Fort Lauderdale: Evening Yacht Cruise & Downtown Dancing

Glide past Fort Lauderdale's billionaire row as the sun drops and the music turns up

You board at the Fort Lauderdale dock and spend two hours cruising the New River past yachts, mansions on Las Olas Isles, and cargo ships at the port. As the sun sets, the music and lights ramp up and dancing takes over. You bring your own drinks and snacks, and the crew keeps the energy high with music and corny jokes. The boat returns to dock around 9pm, depending on your departure time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening boat cruise through Fort Lauderdale

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Board the boat at dock
• Cruise past yachts and mansions
• View Downtown Fort Lauderdale at sunset
• Pass through massive port area
• Explore Las Olas Isles mansions
• Enjoy music and dancing onboard

The experience

The boat pulls away from the dock right on time, and you're moving through the New River before you've finished settling in. Fort Lauderdale's evening yacht cruise cuts through downtown at a pace that lets you actually see what's around you: the massive yachts moored along the banks, the sprawl of mansions on the Las Olas Isles, the cargo ships and cruise liners that remind you this is one of the busiest ports on the coast. The captain and crew point out the notable owners and the stories attached to the houses, and yeah, some of the jokes are corny, but that's kind of the point. The music starts low and builds as the light goes.

By the time the sun sets, you're cruising past the Yacht Club with downtown lit up in the background, and the lights and volume go up. This isn't a quiet sightseeing tour: dancing is encouraged, and the crew makes it clear they're here to show people a good time, not just move them past landmarks. You can bring your own drinks and food (no glass), and there's bottled water on board. The 7pm departure skips the sandbar swim stop that the earlier sailings offer, so you stay in the heart of downtown the whole time, which is what makes the evening vibe work. The route covers 160 miles of canals. They call it the Venice of America, and once you're on the water you understand why.

One thing that matters: arrive 30 minutes early to find parking and locate the dock. The boat leaves at the scheduled time, and missing it means no refund. The whole experience runs about two hours, and there's a restroom on board if you need it. Bring a cooler for your drinks, wear something you don't mind moving in, and don't expect a formal narration. Expect a crew that actually wants you to have fun.

What’s included

Your evening includes the two-hour boat cruise through downtown Fort Lauderdale, a cooler for your drinks, bottled water, party music on board, and access to the restroom. You bring your own food and beverages (BYOB, no glass), and the captain and crew guide you past the yachts, mansions, and port while the music and lights build as the sun sets.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 55 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 13:00, 16:00 and 19:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (under 18)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Staying Afloat Party Boat

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see Fort Lauderdale's waterfront and yacht scene without planning a formal dinner or bar crawl. The boat does the moving and the music, so you show up, bring drinks, and the evening takes care of itself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 18).

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 time does the evening cruise depart?

The 7pm departure is the evening option that cruises downtown without a swim stop. Earlier departures at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm include a sandbar swim.

Can I bring drinks on board?

Yes, BYOB is welcome. Bring whatever you like, but no glass containers. Bottled water is provided.

How long is the cruise?

The tour runs approximately two hours, departing at the scheduled time from the dock.

Is there food available on the boat?

No food or drinks are sold on board. You're welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks.

What happens if I arrive late?

The boat departs at the scheduled time. Arrive 30 minutes early to park and locate the dock. Refunds are not issued for missing the departure.

Is dancing required?

Dancing is encouraged but not required. The atmosphere is casual and the crew keeps the energy high with music throughout the cruise.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available during the cruise.