Best Boat Rentals Near Fort Lauderdale, FL
Top Boat Rentals and Yacht Charters in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Top boat rental reviews in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Daylon
Jul 2025 -
5/5 stars
great experience! captain frank was awesome 😎
Jeanette
Jul 2025 -
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Abdur
Jul 2025 -
5/5 stars
Jonny
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5/5 stars
Great people and fast service.
Amazing experiencehenderson
Jul 2025
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Rent a Boat in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, located just 30-miles north of Miami, is known by many across the globe as the “Yachting Capital of the World.” Its 165-mile waterways coupled with Florida’s year-round sunshine make this one of the most popular boating destinations in the United States. Host to the world’s largest in-water boat show—the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show—locals and visitors alike are drawn to the local waterways, sandbars, and gorgeous beaches. Up and down the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), you’ll see a mix of water taxis, local boaters and anglers, luxurious superyachts, and even Venetian gondolas.
What to Know
When planning your rent a boat or book an on-water experience in Fort Lauderdale, consider these popular boat rental styles:
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As the ‘yachting capital of the world,’ you can probably guess that motor yachts and cruisers are a hot comedy around these waterways. Perfect for larger groups and corporate events, most of these rentals will come with a professional captain.
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Pontoon boats and other day boats, like bowriders, deck boats, and jet boats, are best suited for exploring the local sandbars and dock-and-dining along the New River.
Safety Requirements:
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Boating License/Education Rules: All Florida residents born after January 1, 1988 who operate vessels with 10-horsepower or more must carry a Florida Boating Safety Education identification card. You must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).
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Life Jacket Requirements: Children ages 6 and under must wear a PFD.
For more information, visit the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Where to dock your boat, or meet your rental:
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Pier Sixty-Six Marina
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Las Olas Marina
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Bahia Mar Yachting Center
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New River Downtown Docks
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Marina Bay Marina
To learn more, be sure to read this Fort Lauderdale Boating Guide.
Weather Conditions
In Fort Lauderdale, the summers are hot and humid; while, winters are slightly cooler but mild. Also, skies during winter months are mostly clear, but boaters should be aware of Florida’s active hurricane season that runs through . The best climate in Fort Lauderdale for warm-weather activities is from early November to early May.
Avg. Temperature High: Peaks around 89°F in August
Avg. Temperature Low: Around 62°F during January
Avg. Water Temperatures in and around Fort Lauderdale:
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75°F in the Spring (March, April, May)
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83°F in the Summer (June, July, August)
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80°F in Fall (September, October, November)
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68°F in Winter (December, January, February)
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale by Boat
Explore the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
South Florida’s vast Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) touches many of the East Coast’s most popular water destinations— including—you guessed it—Fort Lauderdale! If you’re unfamiliar with navigating the ICW, consider booking your rental with a professional captain. Whether you are at the helm yourself or you opt for a captain, the ICW is a gateway to discover Fort Lauderdale's inland bays, party coves, and popular sandbars; not to mention the numerous great waterfront restaurants. Whether your crew is young and ready to party, or you’re a family looking for relaxation and leisure, the ICW offers something for everyone.
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Wake Zone: Navigating the Intracoastal Waterway for the first time can be intimidating for some. You’ll want to be aware of channel markers, wake zones, and other aids to navigation that can help you along the way. Also be sure to read our helpful Guide to Navigating Florida’s ICW.
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Pro Tip: The ICW is thousands of miles long, needless to say, there’s much to do and see here. Make the best out of your day on the water in Fort Lauderdale and book a full-day boat rental.
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Marinas: Las Olas Marina, Hall of Fame Marina, Pier Sixty-Six Marina
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Top Add-ons (varies by boat): Lily pads and floats, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and more!
Anchor at the Famous Fort Lauderdale Sandbar
If this is your first time boating in Fort Lauderdale, you won’t want to miss visiting one of three popular local sandbars: the Fort Lauderdale Sandbar (also known as the ‘Triangle;’ within the New River), Lake Sylvia (south of Bahia Mar), and the sandbar on Whiskey Creek (near John Lloyd State Park). Make sure to stock up your cooler with your favorite drinks, adult beverages, and plenty of water. You could also bring aboard a couple of subs from your favorite deli, or order directly from Jay’s Sandbar Foodboat, which is anchored and open for business every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 8pm.
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Location: Google Maps Link
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Pro Tip: The first sandbar is located at the intersection of New River. Our team recommends arriving at the sandbar before noon to secure a primate location. Be sure you anchor your boat outside of the nearby channel.
