Fort Lauderdale: Private Yacht Tour, Sandbars & Waterfront Dining

Summary

Private yacht cruise through Fort Lauderdale’s lively waterways with sandbar swims and waterfront dining

You’ll cruise Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Intracoastal Waterway aboard a private yacht with your group, swimming at lively sandbars and relaxing under the sun. Enjoy lunch dockside at a waterfront restaurant before unwinding on deck as city lights come up around you. It’s easygoing luxury — perfect if you want to feel both local and free for a few hours.

What’s the experience like?

“You guys ever seen a house with its own helipad?” That’s how our captain kicked things off as we drifted out from Bahia Mar, sun already bouncing off the water in that way that makes you squint even behind sunglasses. The breeze smelled faintly salty — not full ocean, but enough to remind you this is Fort Lauderdale, not just any city with boats. We passed these wild mansions, some with giant flamingo floats or little dogs barking at us from the docks. It’s funny — I thought I’d feel out of place around all that luxury, but up on the Sundancer 40’s deck with my friends, music low and toes in the shade, it felt like our own slice of it for a while.

The main keyword here is private yacht tour Fort Lauderdale — but honestly, it didn’t feel like a “tour” at all. More like someone handed us the keys to their boat and said go have fun (well, technically there was a bareboat agreement and our captain handled the driving). When we anchored at one of those sandbars — I think it was just past Las Olas — everyone kind of fell quiet for a second. Warm water lapping at your ankles, laughter drifting over from another group floating by on neon mats. My friend tried to stand on the water mat and immediately slipped; even the captain laughed. There was something about being out there where city noise faded and all you could hear were splashes and distant music.

I didn’t expect to get hungry so fast after swimming (maybe it’s the salt air?), so docking at one of those waterfront restaurants hit just right. The staff waved us in like they knew our captain by name — maybe they did? We ate fried shrimp with our hands because no one brought napkins onboard (pro tip: bring napkins). Later we stretched out on the sun deck while someone played old-school R&B over Bluetooth. I kept thinking how different this was from any other day trip in Fort Lauderdale — not rushed or crowded, just time moving slow for once.

On the way back I noticed how everyone got quieter. Maybe tired from swimming or just soaking up the last bit of light as we glided past more yachts heading out for sunset. Our guide pointed out a pelican perched on a channel marker; nobody said anything but we all watched it until it flew off. I still think about that view sometimes — water turning pinkish gold, city lights flickering on behind us, and that feeling like you’re part of something local for an afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yacht cruise and sandbar stop

• Depart from Bahia Mar Yachting Center
• Cruise Intracoastal Waterway sightseeing
• Anchor at sandbar for swimming
• Relax on deck and sunbathe
• Optional stop at waterfront restaurant
• Return to marina

Top questions

How many people can join the private yacht tour in Fort Lauderdale?

The yacht accommodates up to 12 guests per booking.

Where does the yacht depart from?

The tour starts at Bahia Mar Yachting Center in Fort Lauderdale.

Are food and drinks included?

No food is included; you can bring your own snacks and drinks (BYOB), or dine at waterfront restaurants during longer tours.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a bathroom available inside the cabin.

Can we swim during the tour?

Yes, swimming is possible at sandbars or lagoons—just let your captain know your preference before departure.

How long are the private yacht tours available?

You can choose between 90 minutes, 2 hours, 4 hours, or 6 hours for your tour.

Is pickup included?

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

Are children allowed on board?

Yes—infants can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult’s lap during travel.

What’s included

Your day includes use of the Sundancer 40 yacht with shaded seating and sun deck access, fuel surcharge covered, coolers stocked with ice and bottled water (BYOB friendly), landing fees taken care of, plus access to water mats for rentals of four hours or more—so you can swim or lounge as much as you want before returning to shore together.