A compact, four-hour introduction to Fort Lauderdale that pairs a guided walk through the Bonnet House and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park with a 90-minute Intracoastal sightseeing cruise. Small groups (max 7) and narrated commentary make it a smart first outing to understand the city’s water-driven character.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the shuttle into a corridor of palms and salt-tinged air; the guide nudges the group toward a low-slung cruiser bobbing against a wooden dock, and the Intracoastal begins to pull you along a city that lives half on land and half on water.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers who can stand and walk short distances; expect some paved but uneven surfaces at Bonnet House.
Wildlife
History
Bonnet House was built in the early 1920s and reflects Fort Lauderdale’s growth as a winter destination; Port Everglades grew into a major cargo and cruise port through 20th-century dredging and development.
Conservation
Mangrove restoration and seagrass protection projects are active in the Intracoastal; staying on marked paths and minimizing plastic prevents disturbance to marine life.
Reserve your spot on the Best of Fort Lauderdale Small Group Tour with Intercoastal Cruise today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Sun and salt protection
The boat and beachfront sections are exposed—sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a brimmed hat will make the day more comfortable.
Ship gangway awareness
Be ready to step on and off a small gangway for the cruise; wear closed-toe shoes and watch for wet surfaces.
Light layers for the water
A windbreaker or thin fleece helps during breezy stretches on the Intracoastal, even on warm days.
Arrival and pickup
Meet your guide outside your downtown hotel entrance ~30 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth pickup and check-in.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Protects skin during exposed walking and the open-water portions of the cruise.
summer
Closed-toe walking shoes
Useful for navigating uneven paths at Bonnet House and boarding the boat safely.
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare on the water and improves sighting wildlife from the boat.
summer
Light windbreaker
Shields you from cool breezes on the Intracoastal, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
spring