easy
1.5 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly sitting and light walking during boarding and disembarking.
Experience Fort Lauderdale’s legendary waterways aboard Carrie B Cruises’ 90-minute paddlewheel tour. See sprawling waterfront estates and luxury yachts on this informed and relaxing cruise through the 'Venice of America.'
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, often called the 'Venice of America' for its extensive network of canals, offers a striking vantage point where sunshine, luxury, and water converges. Carrie B Cruises captures this essence with their daily 90-minute guided tours aboard a classic diesel-powered paddlewheel boat. Departing at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, these cruises provide an accessible taste of Fort Lauderdale's famed waterways, ideal for anyone looking to see the city from an entirely different angle. The city’s labyrinthine canals wind past sprawling waterfront estates, many sporting luxury yachts docked just steps from their manicured lawns. This area is a playground for the rich and curious, with many mega mansions on display—some inhabited, others seasonal getaways—as narrated by knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with local stories and historical context.
The cruises cover iconic routes through canals, the expansive Intracoastal Waterway, and even reach Port Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean’s mouth, offering varied scenery and the occasional glimpse of ocean-going vessels. Guests can choose between shaded upper-deck seating, perfect for warm Florida days with panoramic views, or lower-deck air-conditioned comfort. The boat is well-maintained, odor-free from its diesel engines, and equipped with restrooms, a full bar, and snacks, making this a relaxing, family-friendly outing or a romantic afternoon on the water.
What makes Carrie B Cruises stand out is the unique blend of accessibility and luxury. This cruise goes beyond static sightseeing by highlighting the lifestyles, architecture, and maritime culture of a city where waterways shape everyday life. With friendly staff and engaging narration, it caters equally to first-time visitors, locals seeking fresh perspectives, and anyone interested in Florida’s coastal lifestyle. The moderate pace and comfortable setting position the trip as an approachable yet enriching immersion into Fort Lauderdale’s aquatic urban landscape.
Board at least 15 minutes before departure to secure a preferred seat on the shaded upper deck.
The cruise offers excellent photo opportunities of elegant homes, marinas, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Upper deck offers open-air views; lower deck provides air conditioning and indoor comfort.
Florida sun can be intense; bring water and sunscreen even if sitting in shaded areas.
Fort Lauderdale’s canal system was extensively developed in the early 20th century to boost drainage and real estate, earning it the nickname 'Venice of America.'
Efforts focus on maintaining waterway health by minimizing boat emissions and promoting responsible tourism to protect marine habitats.
Protect skin from strong Florida rays, especially on the open upper deck.
summer specific
Reduce glare from the water for a more comfortable view.
Keep warm on the upper deck during cooler mornings and evenings.
winter specific
Capture the sweeping waterfront vistas and luxury yachts.