Fort Lauderdale: Catamaran Sail & Water Playground Tour

Summary

Sail past mansions jump in the atlantic play on floating mats and laugh with locals

You’ll sail through Fort Lauderdale’s famous waterways on a catamaran with local crew, pass wild mansions along Millionaires Row, and jump straight into the Atlantic from a giant slide or floating mat. Try snorkeling if weather allows or just hang back with an ice-cold drink—there’s space for both laughter and quiet moments out here.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the light bounced off the water in Fort Lauderdale—almost too bright, like someone turned up the contrast. We climbed onto the Spirit of Lauderdale catamaran just as a couple of pelicans drifted by, totally unbothered by us. Our guide, Jamie, grinned and handed out cold drinks right away. “You’ll want this when we hit Millionaires Row,” she said. I didn’t even know that was a real place, honestly. The houses looked fake—one had a statue of a horse bigger than my car.

Music played low in the background (some Jimmy Buffett song I only half-remember), and people started to relax into it—bare feet on deck, salt air sticking to our skin. When we reached open water, Jamie shouted, “Ready for the slide?” I pretended not to be nervous but yeah, it’s higher than it looks from below. The splash was colder than expected; my ears filled with that muffled underwater sound for a second before I popped up laughing. There’s something about saltwater that just wakes you up.

We took turns bouncing on this huge water trampoline (my landing was not graceful), and then floated out on a mat while some kids tried snorkeling near the reef—weather was good enough for it that day. A couple next to me talked about moving here for good; I get why. At one point Jamie pointed at a passing yacht and said something about how locals call this stretch “the Venice of America”—I still don’t see it but maybe you have to squint.

I keep thinking about that moment when everyone went quiet for just a minute—the sun warming our backs, waves slapping gently against the hull, nobody needing to say anything at all. It felt like summer should feel, if that makes sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and enjoy water activities

• Board the Spirit of Lauderdale catamaran
• Sail along Fort Lauderdale beaches
• Tour Millionaires Row and intracoastal waterway
• Set sail to the Atlantic Ocean
• Enjoy sea breezes and tropical music
• Sip ice cold beverages served onboard
• Swim and slide into the sea
• Jump on the water trampoline
• Snorkel and check out the reef
• Relax and enjoy the views

Top questions

Is there hotel pickup included for this Fort Lauderdale catamaran tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included for this excursion.

Are water activities like slides and trampolines available on board?

Yes, your trip includes access to a giant slide, water trampoline, and floating mat.

Can children or infants join this Fort Lauderdale sailing tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Is snorkeling gear provided during the cruise?

You can grab a mask onboard to check out the reef if weather permits.

Are service animals allowed on this catamaran trip?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the excursion.

How long is the sailing route along Millionaires Row?

The exact duration isn’t specified but includes time along Millionaires Row plus ocean sailing and swim stops.

Does this cruise include food or drinks?

You’ll be served ice-cold beverages by the crew; food isn’t mentioned in inclusions.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the boat?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to departure point.

What’s included

Your day includes all water toys—giant slide off the boat into the Atlantic Ocean, access to a huge floating mat and trampoline for splashing around or relaxing under Florida sun—and friendly local crew serving cold drinks while you sail past Fort Lauderdale’s famous mansions and beaches before heading back ashore.