Fort Lauderdale: 12 People Private Pontoon Rental

If you’re looking for a laid-back way to enjoy the sunshine and stunning waterfront scenery of Fort Lauderdale, a private pontoon rental might just be your perfect ticket. This experience offers the chance to cruise at your own pace—either driving yourself or hiring a captain—while bringing along your own snacks, drinks, and playlist for a personalized day on the water. For groups of up to 12 people, this is an accessible, versatile option that balances fun, comfort, and value.

One of the standout features we love is the flexibility this tour provides—ranging from 2 to 8 hours—allowing you to tailor your adventure to what suits your group best. The boat itself is modern, equipped with flip-up bolster seats, a Bimini top for shade, and Bluetooth audio, making it easy to relax while enjoying the views. A possible consideration is the need for a boating safety course if you plan to drive and you weren’t born before January 1, 1988. For those without eligible drivers, hiring a captain is straightforward, though it comes at an additional cost.

This experience is ideal for groups seeking a social, customizable day on the water—whether friends celebrating, families, or even couples wanting to explore Fort Lauderdale’s yacht-lined coast. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic cruise that combines ease and fun, this tour checks many boxes.

Key Points

Flexibility in Duration: Options range from 2 to 8 hours, allowing you to pick what fits your schedule and energy levels.

Self-Driving or Guided: You can operate the pontoon if you meet eligibility requirements, or opt for a captain for a worry-free experience.

Bring Your Own Supplies: Snacks, drinks, and playlists are all welcome—your boat comes with a cooler and Bluetooth system for full customization.

Stunning Views & Stops: Expect to cruise past luxury yachts, mansions, and enjoy stops at local sandbars, creeks, or restaurants.

Modern, Comfortable Boat: The pontoon is equipped with flip-up bolster seats, a Bimini top for shade, and safety gear.

Valuable for Groups: At $349 for up to 12 people, this experience offers good value, especially considering the ability to split costs among your group.

A Thorough Look at the Experience

The Fort Lauderdale private pontoon rental offers a straightforward yet memorable way to enjoy the city’s waterways. Starting at the “100 Pro Boats” office, you’ll meet your vessel ready for your chosen duration of fun. The boat itself is modern—featuring flip-up bolster seats that keep everyone comfortable during the cruise, a Bimini top providing shade from the Florida sun, and a Bluetooth audio system to fill the boat with your favorite tunes.

One of the biggest draws here is the flexibility of the experience. You’re free to choose how long you want to be on the water—whether it’s a quick two-hour jaunt or a full eight-hour adventure. This flexibility makes it practical for various schedules, whether you want a quick escape or an all-day adventure. It’s worth noting that the longer options (4, 6, or 8 hours) do come with additional costs for the captain, ranging from $250 to $450. If you’re confident with your boating skills, you might prefer to drive yourself, which is included in the base price.

Driving the boat is straightforward but comes with some restrictions. To operate the vessel, you need to be a competent person with at least two years of experience on similar boats, with no recent violations or marine losses. If you meet those criteria, you’ll love the freedom to explore at your own pace. For those without boating credentials, a licensed captain can take the wheel—adding peace of mind, especially for less experienced boaters.

The onboard amenities make it easy to enjoy a relaxed day on the water. There’s a full gas tank so you won’t worry about running out, a cooler to keep your snacks and drinks chilled, and the Bluetooth system lets you set your soundtrack. Reviewers often mention how much they appreciated being able to bring their own drinks and snacks, making the experience feel like a floating party.

Expect to cruise past Fort Lauderdale’s famous yachts and mansions, soaking in the opulence and luxury of the area. The route typically includes stops at local sandbars, ideal spots for jumping into the water and cooling off, or anchoring for a picnic. Some guests have enjoyed tying up near restaurants or exploring creek areas, adding variety to their water adventure.

Authentic reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and smooth boat handling, which make for a safe and enjoyable experience. Guests also loved the stunning views and the opportunity to customize stops along the way, noting that the crew was flexible and accommodating. One reviewer appreciated how the boat’s Bluetooth system made it easy to set the perfect playlist and enhance the vibe.

