Fort Lauderdale: Carrie B Paddlewheel Cruise & Yachts Tour

Summary

See Fort Lauderdale’s waterways from the Carrie B paddlewheel boat with live stories, river breezes, and views of historic mansions and yachts

You’ll drift through Fort Lauderdale’s winding waterways on a classic paddlewheel boat with live narration from local guides, spotting mega-yachts and old mansions along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway. Expect easy laughs, river breezes, and plenty of chances to just sit back and watch life go by from another angle.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the low hum of conversation as we stepped onto the Carrie B — families, couples, a few solo travelers like me, all shuffling to find their spot. The air smelled faintly salty, but also like sunscreen and popcorn from the snack bar. Our guide — I think her name was Janice — waved us up to the sun deck if we wanted more breeze. I went for it. There’s something about seeing Fort Lauderdale from this angle, gliding along the New River, that makes you feel like you’re peeking behind the scenes of someone else’s movie set.

We floated past these wild-looking mansions — some with statues in the yard, others just pure glass and palm trees. Janice pointed out which ones were built back in the 1920s for a few thousand bucks (hard to believe now) and which had sold last year for millions. She had this way of tossing out facts without sounding like a textbook. At one point she joked about getting lost in Colee Hammock Park as a kid; everyone laughed, including an older man next to me who’d grown up here too. The keyword “Fort Lauderdale sightseeing cruise” popped into my head because honestly, this is exactly what that should feel like — not rushed or scripted.

I leaned on the rail as we passed under the Henry E. Kinney Tunnel — it’s darker than you expect for a second and then suddenly you’re blinking at sunlight again with all these yachts lined up along Port Everglades. Some were so big they looked fake. A little girl nearby pressed her nose against the glass and whispered, “That one has a helicopter.” Her mom smiled at me like she couldn’t believe it either. We sipped cold drinks (full bar downstairs if you want), just soaking in the slow rhythm of water slapping against the hull. I still think about that view from the upper deck — light bouncing off everything, strangers sharing little moments.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sightseeing cruise of Fort Lauderdale

• Board Carrie B at downtown dock
• Pass by Historic Stranahan House
• Travel under Henry E. Kinney Tunnel
• View Riverside Hotel from upper deck
• See multi-million dollar homes in Rio Vista
• Pass Colee Hammock Park
• Explore widest section of New River

Top questions

How long is the Fort Lauderdale sightseeing cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Where does the Carrie B tour depart from?

The tour starts at Downtown Fort Lauderdale near Stranahan House.

Is there narration during the cruise?

Yes, there is live narration provided by local guides throughout the tour.

Are snacks or drinks available on board?

Yes, there is full bar service with light snacks available for purchase.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Carrie B sightseeing cruises are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on board.

What sights will I see during this day trip?

You’ll see historic homes in Rio Vista & Colee Hammock, mega-yachts on New River & Port Everglades, plus views of Riverside Hotel & Stranahan House Museum nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes a 1.5-hour narrated sightseeing cruise aboard the Carrie B paddlewheel boat through Fort Lauderdale’s New River and Intracoastal Waterway with live commentary by local guides; access to both open-air sun deck seating under canopy or air-conditioned main deck comfort; plus onboard bar service offering snacks and drinks throughout your trip.