Fort Lauderdale Boat Tour: Venice of America Cruise

See the yachts and mansions without renting a boat yourself

The Carrie B is a 115-foot paddlewheel sightseeing boat offering a 1.5-hour narrated cruise through Fort Lauderdale's waterways: the New River, Intracoastal Waterway and Port Everglades. The boat departs from downtown Fort Lauderdale near the Stranahan House Museum, and you move freely between the air-conditioned main deck and the open sun deck with canopy seating. A full bar and light snacks are available onboard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sightseeing cruise of Fort Lauderdale

• Board Carrie B tour boat downtown
• Pass by Stranahan House Museum
• Travel over Henry E. Kinney Tunnel
• View Riverside Hotel from upper deck
• See historic homes in Rio Vista
• Pass Colee Hammock Park
• Cruise widest section of New River

The experience

You've got an afternoon free in Fort Lauderdale and no interest in renting a boat yourself. The Carrie B leaves from the downtown dock, a short walk from the Stranahan House, and spends 1.5 hours on the water with a live guide narrating the route. The boat is the largest in the city, 115 feet, so there's room to move around without feeling crowded, and you can choose between air-conditioned seating below or the open sun deck with a canopy overhead.

The route follows the New River first, passing under the Henry E. Kinney Tunnel and past the Riverside Hotel, which opened in 1936 and still anchors the waterfront with its old-world look. From there you head into Rio Vista and Colee Hammock, where homes that sold for $4,000 to $8,000 in the early 1920s now go for millions. The boat continues to the widest section of the New River, then moves into the Intracoastal Waterway and out to Port Everglades, where you see cargo ships and yachts from around the world tied up at the docks.

The guide provides commentary throughout, pointing out the homes and boats as you pass. A full bar runs the whole time, and you can order light snacks if you want something to eat. The boat runs rain or shine, and the crew handles the rest. You just show up at the dock.

What’s included

• Sightseeing cruise on the Carrie B paddlewheel boat.
• live narration in English.
• access to both air-conditioned and open-air seating.
• full bar service with light snacks available for purchase.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “CLOSEST PARKING TO CARRIE B CRUISES IS ABOUT 1/2 BLOCK AWAY. THE PARKING GARAGE IS LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF SE 4TH STREET AND FINANCIAL PLAZA.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Harbor Tours Inc

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and narrates the whole route, so you follow along without needing to read anything or use an app: good if you want to relax and listen rather than navigate on your own.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Stranahan House and why does the tour mention it?

The Stranahan House Museum is Fort Lauderdale's oldest building and sits right near the downtown dock where the Carrie B departs. The tour begins a stone's throw from it, so you'll see the historic structure as you board.

Is there food and drink on the boat?

A full bar operates throughout the cruise, and light snacks are available for purchase. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks as well.

What do you see in Port Everglades on this tour?

Port Everglades is where large cargo ships and yachts dock. The tour takes you out to see these vessels from around the world as part of the 1.5-hour route.

How much deck space is there to move around?

The Carrie B is the largest sightseeing boat in Fort Lauderdale at 115 feet, so you have plenty of room to stroll around. You can move between the air-conditioned main deck and the open sun deck with canopy seating throughout the cruise.

Does the guide explain what you're seeing?

Yes, a live guide provides entertaining and informative narration in English throughout the entire 1.5-hour cruise, pointing out the yachts, historic homes, and other landmarks along the route.