Top Fort Lauderdale Cruises & Sailing

You'll find lots of Fort Lauderdale boat tours that receive high rankings from guests, including sunset cruises and a pirate cruise. Here are the tours that receive the top ratings from visitors: 

• Carrie B Cruises — THE VENICE OF AMERICA TOUR
• 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale
• Jungle Queen Riverboat 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale
• Evening Boat Cruise Through Downtown Ft. Lauderdale
• Champagne Sunset Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale

Boat tours in Fort Lauderdale start at US$25 per person and typically cost around US$50 for sunset or snorkeling tours. If you are looking for a private, full-day boat tour, you can expect to pay around US$1,000 for your group.

It is about 130 nautical miles from Fort Lauderdale to Key West. Cruises between these two cities are rare and most visitors will drive between Fort Lauderdale and Key West, a route that takes about five hours one way.

Yes, several cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line sail from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas. These cruises vary in duration from 3-night cruises to longer routes that include stops at other Caribbean islands.

Fort Lauderdale boat tours typically take you along the Intercoastal Waterway past the mansions on Millionaire’s Row and out to the Atlantic Ocean. Consult your tour’s details for specifics regarding its sailing route as these can vary.

Yes, you can book tours on the Jungle Queen Riverboat that will give you a 1.5-hour guided tour along the New River, also known as the “Venice of America.” This tour is wheelchair- and stroller accessible and offers food and drinks to buy onboard.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Fort Lauderdale aside from boat tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Jet Ski Rentals

• Airboat Tours

• Sunset Cruises

• Dinner Cruises

• Snorkeling

Boat tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise (arrive 30 minutes early)

• Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter

• Jungle Queen Riverboat 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale

• VENICE OF AMERICA TOUR!! Best of Fort Lauderdale over 30 years!!!

• Water Taxi All Day hop-on hop-off Venice of America Boat Tour

There are many different kinds of cruises and sailing excursions available in Fort Lauderdale. Before booking, consider if you are looking for a high-adrenaline adventure, such as an airboat tour, or a more relaxed sunset sail. Some boat tours include snacks and drinks, so check for all inclusions before booking. A few tours even offer hotel pickup and drop-off.

Arrive early for your Fort Lauderdale boat tour, so you don't miss the departure and can find a good seat—most group tours won’t wait for stragglers. Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself while on the water, and take medication before leaving if you suffer from seasickness. Some boat tours have a paid bar, so you may want to bring cash for buying drinks and for tips.

Florida's dry season runs from November through April, so that’s typically the best season for boat tours, as you’re likely to avoid rain showers. If travelling in the hot summer months of June to August, consider an evening tour for a cooler experience, and you'll hopefully be rewarded with sunset views, too.