Fort Lauderdale Pontoon Rental: 24-Foot Boat on the New River

THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel

Read the full experience

The New River opens like a channel of motion through downtown Fort Lauderdale — palm-fringed bulkheads, marina stacks of white hulls and the occasional dolphin arcing at the bow. Standing on a 24-foot pontoon under a Bimini top, the city loosens its edges: Las Olas Boulevard hums at the river’s lip while the current dares you into open water toward the Fort Lauderdale Sandbar.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2–24 hours.

Fitness level

Moderate: you should be able to climb on and off docks, handle light lines, and manage basic boat safety movements.

Frequently asked questions

Can I captain the boat myself?

Yes — bareboat rentals are allowed for experienced boaters who can provide proof of experience; otherwise a captain is required.

How many people fit on the pontoon?

The 24-foot pontoon seats up to 11 passengers plus the captain (12 total), matching the vessel’s certified capacity.

Is fuel included?

A reasonable amount of fuel is included in the rental price; confirm allowances for longer charters to avoid extra charges.

Where is the meeting point and is parking available?

The dock is on the New River across from the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas; parking at the dock is included and delivery to a waterfront property can be arranged for longer rentals.

Local insights

Wildlife

Bottlenose dolphins
Green iguanas

History

Fort Lauderdale’s waterways were developed in the early 20th century with canals and bridges that transformed a tidal estuary into a boating and real-estate corridor central to the city’s growth.

Conservation

Boaters should observe no-wake zones and avoid seagrass beds; minimizing noise, collecting trash, and keeping distance from wildlife helps protect sensitive coastal ecosystems.

About Coastal Florida Rides

Coastal Florida Rides operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.

Base locationFort Lauderdale, Florida

Tours offered4+

Specialtyboat-charters

StewardshipLeave No Trace

Adventure tips

Bring ID and proof of boating experienceIf you want to operate the pontoon yourself, carry any required licensing or experience proof to avoid needing a captain at the dock.

Protect against sun and sprayUse SPF 30+ sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses — the Bimini helps but exposure is constant on the river and open water.

Plan for shallow sandbar conditionsCheck tides and ask the operator about sandbar depths before anchoring; shoals can shift and require careful approach.

Bring a small cooler and secure storageAlthough a cooler is onboard, bring waterproof bags or dry bins to keep electronics and valuables safe when swimming or at the sandbar.

Recommended gear

USCG-approved life jacket: Required safety gear for everyone aboard; provided by many operators but bring a personal fit if possible.
Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses: Reduces glare and protects skin during long periods of sun exposure on open water.
Dry bag or waterproof phone case: Keeps electronics and documents safe when swimming or in choppy water.
Anchor/line kit or inflatable cooler: Useful for sandbar stops and swimming; a stable anchor setup helps secure the pontoon in shallow sand.