Intracoastal Waterway Fort Lauderdale Tours and Tickets

The Intracoastal Waterway, also called the IWC, is a 3,000 mile (4,800 kilometer) waterway on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida. Part of it runs through Fort Lauderdale via rivers, bays, and sounds, connecting the inland waterways of the city with the Atlantic Ocean.

Fort Lauderdale has been called the “Venice of America” because of its abundance of waterways, and city boat tours cruise through the Intracoastal Waterway (IWC) and inland passages. The IWC also offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, and there are plenty of options for waterside dining, as well.

Yes, there are dozens of opportunities for taking boat tours on the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale. Some options include narrated sightseeing tours, city history tours, fishing tours, and wildlife viewing tours. These all can be booked directly through the provider online or in-person, or on third-party websites.

Yes, if you don’t want to go on a guided tour or chartered boat with a captain, you can rent a watercraft to explore the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale. Boats are popular for fishing or ocean-going. Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards also are available.

One of the most popular animals to look for when enjoying the Intracoastal Waterway is the Florida manatee, which in the winter tends to congregate in warm, shallower waters. Sea turtles, seabirds, alligators, snakes, osprey, and even the occasional shark are found in Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway.

One of the best dining spots on the Intracoastal is where Ocean Boulevard meets Oakland Park Boulevard. There you’ll find options, including Mastro’s Ocean Club, a fine dining steakhouse and celebrity magnet. For more laid-back vibes, check out Shooters Waterfront, which often hosts live music, or Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill.