Run from Bahia Mar to Taha Marina, then board the Chasin Tales for a festive cruise with complimentary beer and wine. This low-key Fort Lauderdale holiday event blends a short coastal run with a boat party—perfect for visitors wanting an active, social evening on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Run from Bahia Mar to Taha Marina, then board the Chasin Tales for a festive cruise with complimentary beer and wine. This low-key Fort Lauderdale holiday event blends a short coastal run with a boat party—perfect for visitors wanting an active, social evening on the Intracoastal Waterway.
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Operated by Uncharted Waters · Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Santa Fun Run: Fort Lauderdale's splashy holiday hybrid begins at Bahia Mar Yacht Center (801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL), where runners gather to race along the inland waterway to Taha Marina before boarding Chasin Tales for a celebratory cruise. The route follows a palm-lined stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway, passing mangrove fingers, private yachts, and low-rise waterfront homes; the boat leg returns along the same waterway with complimentary beer and wine provided by Uncharted Waters.
This event is equal parts community run and dockside party. Key scene features include the Bahia Mar docks, the narrow channel at Taha Marina, the Chasin Tales boat, and the broad Intracoastal vistas framed by mangroves and sea grape. Look for wading birds—egrets and herons—perched on channel markers, and keep an eye out for occasional manatees in quieter stretches. The local limestone substrate and sandy fill of the Fort Lauderdale shore create shallow flats that contrast with the deep navigation channel; the area’s maritime infrastructure—marinas, seawalls, and moored sportfishing boats—gives the course a distinctly South Florida character.
This is a festive, accessible outing rather than a competitive road race: runners of mixed paces are welcome. Meeting at 801 Seabreeze Blvd. pins the event to a well-known marina complex near Las Olas Boulevard, positioning participants close to downtown restaurants and nightlife. The Chasin Tales ride doubles as the finish line and post-run social, making this a unique local offering: few community runs end on a boat with included adult beverages.
Culturally, Fort Lauderdale has long marketed itself as the "Venice of America," where waterways shape daily life; events like the Santa Fun Run fold running culture into that marine identity. The experience is ideal for visitors who want a short, low-barrier coastal run plus a relaxed marine cruise without arranging separate transportation.
Practical details: bring weather-appropriate layers, quick-dry running clothes, and shoes that can handle boardwalks and marina surfaces. Expect close-quarters boarding at Taha Marina and short periods standing on deck during the cruise. Uncharted Waters provides the beer and wine, so review local rules if traveling with children. This run-then-boat format highlights Fort Lauderdale’s living waterfront—part fitness, part celebration, and wholly local.
Expect variable coastal breezes and possible holiday boat parade traffic along the waterway; allow extra time for boarding and disembarking. If you want a more serious pace, stick to the seaward sidewalk sections and avoid congested marina piers. Families often linger at the Taha Marina docks to watch boats, so consider bringing small bills for snacks at nearby vendors or plan to walk back into Las Olas for dinner. Booking through Uncharted Waters' FareHarbor link secures your spot; caps on guests can apply at peak holiday events so reserve early. Happy running.
easy.
1.5–2.5 hours.
Suitable for casual runners and walkers who can cover a short urban/coastal route and stand on deck for the cruise.
The meeting point is Bahia Mar Yacht Center at 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.
The event includes the run, boarding the Chasin Tales for the return cruise, and complimentary beer and wine provided by Uncharted Waters.
Organizers have not specified age restrictions; families often attend but review the booking page or contact Uncharted Waters if bringing children, since alcohol is served.
Exact distance varies by course routing; expect a short coastal/urban run designed for mixed paces and casual runners.
Boarding at Taha Marina may be close-quarters with steps and ramps—wear stable shoes and be prepared to stand during parts of the cruise.
Cancellation and change policies are set by Uncharted Waters on the FareHarbor booking page—check the booking link for current terms.
Fort Lauderdale developed as a boating and yachting center in the 20th century and is commonly called the "Venice of America" for its network of canals and waterways.
Respect mangroves and shoreline habitat by staying on marked paths and avoiding feeding wildlife; marine debris and boat wake impact local ecosystems.
Uncharted Waters is a charter operator based in Little River, South Carolina, offering private fishing charters and dolphin and island tours along the Southern Atlantic coast. Trips operate aboard named vessels including “Chasin' Tales” and the double-deck catamaran “Chain' Tales.” Offerings span nearshore private fishing charters 3–5 miles off the coast, extended Private Bluewater Fishing excursions 55–65 miles offshore, and structured two-hour dolphin and island cruises. Private Bluewater Fishing trips target species such as king mackerel, mahi mahi, various tunas, white marlin, and sailfish, while Private Fishing Charter options focus on trolling for Spanish mackerel and bonito with the possibility of shark encounters. Dolphin and island cruises feature wildlife viewing in Little River marshes and visits to barrier islands. The Chain' Tales catamaran provides double-deck viewing, onboard snacks and drinks, safety gear, and spacious restrooms for guest comfort during the two-hour North Myrtle Beach dolphin tour, which highlights wild bottlenose dolphins and leatherback sea turtles as it travels the Intracoastal Waterway. All descriptions reflect the trips, species targets, vessel names, and amenities listed in public offerings. Uncharted Waters emphasizes private charter formats, a range of fishing distances, and wildlife-focused two-hour tours so guests can choose experiences that match offshore ambitions or family-friendly sightseeing. Bookings are available for private groups, families, and experienced anglers seeking both nearshore and far offshore fishing experiences through advance reservations online.
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