What to Expect on Your Day

From the moment you arrive at the “100 Pro Boats” office, the check-in process is straightforward. After a brief safety briefing, you’ll hop aboard your sleek, spacious pontoon. If you’ve chosen to drive yourself, you’ll be briefed on safety and operation, with the option to request a quick online Florida boating safety course if needed (a requirement for many drivers born after 1988).

Once on the water, the fun begins. You’ll start by cruising past Fort Lauderdale’s impressive waterfront skyline, catching views of multimillion-dollar yachts and sprawling mansions. The route is flexible but typically includes visits to sandbars—perfect for a swim or a quick sunbathing session. During the cruise, your playlist can be the soundtrack, thanks to the Bluetooth system, while you take in the sights.

If you’ve hired a captain, they’ll handle the navigation, freeing you to relax, chat, and focus on the scenery. Reviewers have praised captains like Captain John for their friendly, attentive service and local knowledge, which enhances the overall experience. Many mention that the guides are helpful and knowledgeable, offering tips about the area and boat operation.

Stops at the sandbar are a highlight—here, you can jump into the warm waters, float around, or just lounge on your boat with drinks in hand. Some guests have noted how peaceful and fun these anchor points are, with plenty of space for everyone to stretch out. The maximum capacity of 12 makes it ideal for small to medium groups wanting an intimate, fun setting.

The duration options allow you to control how much time you spend on the water and ashore. For those opting for fewer hours, you’ll get a quick taste of Fort Lauderdale’s waters, while longer trips allow more exploration and relaxation. The cost—$349 for the whole group—is reasonable considering the boat’s amenities, the flexibility, and the private nature of the tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for groups of friends or family looking for a casual, customizable day on the water. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions, like birthdays or bachelor/bachelorette parties, as it can be tailored to your preferences. The option to bring your own food and drinks means you can turn your cruise into a floating picnic or party.

If you’re someone who enjoys scenic views, lively playlists, and the freedom of self-driving a boat, you’ll find this tour highly enjoyable. It’s a great way to see Fort Lauderdale’s luxurious waterfront from a relaxed perspective, away from crowded boat tours or commercial cruises.

However, it’s worth noting that drivers under 21 aren’t allowed to operate the boat, and those who weren’t born before 1988 need to complete an online boating safety course. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the boat’s design and access limitations.

The Sum Up

This private pontoon rental offers a fantastic way to experience Fort Lauderdale’s waterways in a relaxed, personalized manner. Whether you’re eager to drive the boat yourself or prefer to hire a captain, the experience is flexible and value-packed at $349 for up to 12 people. The boat’s modern features and scenic route make it perfect for small groups wanting a mix of fun, sun, and scenery.

The ability to bring your own snacks, drinks, and playlists makes the experience feel like a floating party — especially with the option to stop at sandbars, creeks, or nearby restaurants for added variety. The knowledgeable guides and stunning views promise an authentic, memorable day on the water.

This tour is ideal for groups prioritizing flexibility, comfort, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a genuine way to enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s luxurious waterfront in a way that balances adventure and leisure, without the crowds or rigid schedules of larger tour operators.

FAQ

Can I drive the boat myself?
Yes, if you are a competent person with at least two years of experience operating similar vessels and meet the safety requirements.

What if I don’t have boating experience?
You can hire a captain for an additional fee, ensuring a worry-free cruise with a knowledgeable guide at the wheel.

How long can I rent the pontoon?
Rental durations are flexible, from 2 hours up to 8 hours. Check availability for specific starting times.

What do I need to bring?
Bring a passport or ID, a credit card for deposit, and your own snacks, drinks, and playlist to enhance your day.

Is there a safety briefing?
Yes, safety gear and live vests are included, and you’ll receive safety instructions before heading out.

Are there any extra costs?
Additional costs include the captain’s service (if you choose to hire one), typically starting at $250, and a security deposit of $500.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While there is no specific restriction mentioned, children should be comfortable on a boat and able to wear provided safety gear.

Are there options for different languages?
The activity provider offers English and German-speaking guides.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet at the “100 Pro Boats” office, where the tour begins and ends.

This private pontoon rental offers an authentic, customizable way to enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s glitzy waterways—perfect for groups wanting a relaxed, fun-filled day on the water.