Explore the Intracoastal Waterway, offshore reefs, and open ocean aboard a private charter.
Fort Lauderdale isn’t just a city — it’s the Venice of America. With over 300 miles of navigable waterways winding through the metro area, Fort Lauderdale has more miles of canals than Venice, Italy. It’s also the Yacht Capital of the World and home to one of the largest boat shows on the planet. When you charter a boat here, you’re stepping into a city that was built for the water.
The Intracoastal Waterway runs directly through Fort Lauderdale, offering calm, protected cruising past some of the most impressive waterfront estates in the country — from celebrity mansions on the Isle of Venice to mega-yachts docked along Las Olas Isles. Head into the New River for a scenic urban waterway experience through the heart of downtown. Pass through Port Everglades to watch massive cruise ships maneuver in and out of one of the busiest ports in the world. Anchor at Lake Sylvia for a tranquil afternoon swim, or push offshore to snorkel the natural reefs just minutes from the inlet.
Whether you’re looking for a Fort Lauderdale yacht charter for a special occasion, a leisurely Fort Lauderdale boat rental for a family day out, or an offshore fishing adventure, the city’s waterways have something for every type of boater. Browse our fleet below and book your private charter in minutes.
Intracoastal Waterway Cruise
Glide along Fort Lauderdale's legendary "Venice of America" — 165 miles of interconnected canals and waterways lined with multi-million dollar mansions, mega yachts, and lush tropical scenery. explore Fort Lauderdale's iconic waterways →
Fort Lauderdale Beach & Sandbar
Drop anchor at the popular Lake Sylvia sandbar or cruise past Fort Lauderdale's iconic beachfront. Wade in warm, shallow water and enjoy the best of South Florida's coastal scene. best sandbars to anchor near Fort Lauderdale →
Snorkeling & Reef Trips
Fort Lauderdale sits on the edge of one of the most biodiverse reef systems in the world. Head offshore for world-class snorkeling above vibrant coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles. top snorkeling spots in Florida →
Sunset Cruise
Watch the sky turn gold over the Atlantic as Your crew guides you along the coastline. Fort Lauderdale sunsets from the water are genuinely breathtaking — perfect for groups, couples, or celebrations.
Bachelor & Bachelorette Party
South Florida's party capital deserves a charter to match. Full-day or half-day, music, sun, and open water — our charters are built for groups ready to celebrate in style. plan the ultimate bachelor party boat rental →
Corporate & Group Charters
Impress clients, reward your team, or host an unforgettable company event on the water. We offer a full range of vessels for groups large and small, with experienced crews and custom itineraries. why a boat beats any corporate venue →
“Exceeded Every Expectation” We chartered in the Bahamas and it was flawless—exceptional communication, no surprises, and a truly relaxing escape.
“Service That Matches the Scenery” Gorgeous boat, attentive crew, and a perfect itinerary. Everything felt high-end and effortless.
“Family Fun Made Easy” With kids and grandparents onboard, the captain was calm and experienced. We all felt safe and entertained the whole day.
“Dream Yacht Experience” Luxury without the hassle. Everything was taken care of—from boarding to drop-off—and the Captain was phenomenal.
“Best Day Trip Ever” We cruised to the sandbar, anchored for snorkeling, and spent the day sunbathing—just perfect. Can’t wait to book again.
“Top-Tier Service in Paradise” From our first inquiry to our last wave goodbye, the team was professional, responsive, and made the reservation process effortless.
“Perfect for Group Outings” Booked for a group of friends and had a blast. Captain Ricky knew all the best spots and made it seamless from start to finish.
“Unforgettable Day on the Water” The boat, captain, and crew exceeded expectations—smooth ride, attentive service, and stunning views. A five-star experience all around!
Fort Lauderdale boat charter prices vary based on boat size, type, duration, and season. Smaller boats like pontoons and center consoles typically range from $300–$500 per hour, while larger yachts and catamarans can be $600–$1,000+ per hour. Most charters have a minimum booking of 2–4 hours, so a half-day outing often costs between $900 and $2,000. The total typically includes fuel, insurance, and safety equipment — no surprise fees at the dock.
Most BoatSitterUS charters in Fort Lauderdale depart from marinas along the New River or the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Common departure points include Bahia Mar Marina, Las Olas Marina, and Riverfront docks downtown. We work with several marina partners across Broward County to get you the most convenient departure point. We confirm your exact departure marina 24 hours before your charter.
