Boat Rental with Captain Fort Lauderdale 4-Hour Sandbar Cruise

Four Hours on a 24ft Sea Ray, Captain Included, Sandbar Anchor

You get a private 24ft boat with a captain for four hours, anchored at Fort Lauderdale's sandbar with the city skyline behind you. Water, ice, two coolers, and floating devices are included. Bring your own drinks if you want them. The captain navigates while you decide how to spend the time: swimming, floating, or just sitting on the boat. Groups up to eight people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat rental and sandbar visit

• Meet captain and board boat
• Travel to Fort Lauderdale sandbar
• Enjoy sun and water at sandbar
• View Fort Lauderdale city from water

The experience

The captain meets you at the dock and asks what you're after: sandbar, bay, city views, or some mix of all three. That's the whole thing right there. You're not following a script or a group itinerary. You're renting a 2016 Sea Ray Sundeck 240 with someone who knows the water and can take you where you actually want to go. Up to eight people fit on board, which means it's tight enough to feel like your own thing but roomy enough that nobody's standing the whole time. The boat leaves from Fort Lauderdale, and the captain handles the navigation while you handle the day.

Most people head straight for the sandbar. It's the obvious move, and it's obvious because it works. You anchor in shallow water with the Fort Lauderdale beachfront and city skyline sitting behind you, which sounds like a postcard until you're actually there and the light hits different depending on the hour. The water's warm, the sand is right there, and you can float, swim, or just sit on the boat with a drink and watch other people do the same. Two coolers come with the rental, plus water and ice, so you're not scrambling to keep anything cold. You can bring your own alcohol, nobody's going to stop you, and the floating devices are there if anyone wants them.

The captain's job is to get you there safely and on time, not to narrate the whole thing or pretend he's your entertainment. He'll point things out if you ask, handle the engine, and make sure everyone knows where the bathroom is and how the radio works. Four hours sounds short until you're in it, and then it's exactly long enough to feel like you've had a real day on the water without the whole thing turning into a commitment. You're back by the time the afternoon's still young.

What’s included

• Your four-hour rental includes a captain, the 24ft Sea Ray Sundeck 240, water, ice, two coolers, and floating devices.
• You can bring your own alcohol and snacks.
• The captain takes you to the sandbar in Fort Lauderdale, where you anchor and spend time in the water or on the boat.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

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

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Fort Lauderdale Boat Tours!

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a boat day without arranging your own captain or worrying about navigation. The captain handles the driving, and the fixed four-hour window means you're not overcommitting to the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

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 included in the rental?

Water, ice, two coolers, and floating devices. You can bring your own alcohol.

How many people can fit on the boat?

Up to 8 people.

Where does the boat go?

The captain takes you to the sandbar in Fort Lauderdale, where you can swim and float with views of the beachfront and city skyline.

How long is the rental?

Four hours.

Do I need boating experience?

No. A captain is included and handles all navigation and operation of the boat.

Can I bring alcohol?

Yes, you can bring your own alcohol. Water and coolers are provided to keep drinks cold.

What if someone can't swim?

Floating devices are included. The sandbar is shallow, and you don't have to get in the water if you don't want to.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The boat is suitable for families, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.