Fort Lauderdale: Paddleboard tour with guide & lesson

Summary

Paddle through Island City’s mangroves & meet its wild neighbors

You’ll learn paddleboarding basics with a friendly local guide as you explore Fort Lauderdale’s hidden waterways and mangroves. Spot iguanas and tropical birds up close, enjoy moments of calm on the lagoon, and finish with lunch or drinks nearby — all with equipment included and free parking. It’s an experience you’ll remember long after your feet dry off.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about standing up on a paddleboard for the first time — balance isn’t really my thing. But our guide, Alex, just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, we’ve seen it all.” There was this easygoing vibe right from the start at the Sunrise Paddleboards shop (free parking, which honestly felt like a small miracle in Fort Lauderdale). The boards were lined up under palm trees that rattled in the breeze, and I could smell sunscreen and river water — kind of earthy and salty at the same time.

We set off into these winding waterways they call Island City. It’s quieter than you’d expect so close to downtown; just the sound of paddles dipping and some birds calling out from somewhere in the mangroves. Alex pointed out an iguana sunning itself on a branch — bright green against all that tangled brown. I tried to say “iguana” in Spanish (iguana is iguana, turns out), but he laughed anyway. The water was calm but every now and then a fish would jump or you’d see something move under the surface. It made me weirdly aware of my toes gripping the board.

The best part for me was drifting into this lagoon area where everything went kind of still. We practiced turning tricks — nothing fancy for me, but Alex showed us how to pivot without falling in (I almost did). There was this moment where everyone just stopped talking and listened to the wind moving through the mangroves. I didn’t expect to feel so… peaceful? Afterward, we paddled back past Fort Lauderdale Beachfront — people waving from shore — and I realized my arms were tired but in a good way.

If you’re thinking about a day trip paddleboarding in Fort Lauderdale with a local guide, don’t stress if you’re new to it. They really do make it easy for beginners (I’m proof). Plus there’s a restaurant next door when you’re done — I got a smoothie that tasted like actual fruit, not syrupy stuff. Anyway, I still think about that quiet stretch of lagoon sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paddle Board Lesson and Experience

• Visit largest paddle board dealer
• Pass by Fort Lauderdale Beachfront

Top questions

Is this paddleboard tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners get an easy lesson at the start and guides help improve your technique throughout the 2-hour tour.

How long does the paddleboard tour last?

The guided paddleboard experience lasts about 2 hours.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the experience.

Is there free parking available?

Yes, free guest parking is included at Sunrise Paddleboards shop.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this paddleboard tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the starting point.

What wildlife might I see during the tour?

You might spot exotic birds, iguanas, tropical palm trees, and marine life along Island City’s waterways.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No, but there is a restaurant next door offering salads, sandwiches, smoothies, wine, beer, and sodas after your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes all paddleboarding equipment plus a guided lesson tailored for beginners or experienced paddlers alike. Free guest parking is provided at Sunrise Paddleboards shop before heading out onto Fort Lauderdale’s scenic waterways with your local guide. Afterward you’ll find a restaurant next door for food or drinks if you want to linger by the water before heading home.