Cruise Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal, tour yachts and mansions, then anchor at a sandbar for an easy family swim. This two-hour BYO boat trip balances skyline views, shallow-water play, and practical onboard amenities.
Cruise Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal, tour yachts and mansions, then anchor at a sandbar for an easy family swim. This two-hour BYO boat trip balances skyline views, shallow-water play, and practical onboard amenities.
You step aboard to the soft click of cleats and a warm Atlantic breeze that pushes the boat gently away from the dock. The captain eases into the Intracoastal, and a parade of yachts and waterfront mansions slips by — hulls gleaming, palm fronds tapping like a metronome. The boat hums, music rises, and the river opens up to a pale sandbar where the water invites you to jump in.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Staying Afloat Party Boat · Fort Lauderdale, Florida
You step aboard to the soft click of cleats and a warm Atlantic breeze that pushes the boat gently away from the dock. The captain eases into the Intracoastal, and a parade of yachts and waterfront mansions slips by — hulls gleaming, palm fronds tapping like a metronome. The boat hums, music rises, and the river opens up to a pale sandbar where the water invites you to jump in.
This ride threads modern Fort Lauderdale’s maritime history with the region’s geology: the New River and the Intracoastal were shaped by sea-level shifts and dredging that created a network of canals — 160 miles of them — earning the city its “Venice of America” nickname. Culturally, the cruise moves through Las Olas Isles and past marina life that celebrates boating as everyday recreation and status. You’ll pass commercial ports and quiet residential inlets, seeing how commerce and leisure share the same water.
Practically, expect a two-hour outing with about an hour of cruising and a scheduled stop at the sandbar for swimming and floating. The crew supplies floats, water toys and on-board restrooms; guests bring food and non-glass drinks. Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and find parking; tours depart promptly. Weather and tides can change plans, so check forecasts and the company’s cancellation rules. Bring reef shoes for rocky spots, a waterproof bag for electronics, and reapply sunscreen after saltwater swims. For families, life jackets and constant supervision make the sandbar safe — the water will beckon, but the crew sets the rules.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; able-bodied boarding and moving around the deck is required
Yes, guests may bring alcoholic beverages but no glass; local laws and the captain’s discretion govern consumption.
Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; the boarding area is stroller-accessible but bring a carrier for rougher movement.
Non-swimmers can participate but should remain on the boat during the sandbar stop or use provided flotation; children should wear life jackets or be closely supervised.
Departure is at 301 SW 3rd Ave (riverfront); arrive about 30 minutes early to park and check in — the boat departs promptly at the scheduled time.
Fort Lauderdale’s canal network expanded in the early 20th century; dredging for navigation and development turned coastal marshes into today’s waterfront neighborhoods.
Respect marked sea grass and avoid anchoring on vegetated beds; bring reef-safe sunscreen and pack out all trash to protect local marine habitats.
Staying Afloat Party Boat operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You step aboard to the soft click of cleats and a warm Atlantic breeze that pushes the boat gently away from the dock. The captain eases into the Intracoastal, and a parade of yachts and waterfront mansions slips by — hulls gleaming, palm fronds tapping like a metronome. The boat hums, music rises, and the river opens up to a pale sandbar where the water invites you to jump in.
You step aboard to the soft click of cleats and a warm Atlantic breeze that pushes the boat gently away from the dock. The captain eases into the Intracoastal, and a parade of yachts and waterfront mansions slips by — hulls gleaming, palm fronds tapping like a metronome. The boat hums, music rises, and the river opens up to a pale sandbar where the water invites you to jump in.
This ride threads modern Fort Lauderdale’s maritime history with the region’s geology: the New River and the Intracoastal were shaped by sea-level shifts and dredging that created a network of canals — 160 miles of them — earning the city its “Venice of America” nickname. Culturally, the cruise moves through Las Olas Isles and past marina life that celebrates boating as everyday recreation and status. You’ll pass commercial ports and quiet residential inlets, seeing how commerce and leisure share the same water.
Practically, expect a two-hour outing with about an hour of cruising and a scheduled stop at the sandbar for swimming and floating. The crew supplies floats, water toys and on-board restrooms; guests bring food and non-glass drinks. Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and find parking; tours depart promptly. Weather and tides can change plans, so check forecasts and the company’s cancellation rules. Bring reef shoes for rocky spots, a waterproof bag for electronics, and reapply sunscreen after saltwater swims. For families, life jackets and constant supervision make the sandbar safe — the water will beckon, but the crew sets the rules.