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Lat/Long: 26.1116° N, 80.1181° W
Sight-see and dock-and-dine along the New River
You’ll be tempted to dock at many of Fort Lauderdale’s iconic restaurants on your cruise downtown along the New River. To go bar hopping by boat here, be sure to book a boat with a captain who can be your sober skipper and local tour guide. Dock at Boathouse to enjoy the views of water traffic while you sip on a glass of their fine house wine. Next, go to the Pirates Republic Seafood Restaurant and order the house’s popular exotic drink: Caprinha. End your New River adventure at Marti’s New River Bistro for their delectable shrimp bloody mary.
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Pro Tip: The best time of day to go bar hopping on New River is between the hours of 11am and 2pm or 5pm and 7pm.
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Closest dock: New River Downtown Dock
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Lat/Long: 26.1109° N, 80.1123° W
Where to go Boating in Fort Lauderdale
Lake Sylvia
Lake Sylvia is a hidden gem located just off the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), north of Fort Lauderdale. Hop on a pontoon with the family and enjoy the small crowd of sunkissed Floridians that hang out here (don’t worry parents—this is a very family-friendly environment, you won’t find much of a party crowd here). If you have small children pack their floaties, the waters of Lake Sylvia are protected, warm and gentle. You and your crew will most likely be hungry after all the fun, nearby Lake Slyvia is Boatyard, a waterfront steakhouse with specialty beverages, and dishes even the kids will enjoy.
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Dockage: Leaving from the southwest corner, boaters can head west on the canal under the 7' bridge. Once you continue up the ICW, you can enter the canal just south of SE 15th Street where you’ll find a public boat ramp at Cox’s Landing.
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Pro Tips: The water depth in Lake Sylvia can vary greatly depending on your location. Be sure to keep an eye on your depth finder and look for shallow areas.
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Target fish species: Bass, catfish, crappie, perch, and sunfish.
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Lat/Long: 26.1048° N, 80.1115° W
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Also fondly known as Fort Lauderdale's 'Central Park,' Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is the green speck amid a concrete jungle located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. To get here by boat, and cruise around Sunrise Bay or Coral Bay. On one side of the bay, you'll have the thick tropical hammock trees of Hugh Birch Taylor State Park; on the other side, you'll see Fort Lauderdale's famous luxury waterfront mansions. There are many more spots, like the Bonnet House and Garden, sitting just south of Coral Bay! This is a highly attractive area, so you'll likely see many others oohing and aahing at all the beauty surrounding them.
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Dockage: Yes - the park has a public floating dock and pavilion so boaters can access the park via the Intracoastal Waterway.
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Pro Tips: Fishing is allowed in the park, but be sure to keep an eye out for 'No Fishing' signs. No fishing is permitted in waters within the interior of the park, such as the mangroves or the coastal dune lake.
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Lat/Long: 26°08′42″N 80°06′18″W
New River
At the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale is New River, a system of canals providing visitors with the best views of this city. Hop on a boat to take a cruise downtown that offers a variety of experiences and places to see that will interest all ages. Follow one canal and you’ll see rows of colonial, oriental, and even modern mansions. Go down another canal and dock at The Wharf for a quick bite and one of their specialty drinks. You have 30 leisurely miles of waterway to explore in this ‘Venice of America.’
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Launch from: New River Downtown Dock
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Notable sights: Cooley’s Landing Park, Axis Star, History Fort Lauderdale Museum
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Fun fact: Historic Stranahan House, built in 1901, is Fort Lauderdale’s oldest surviving home, and is located on the New River. Come here with a professional captain for a history lesson and a view into this city’s past.
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Lat/Long: 26.1109° N, 80.1123° W
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Fort Lauderdale?
The cost to rent a boat in Fort Lauderdale starts at $89 per hour.
What are the top destinations to explore with a Fort Lauderdale boat rental?
With a Fort Lauderdale boat rental, top destinations include the Intracoastal Waterway, perfect for cruising past luxurious homes and docking at waterside restaurants. The New River winds through downtown, offering a unique city-meets-nature boating experience. Sandbars like Whiskey Creek and the popular Haulover Sandbar (just south) are great for anchoring and swimming. Port Everglades provides access to the Atlantic Ocean for offshore adventures or snorkeling trips. Known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale offers endless waterways to explore.
Can passengers drink on a boat in Florida?
Yes, passengers can drink alcoholic beverages on a boat in Florida. It is against the law, however, to operate a motor vehicle in Florida with an open container of alcohol. But if you travel by boat, or plan a party aboard your vessel, it is not illegal for the operator to be drinking an alcoholic beverage -- it is, however, illegal to drive a boat while drunk or while drinking an alcoholic beverage.
What are the requirements to rent a boat in Florida?
For those that want to rent a boat in Florida, Florida law requires individuals born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC. A person must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida. A person must be at least 18 years of age to rent a personal watercraft in Florida.
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