Fort Lauderdale: Sandbar Boat Cruise & BYOB Swim Party

Summary

BYOB boat party cruising past yachts to the sandbar for a swim

You’ll laugh your way past mega-yachts and waterfront mansions on this BYOB Fort Lauderdale boat cruise, then dive into sandbar chaos with floats and music before dancing back to shore. Bring your favorite snacks, soak up sun with locals and travelers alike, and catch yourself grinning at moments you didn’t plan for.

What’s the experience like?

“You brought the unicorn float, right?” That’s what someone yelled as we lugged our cooler down the dock in Fort Lauderdale — honestly, I was already sweating before we even stepped onto the boat. Our captain, Mike, greeted us with this huge grin and a reminder: “No glass bottles, but everything else is fair game.” There was that salty air mixing with sunscreen and cheap beer as we pushed off from the Intracoastal side. The music kicked in (somehow both throwback and brand new at once), and suddenly we were gliding past these ridiculous mansions — one had a golden mailbox shaped like a dolphin. Mike pointed out which ones belonged to old movie stars or tech guys. I tried to imagine living there but mostly just felt lucky to be floating by.

We cruised through downtown Fort Lauderdale, weaving between yachts that looked like they’d cost more than my entire life so far. It’s called the “Venice of America,” which sounded like an exaggeration until I saw all those canals twisting off in every direction. At one point, a pelican landed right next to us — didn’t flinch at all when someone dropped a chip nearby. The city looked different from the water: less polished, more alive somehow. People waved from their decks; some kid did a cannonball off his family’s dock. And then you get that moment where you realize you’re part of the scene too.

The real highlight was anchoring at the Fort Lauderdale Sandbar — it’s not quiet or serene or anything like that. It’s loud and messy and full of energy, boats everywhere tied together like some floating block party. We threw in the flamingo float (the unicorn had already been claimed), and suddenly it was just laughter, splashing, sunburn warnings shouted across the water. There’s something about swimming in that shallow blue-green water with strangers who feel like friends after two drinks… I still think about how easy it felt to just let go for a while.

On the way back, our little group danced (badly) on deck while Mike steered us home past Las Olas Boulevard. Someone played DJ; someone else tried to tell a story about meeting Pitbull at a marina but never finished it — nobody minded. If you’re looking for a day trip boat cruise in Fort Lauderdale that’s less about sightseeing and more about feeling part of something wild and warm for an afternoon… well, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat cruise and sandbar swim

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Board boat in Fort Lauderdale Beach
• BYOB and wear bathing suits
• Cruise past yachts and mansions
• Tour downtown Fort Lauderdale
• Explore Las Olas Isles mansions
• Pass through massive port area
• Anchor at Fort Lauderdale Sandbar
• Swim and use floats at sandbar
• Enjoy music and party on board
• Dance party cruise back to dock

Top questions

Does this Fort Lauderdale boat cruise include swimming?

Yes, all daytime cruises (10am, 1pm, 4pm) stop at the sandbar for swimming.

Can I bring my own drinks on board?

Yes—BYOB is encouraged! Just no glass containers allowed.

Is there food provided during the boat tour?

No food is included; guests can bring any snacks or meals they want.

Are there bathrooms on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on the boat.

Where does the tour depart from in Fort Lauderdale?

The cruise departs from the Intracoastal side of Fort Lauderdale Beach; arrive 30 minutes early to find parking and locate the dock.

What should I bring for this day trip boat cruise?

Bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, drinks (no glass), snacks or food if desired.

Is bottled water provided on board?

Yes—there is free bottled water in a community cooler for all guests.

Are children allowed on this Fort Lauderdale sandbar cruise?

Yes—infants can ride in strollers or on laps; suitable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes BYOB access (bring any drinks except glass), use of floats and rafts at the sandbar swim stop, free bottled water from the community cooler, plus onboard restroom facilities—all hosted by local crew who keep things lively until you return to shore.