Fort Lauderdale: Private Yacht Cruise with Sandbar & Dining

Summary

Private yacht cruising past mansions, sandbars, and riverside life

You’ll cruise Fort Lauderdale’s canals on a private yacht with your group, passing mega-yachts and colorful houses before anchoring at lively sandbars to swim or relax. Play your favorite music, chat with your captain, and stop for lunch at a waterfront spot if you want—there’s no rush here, just easygoing Florida vibes all day.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way sunlight bounced off the Sundancer’s white deck as we pulled away from Bahia Mar. There’s something about Fort Lauderdale’s waterways—busy but calm at the same time. Our captain, Jorge, waved to another boat (everyone seems to know everyone here), and pointed out a bright yellow house with flamingos on the lawn. I was already grinning before we’d even left the marina.

You get this slow-motion feeling gliding past those wild waterfront mansions—some with their own yachts bigger than our apartment building. The air smelled faintly salty, mixed with sunscreen and someone grilling nearby. We played our own music over the speakers (Jorge just handed us his phone and said “DJ time!”) and drifted toward a sandbar where people were wading waist-deep, holding drinks above their heads. I tried to say something in Spanish to a guy tossing a frisbee—probably butchered it because he just laughed and handed me a cold soda.

We had options: two hours for a quick loop or stretch it out for four or six (we went for four). After swimming around at the sandbar—water was cooler than I expected—we dried off on deck towels that felt warm from the sun. Later, Jorge suggested stopping at this little dockside place for fried shrimp and lemonade. I still think about that first bite; maybe it was just being hungry from swimming or maybe food really does taste better when you’re barefoot on a boat. Anyway, we didn’t rush back—just let the afternoon drift by while boats zipped past and someone’s dog barked from a jetty.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private yacht cruise Fort Lauderdale

• Go around Fort Lauderdale channels
• Pass by the wharf on the river

Top questions

How long is the private yacht cruise in Fort Lauderdale?

You can choose between 2, 4, or 6 hours for your private yacht cruise.

Does the tour include stops at sandbars?

Yes, there are optional stops at sandbars—just let your captain know before departure.

Where does the yacht depart from?

The cruise starts from Bahia Mar Yachting Center in Fort Lauderdale.

Can we bring our own music onboard?

Yes, there’s a Bluetooth stereo so you can play your own music during the trip.

Is food included on the yacht cruise?

No meals are included but you can stop at waterfront restaurants for food or drinks if you wish.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board the Sundancer 37 yacht.

Is pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet directly at Bahia Mar Yachting Center.

Is this private yacht tour suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome—even infants and small children can join in strollers or prams.

What’s included

Your day includes use of the Sundancer 37 yacht with an English or Spanish-speaking guide as captain, Bluetooth stereo to play your own music, cooler with ice for drinks you bring along, all landing and facility fees covered, plus access to an onboard restroom for comfort throughout your cruise.