2 to 6 hours Private Yacht Cruise around Fort Lauderdale

Discover the 2 to 6 Hours Private Yacht Cruise around Fort Lauderdale

For those seeking an intimate, customizable experience on the water, the Private Yacht Cruise around Fort Lauderdale offers an excellent choice. Priced at $299 per group (up to 10 people), this tour provides a luxurious way to explore the “Venice of America” from the deck of a sleek Sundancer 37. The tour is flexible, with options ranging from 2 to 6 hours, making it easy to tailor the experience to your interests—whether you want a quick scenic cruise or a full-day adventure.

This private yacht tour is especially popular, with most bookings made about 19 days in advance, reflecting its appeal among visitors and locals alike. The tour departs from the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, a well-known docking spot in Fort Lauderdale, ensuring easy access and convenient start point. Guided by skilled captains and including a host of onboard amenities, this experience promises both comfort and personalized service, suitable for friends, families, or corporate groups.

While the tour’s pricing is straightforward, it’s important to note that captain fees vary depending on the duration and time of year—starting at $50 per hour from April 1st to August 15th and dropping to $40 per hour afterward. This makes the total cost a combination of the flat rate, plus the captain fee, which is clearly communicated and easy to plan for.

Despite the absence of food inclusions, the tour’s focus on scenic cruising, customizable stops, and the onboard Bluetooth stereo for your favorite tunes create an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere. This tour is ideal for those seeking a private, flexible, and scenic escape on the water.

Key Points

• Flexible duration options from 2 to 6 hours suit different schedules and interests
• Up to 10 guests per group, making it perfect for small parties or intimate gatherings
• Departing from Bahia Mar Yachting Center in Fort Lauderdale, with easy access and private start point
• Includes amenities such as a cooler with ice, restroom, and Bluetooth stereo for personal music
• Captain fees vary based on season and duration, starting at $50/hour from April to August
• Guided tours led by a friendly, knowledgeable in-person guide in English or Spanish

Starting Point at Bahia Mar Yachting Center

The tour begins at 801 Seabreeze Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, a prominent location known for its convenient access to the water. The private yacht departs directly from this dock, allowing you to avoid crowded tourist spots and enjoy a personalized experience. Returning to the same point, the tour wraps up comfortably at the start location, with no need for additional transportation arrangements.

The meeting and ending point make this tour an effortless option for visitors staying in Fort Lauderdale. The proximity to public transportation also makes getting to the start point straightforward for most guests.

The 2-Hour Scenic Waterway cruise

A 2-hour option gives a quick yet rich overview of Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. You’ll cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, often called the “Venice of America,” famous for its waterfront mansions and mega-yachts. This shorter cruise is perfect for those new to the area or with limited time, offering a taste of the luxurious sights from the comfort of the yacht.

Optional stops at a sandbar are available if you inform the captain beforehand, providing opportunities for swimming or relaxing in the sunshine. This part of the tour showcases the natural beauty and opulence that define Fort Lauderdale’s water-based lifestyle.

The 4-Hour Exploration of Hidden Sandbars

Stretching the experience to 4 hours allows for more in-depth exploration. During this time, visitors can visit hidden sandbars, ideal for swimming in clear waters away from busy boat traffic. The extra time also offers the chance to stop at a waterfront restaurant for drinks or appetizers, adding a casual dining element to the day.

This duration strikes a balance between sightseeing and leisure, giving enough flexibility for spontaneous activities and relaxing onboard. The guide helps navigate the best spots to enjoy the water, ensuring a personalized journey.

The 6-Hour Full-Day Yacht Experience

For those eager to maximize their time on the water, the 6-hour tour combines sightseeing, sandbar stops, and a relaxed meal at a popular waterfront locale. This comprehensive experience covers most of what Fort Lauderdale’s waterways have to offer, along with opportunities to swim, sunbathe, or simply unwind.

The full-day option is perfect for groups wanting a leisurely, all-encompassing escape, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace and explore multiple spots.

The Guide and Onboard Amenities

The tour features an in-person guide who speaks English or Spanish, ensuring clear communication and local insights during the cruise. The guides are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.

Onboard amenities include a cooler with ice, allowing guests to keep drinks cold throughout the trip. There’s a restroom on the yacht, so comfort is maintained during longer excursions. The Bluetooth stereo enables guests to play their own music, adding a personal touch to the cruise atmosphere.

What Stops Are Included on the Tour?

The itinerary primarily involves cruising around Fort Lauderdale’s channels, providing views of impressive waterfront mansions and mega-yachts. The yacht passes by the wharf on the river, offering scenic vistas of the local marina scene.

While there are no specified additional stops in the itinerary, the flexibility of the cruise means you can ask the captain about visiting sandbars or other points of interest during the trip. The focus remains on experiencing the waterways in comfort and style.

The Cost Breakdown and Additional Fees

The base price of $299 covers the entire group, regardless of the duration selected. However, it’s essential to factor in the captain fee, which depends on the time of year and trip length. For example, a 2-hour cruise incurs a $100 captain fee, while a 6-hour tour costs $300 for the captain.

These fees are paid directly to the captain, and the price is clearly communicated, making budgeting straightforward. The tour’s overall cost is competitive, especially considering the private, customizable nature of the experience.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Booking typically requires about 19 days in advance, ensuring availability, especially during peak seasons. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing peace of mind.

Guests should be aware that weather policies apply, which could impact the trip if weather conditions are unsuitable. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, and service animals are permitted onboard.

The Experience of the Captains and Crew

Reviews highlight the importance of knowledgeable guides, with Captain Andre being specifically praised for making the experience “fantastic” and providing explanations that enhance the cruise. The crew’s friendly attitude and ability to let guests decide the cruise route contribute greatly to the positive overall experience.

Final Thoughts on the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Tour

This private yacht cruise offers a luxurious, flexible, and scenic way to explore Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. The variety of options—from short scenic cruises to full-day explorations—means there’s something for every schedule and interest. The amenities onboard and the friendly guidance create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

While the captain fees add to the overall cost, they are transparent and manageable, especially given the private nature of the experience. This tour is especially suited to groups who value personalized service, scenic views, and flexibility in planning their day on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can fit on the yacht?
Up to 10 guests can be accommodated comfortably per group.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a cooler with ice, a restroom onboard, a Bluetooth stereo for music, an English or Spanish guide, and landing and facility fees.

Are food or drinks provided?
No, but guests can bring their drinks to enjoy onboard, and there’s a cooler with ice. You can also stop at a waterfront restaurant during longer tours.

What are the captain fees and how are they paid?
Captain fees vary with trip length and season, starting at $50/hour. They are paid directly to the captain during or after the trip.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, and ends back at the same location.

Is this tour suitable for children or service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and most guests, including families, can participate.

Can I customize my route or stops?
Yes, especially with the 2-hour and 4-hour options, you can ask the captain about visiting sandbars or specific areas during the cruise.

What happens in case of bad weather?
Weather policies apply, and if conditions are unsuitable, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 19 days in advance, but earlier reservation is recommended during peak seasons.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience on the water.