Island Time Boat Cruise in Fort Lauderdale

Exciting Water Adventure in Fort Lauderdale for $49.99

The Island Time Boat Cruise in Fort Lauderdale offers a lively, fun-filled experience on the water for just $49.99 per person. This 2-hour party boat departs from Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, providing a chance to see the city’s famous yachts, mansions, and busy port while enjoying water toys, coolers, and music. With a high rating of 5.0 from 459 reviews, this tour is highly recommended by 95% of participants, making it a popular choice for those looking to combine sightseeing with a relaxed, social atmosphere.

This tour suits people who want a casual, enjoyable time in the sun—whether that’s relaxing on floats, swimming at a sandbar, or dancing to great music. It’s especially ideal for groups of friends, families, or anyone eager to experience Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant boat scene. Keep in mind, the tour is booked on average 12 days in advance, so early planning is advised to secure your spot.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $49.99 for 2 hours of on-water fun.
• Location and Meeting Point: Starts at Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, a recognizable spot near the DoubleTree Hilton.
• Activities: Sightseeing of yachts, mansions, and port traffic, swimming at a sandbar, float play, and music.
• Included Features: Water, floats, rafts, and coolers for your drinks.
• Highlights: Friendly crew, water toys, scenic city views, and a relaxed party atmosphere.
• Limitations: Weather cancellations can occur with 2 hours’ notice, and up to 45 passengers can be onboard, which might feel crowded if the boat is full.

Starting Point at Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach

The adventure begins at Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, located at 801 Seabreeze Blvd, a central and easy-to-find spot. The meeting point is right on Fort Lauderdale Beach, making access straightforward, especially for those staying nearby. The tour ends back where it started, so no transportation concerns after the trip.

The crew is known for being friendly, funny, and knowledgeable, making the check-in process smooth and the experience more enjoyable. It’s a small group experience with a maximum of 15 travelers per booking, ensuring a lively yet intimate environment.

What’s Included in the Cost?

The $49.99 ticket covers bottled water, floats, rafts, and use of on-board coolers for your own drinks. A restroom is available onboard for convenience, and service animals are permitted. Bring your own food and drinks—no glass bottles allowed—and remember to pack your bathing suit for the swimming stop.

Though parking fees are not included, the tour’s easy access and proximity to public transportation make it simple to reach the starting point. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families and groups of friends.

The Route: Yachts, Mansions, and Ports

The itinerary features a scenic cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, where the boat glides past luxurious yachts and mansions in the Las Olas Isles—one of the most impressive sights. The Captain provides commentary on notable homeowners, adding a layer of local stories and context.

Cruising through Fort Lauderdale’s massive port, guests observe cruise ships and cargo freighters moving between the Atlantic and inland waterways, showcasing the city’s status as the “Venice of America”. The sunset views over downtown provide additional stunning scenery during evening departures.

Celebrate and Swim at the Sandbar

The highlight of the tour is the stop at a sandbar where everyone can swim, float, and relax. The boat anchors among other party boats, creating a lively, communal scene. Float toys like flamingos and unicorns are available, and visitors are encouraged to bring their favorite snacks and drinks to enjoy while socializing.

The water depth at the sandbar is about 3 feet, making it safe for kids and easy for everyone to wade or swim. The duration of the swim can vary, but it’s enough time to cool off, make new friends, and soak up the Florida sunshine.

Music, Atmosphere, and Water Toys

Music plays a key role in creating the festive atmosphere onboard, with the soundtrack chosen to enhance the party vibe. While reviews praise the good vibes and great music, some mention that the music selection can lean heavily toward Spanish tunes, which may not suit everyone’s taste.

The boat is equipped with floaties and water toys, making the sandbar stop especially fun. Guests are welcome to bring additional food or drinks (excluding glass), and the coolers make it easy to keep everything cold during the voyage.

The Crew: Friendly, Fun, and Informative

The captains and crew are frequently praised for their friendly attitude, sense of humor, and knowledge of local sights. They lead the group through the route, pointing out landmarks and sharing interesting facts. Guests often mention how the crew keeps the mood lively with jokes, music, and attentive service.

Captain John and Captain Ross are noted for their great energy and engagement. The crew actively makes sure everyone is having a good time, whether by joking around, offering water toys, or guiding the group during the swim.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families with children, as long as they are comfortable in water for the swimming stop. The boat stays within shallow areas (about 3 feet deep), making it safe for kids. It’s accessible near public transportation, and service animals are allowed.

The maximum capacity of 45 people on the vessel sometimes results in crowded conditions, especially during peak booking times. However, the small group size (up to 15 per booking) helps maintain a lively, friendly atmosphere.

Weather Cancellations and Safety Measures

Due to weather considerations, the tour can be canceled with 2 hours’ notice if unsafe conditions such as heavy rain or lightning occur. This policy ensures guest safety while providing full refunds or rescheduling options. It’s advisable to check weather forecasts before your scheduled trip and plan accordingly.

Customer Feedback: A Mix of Fun and Practicality

Most reviews highlight the fun atmosphere, friendly crew, and beautiful views. Many mention how easy it is to book and appreciate the clear directions. The music, water toys, and scenic cruise are consistent favorites.

On the other hand, some reviews point out crowding issues when the boat has more guests than expected and limited seating. A few mention that the music playlist may lack variety, notably favoring Spanish tunes. There’s also acknowledgment that weather cancellations are a possibility, so travelers should be prepared for that.

Final Thoughts: A Lively, Value-Packed Day on the Water

The Island Time Boat Cruise offers a cost-effective, relaxed, and social way to experience Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. It combines sightseeing of millionaire mansions, port traffic, and beautiful scenery with the chance to swim at a sandbar and enjoy music and floats. The friendly crew and good reviews confirm this as a favorite among visitors.

While the crowd size can occasionally be a concern, especially if the boat is fully booked, the overall fun atmosphere, scenic route, and included water toys make it a great option for those wanting a lively day in the sun. This tour particularly appeals to groups seeking a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and partying in a casual setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own alcohol and food onboard?
Yes, you are welcome to bring any food and drinks you like. Just remember to use coolers, as glass bottles are not allowed.

Is there a restroom onboard?
Yes, the boat has a restroom available for guest use throughout the trip.

What if the weather turns bad?
The tour can be canceled with 2 hours’ notice due to bad weather like heavy rain or lightning. In such cases, full refunds or rescheduling are offered.

How long is the tour?
The boat cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, including the sandbar stop and sightseeing along the canals and port.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes water, floats, rafts, and coolers. You should bring your own food and drinks, and plan for parking fees separately.

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, especially since the water at the sandbar is shallow and kids can enjoy swimming and playing with floats. The small boat size and friendly crew make it family-friendly.

Can I book last minute?
It’s best to book at least 12 days in advance as the tour is popular, but last-minute bookings might be possible depending on availability.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic yacht and mansion views, friendly crew, swimming at a sandbar, and affordable price make the Island Time Boat Cruise a standout option for a fun, casual day in Fort Lauderdale.