Yes! Bringing your own food and drinks is not only allowed — it’s encouraged on Fort Lauderdale boat charters. Most boats have coolers on board, and you’re welcome to pack snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and a bottle of champagne for special occasions. We recommend easy-to-handle items like finger foods, pre-cut fruit, and canned drinks. If you’d rather not worry about provisioning, ask us about local catering partners who deliver ready-to-go platters directly to your departure marina.
For bare-boat rentals (where you operate the boat yourself), Florida law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, to have a Boater Safety Identification Card. You can earn your card in a few hours by completing Florida’s free online boating safety course at MyFWC.com. Alternatively, all of our charters include a licensed, experienced local crew member — so you can relax and enjoy the day while a professional handles navigation.
Absolutely. Fort Lauderdale boat charters are family-friendly, and kids of all ages are welcome. All boats carry US Coast Guard-approved life jackets in infant, child, and youth sizes at no extra charge. The calm Intracoastal Waterway is especially ideal for families with younger children, while older kids love spotting dolphins and exploring sandbars. Let us know the ages of your group when booking so we can match you with the best boat.
Fort Lauderdale’s weather can change quickly, especially during summer storm season. We monitor conditions closely before every charter. If thunderstorms, high winds, or small-craft advisories are forecast for your departure time, we’ll contact you as early as possible to discuss rescheduling. If weather forces a full cancellation and we can’t find a suitable alternative, you’ll receive a full refund or a credit toward a future booking. We never charge guests for weather-related cancellations outside your control.
Fort Lauderdale is a top destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties, and a boat charter is one of the best ways to celebrate. You get a private, floating venue — no crowded bars, no strangers — just your group cruising the Intracoastal past celebrity waterfront estates. Most boats allow you to bring your own food, drinks, and a Bluetooth speaker, so you set the vibe from start to finish. Sunset departure times are especially popular for bachelorette groups.
The best time for a Fort Lauderdale boat charter is October through May, when temperatures are mild (70s–80s°F) and rain is less frequent. Winter months are peak season — snowbirds flock to Fort Lauderdale and the weather is ideal for all-day outings. Summer offers warm water for swimming and snorkeling, though afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through September — morning departures are recommended. Year-round, you can spot dolphins, manatees, and stunning waterfront estates along the ICW.
Yes! Fort Lauderdale has several nearby sandbars and islands perfect for a boating day trip. Lake Sylvia, a peaceful no-wake zone just off the Intracoastal, is a popular anchoring spot. The offshore reefs along the Fort Lauderdale coast are excellent for snorkeling and diving. Heading south, you can reach Haulover Sandbar, and heading north, Hillsboro Inlet offers a scenic turnaround point with a historic lighthouse.
We recommend packing: reef-safe sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, towels, a change of clothes, and a waterproof bag for phones and keys. Bring plenty of water and your favorite snacks and drinks — most boats have coolers and ice. Non-slip footwear or bare feet work best on deck. If you plan to snorkel, you’re welcome to bring your own mask and fins. The boat provides US Coast Guard-approved life jackets and all required safety equipment.
For weekends, holidays, and peak season (December–April), we recommend booking 2–3 weeks in advance. Weekdays and off-peak dates often have same-week availability. Last-minute bookings are possible — check real-time availability on our Fort Lauderdale fleet page. Sunset charters and holiday weekends sell out fastest.
Absolutely. Your crew will work with you before and during the charter to build a route around your interests, weather, and tides. Want to cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, anchor at Lake Sylvia, or explore Port Everglades? Just let us know when you book. We provide suggested routes (Intracoastal, New River, Port Everglades, etc.), but the final itinerary is yours to design.
Cancellations made 7+ days before your charter receive a full refund. Within 7 days, we offer a credit for a future booking. If weather forces us to cancel, you get a full refund or can reschedule. We recommend travel insurance for unexpected changes. Details are in your booking confirmation.
Yes. Multi-day charters (e.g., weekend or week-long) often qualify for a discounted daily rate. For groups larger than the boat’s standard capacity, we can arrange multiple vessels or recommend a larger yacht. Contact our team for custom quotes.
Tell us what matters to you – we’ll customize your experience.
