goes, at least. What isn’t up for debate is that the New River cuts right through the heart of downtown, acts as a vital transportation waterway, and is the perfect location for day cruises in Fort Lauderdale.

A New River cruise is the perfect place for anyone who wants to take in the sites of multi-million dollar yachts and houses. As the river approaches downtown, luxury homes disappear while restaurants and other attractions take their place. A collection of restaurants and bars occupy the sides and is visited by tourists and locals alike. The Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk borders part of the river and is a hotbed for local events and shops. Parks dot the sides of the river and break up the urban sprawl to provide plenty of visual variety.

Explore

Explore the river’s edges while on your yacht cruise in Fort Lauderdale. You will see a few famous landmarks as you go down the river. A favorite amongst many is the Stranahan House. Initially built as a trading outpost over 100 years ago, this is the oldest standing building in Broward County. Next to it, you’ll find the Riverside Hotel. Opened in 1936, the hotel has been a landmark of Las Olas Blvd since its inception. Its Mediterranean style would serve to influence many of the buildings that followed.

Sightsee

Along with a rich history, our Fort Lauderdale boat cruises put on display a level of opulence that is hard to come by in other parts of the country. As you pass downtown, you’ll reach the beginning of what is colloquially known as the Millionaires’ Row boat tour. Owners of these mega-mansions range from lawyers, business owners, executives of billion-dollar companies, lucky children, and everything in between. With each house displaying the tastes of their wealthy owners, uninhibited by finances, there’s a great collection of properties to see.

Adventure

While the New River terminates near the sandbar, the Intracoastal Waterway extends up and down the coast, separated only by South Florida’s barrier islands. If you’d like to continue a calm boat cruise, this waterway is another great candidate to take in the sights and sounds of Florida. Alternatively, you can venture through the nearby Port Everglades and continue your adventures into the Atlantic Ocean.

Dine

As boating is so prevalent in the area, it’s unsurprising that waterfront restaurants cater to boaters. Taking advantage of their waterfront locations, a handful of restaurants offer dockage, allowing your Fort Lauderdale river cruise to transform into a dinner cruise. If you’re unsure of what’s in the area, don’t hesitate to ask your captain for recommendations so that you can have the perfect meal.

Downtown waterfront scenery on a Fort Lauderdale river cruise
Boat route beneath a bridge on the New River in Fort Lauderdale
Aerial view of the Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Waterway
Aerial view of Fort Lauderdale and its waterways
Fort Lauderdale waterfront illuminated after sunset
Sunset over the Fort Lauderdale waterfront horizon
Private boat cruising across open South Florida water
Private yacht cruising through turquoise water on a Bimini charter from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale skyline glowing at sunset from the water
Sailboat cruising in the Atlantic near Fort Lauderdale

Evening Cruises in Fort Lauderdale

With the sun beginning to set, your adventure turns into a leisurely evening cruise in Fort Lauderdale. The hues of our sky become a vibrant mix of pastels, blanketing our city in serene beauty, the perfect backdrop for a private boat cruise for two. Our Fort Lauderdale sunset cruises come unmatched, offering luxury boats for rentals above the rest.

Cocktail Cruise

With our courtesy concierge service, you can place an order at TotalWine and have our crew pick up your order. Everything will be chilled and prepared for your arrival, building the perfect Fort Lauderdale cocktail cruise. Our vessels are fully stocked and ready to go with cups, ice, and everything else in between.

Romance

It’s hard to find a more romantically secluded place than in the middle of the water underneath a sky littered with stars. Anyone on a Fort Lauderdale night cruise will have no shortage of opportunities to share an intimate moment with their partner. Whether celebrating an anniversary or planning a proposal, our team can help with any special requests.

The Best Day Cruises in Fort Lauderdale

Whether it’s a short 4-hour cruise in Fort Lauderdale or an entire day trip, Flamingo Yacht Charters strives to lead the industry. Our team goes above and beyond the rest, assuring you the perfect getaway. With a half-day trip, explore everything the city has to offer, or take a one-day cruise in Fort Lauderdale and explore beyond the city’s boundaries.

Interactive water-sights map

Things to See in Fort Lauderdale on the Water

Select a waterfront landmark to center the map and explore the downtown, New River, Intracoastal, marina, and sandbar sights available during a private Fort Lauderdale cruise.

Our Private Fort Lauderdale Booze Cruise

For those who want a more lively time on the water, you can enjoy our private booze cruise in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy the sun with a cold beer or cocktail in your hand. Unlike other booze cruises in Fort Lauderdale, our vessels are private. Enjoy a day on the water with endless drinks around friends, not strangers.

Sandbar

Sandbars are the perfect destination for any Fort Lauderdale booze cruise. Typically centralized in bays, sandbars allow boaters to wade in waist-deep water and mingle with one another. Expand your party with new friends or take the opportunity to people-watch as you lounge on the boat or in the water.

Bar Hop

If you’d prefer to avoid the bustle of the sandbars, our Fort Lauderdale boat cruise can also take you through the assortment of restaurants and bars on the water. For those who want to sample the local cuisine and drinks, this is a great way to go through our offerings.

Essentials Package

Our comprehensive charter package transforms your South Florida boating adventure by handling every critical preparation detail. We’ve meticulously assembled a complete collection of necessities—from plush, soft towels and high-quality protective sunblock to essential dining items like cups and utensils, refreshing water bottles, and cooling ice—ensuring you can focus entirely on enjoying your maritime experience.

Simply arrive ready to create memories. Our carefully curated essentials package eliminates preparation stress, allowing you to step aboard and immediately immerse yourself in the pure joy of Fort Lauderdale’s stunning waters.

Custom Delivery

Skip the hassle of dragging drinks to the dock with our convenient pickup and delivery service. We’ll ensure your selected food and beverages are waiting aboard before you set sail. For spirits and wines, place your order through TotalWine, and our crew will pick it up.

Food and snacks can be arranged through Publix’s online ordering system, or we can coordinate pickup from your preferred local restaurant. All are delivered directly to your vessel for a seamless start to your journey.

Boards and Platters

Enhance your nautical experience with our expertly curated selection of gourmet platters. Our signature charcuterie boards feature an artful arrangement of premium meats, fine cheeses, fresh fruits, and artisanal crackers.

We’ve designed diverse options to suit every preference and time of day: savor our lunch platter for uninterrupted cruising without restaurant stops, start your morning voyage with our freshly prepared pastry or fruit selections, or indulge in our decadent dessert platter for those craving something sweet. Each offering is crafted to complement your time on the water perfectly.

Watersports

Transform your captained boat rental into an aquatic playground with our extensive collection of water toys and sports equipment. Fort Lauderdale’s calm waters provide the perfect setting for every level of adventure—glide across the surface on a paddleboard, explore hidden coves by kayak, or experience the thrill of tubing across the wake.

Beneath the crystal-clear waters, snorkeling gear reveals a vibrant underwater world teeming with tropical marine life. Whether seeking excitement or peaceful exploration, our diverse selection of water toys ensures endless entertainment for everyone aboard.