Fort Lauderdale: Scenic Boat Trip w/ Swim Stop & Inflatables

Discover Fort Lauderdale from the Water with a Scenic Boat Trip

If you’re thinking about exploring Fort Lauderdale beyond its busy streets, a scenic boat trip with a swim stop offers a relaxed way to see the city’s glamorous yachts, grand mansions, and lively sandbars. This tour, offered by Staying Afloat Party Boat, combines sightseeing with a splash of fun, making it a popular choice for travelers looking to enjoy the water in a lighthearted and informal setting. It’s a two-hour cruise that’s perfect for those wanting a casual, enjoyable experience without a hefty price tag.

What we really like about this tour is how flexible it is—you’re encouraged to bring your own food, drinks, and even inflatable toys, turning the cruise into a mini party on the water. The onboard amenities like coolers, restrooms, and sound systems make the trip comfortable and entertaining. One thing to keep in mind is the occasionally unpredictable nature of boat departures, as one review pointed out a less-than-ideal experience with a boat leaving without notice. Still, for most, this is a laid-back and engaging way to experience Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. It suits travelers craving a fun, social, and authentic water-based adventure, especially those who enjoy a bit of spontaneity.

Key Points

• Flexible experience with BYOB and inflatable toys
• All-weather comfort with onboard restrooms and sound system
• Sightseeing of luxury yachts, mansions, and Las Olas Boulevard
• Swim stop at a lively sandbar for a refreshing water break
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the fun with local insights
• Affordable price point offering good value for a 2-hour outing

An In-Depth Look at the Fort Lauderdale Scenic Boat Trip

The Experience Overview

This tour is designed to give you a fun, informal way of discovering Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. For $50 per person, you get a 2-hour cruise that offers a balance of sightseeing, socializing, and water fun. We loved the way the tour emphasizes casual enjoyment, with plenty of opportunities to relax, swim, and play with inflatables—think unicorns and flamingos floating on the water, turning the sandbar into an impromptu pool party.

The boat departs from the Bahia Mar hotel, a well-known location on the north side of the hotel/marina complex. Check-in involves going through the parking gate, taking a ticket, and parking near the flamingo and pirate ship signs. The trip’s duration is about 2 hours, including a 40-minute river cruise, a sightseeing cruise, and the swim stop. It’s ideal for anyone wanting a light-hearted experience that combines sightseeing with some water-based fun.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Bahia Mar

Your adventure begins at the Bahia Mar, a central spot with ample parking and easy access. Make sure to arrive 30 minutes early to park, locate the dock, and complete the necessary digital waiver. The departure is punctual, and being on time is crucial—missed departures aren’t refunded.

River Cruise (40 minutes)

The first part of the trip takes you along Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. This stretch offers a relaxing ride past some impressive boats and waterfront properties. Though the details of this segment aren’t heavily described, it’s a good way to get a sense of the city’s boating scene and see some local sights from a different angle.

Sightseeing Cruise (40 minutes)

Next, the boat moves into the more famous parts of Fort Lauderdale, including views of luxurious yachts, mansions, and Las Olas Boulevard. The guides are described as knowledgeable, offering insights into the local area, making the sightseeing more engaging. Expect to see some of the region’s most impressive real estate and floating homes, which really showcase the opulence of this waterfront city.

Swim Stop at the Sandbar

The highlight for many is anchoring at the Fort Lauderdale Sandbar, a bustling spot where boats from all over gather, creating a lively, party-like atmosphere. The crew throws in inflatables like unicorns and flamingos, and once anchored, the water becomes a fun playground. Guests are encouraged to jump in, swim, and relax. The review quotes a “hilarious” vibe, emphasizing how much fun the inflatable toys add to the experience. Bring your own snacks and drinks, but avoid glass bottles for safety reasons. The onboard cooler provides free bottled water, emphasizing the laid-back nature of the outing.

Return Trip

After the swim, the boat heads back toward Bahia Mar, where a dance party may break out, especially with the onboard sound system and enthusiastic crew. The relaxed environment makes this cruise perfect for groups of friends, families, or anyone looking for a low-stress, social water adventure.

Onboard Amenities and Practical Details

• Coolers: There are community coolers with free bottled water, and you can bring your own drinks and snacks—just no glass.
• Restrooms: An onboard restroom provides convenience during the cruise.
• Water Toys: Inflatable floats, rafts, and other water toys are provided, adding to the fun.
• Sound System: Music is played onboard, aiding the party vibe.
• Timing: The tour departs with punctuality, so arriving 30 minutes early is crucial to avoid missing the boat.
• Capacity: The exact group size isn’t specified, but it’s designed for small to medium groups that enjoy social water outings.

What the Tour Means for You

This trip offers a carefree, social experience rooted in casual fun. The emphasis on bringing your own food and drinks means you can tailor your experience, whether that’s a picnic, some cold beverages, or just water and snacks. The inflatable toys add a playful element, and the lively atmosphere at the sandbar makes it a highlight, especially for younger travelers or groups of friends.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While most reviews highlight the enjoyment, there’s an important caveat. One reviewer, Destiny, recounted a disappointing incident where the boat left without notice or message before scheduled time, leaving her and her friends stranded. This underscores the importance of arriving early, being aware of departure times, and understanding that, like any small boat tour, there’s a chance of operational hiccups.

Plus, the tour can be affected by weather, as with any outdoor water activity, and the experience depends heavily on the crew and the boat’s punctuality. It’s advisable to verify availability and read recent reviews if possible.

Pricing and Value

At $50 per person, this tour offers good value for a quick, fun experience that combines sightseeing with water play. Compared to more formal or luxury boat trips, this is more budget-friendly and emphasizes casual fun over luxury, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This boat trip is best suited for groups of friends, families, or solo travelers looking for a relaxed, social afternoon on the water. It’s perfect for those who enjoy informal gatherings, swimming, and a party-like atmosphere. If you’re seeking a structured, luxury cruise or a more in-depth sightseeing experience, this might not be the right fit. However, if your goal is to relax, have fun, and enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant boating scene, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Fort Lauderdale Scenic Boat Trip with a swim stop offers an engaging way to explore the city’s famous waterways without breaking the bank. Its emphasis on casual, social fun combined with beautiful views of yachts and mansions makes it particularly appealing to travelers who want a lively, authentic experience. The onboard amenities and inflatable toys add to the enjoyment, making it feel more like a floating party.

While occasional operational issues can occur, most guests leave with memories of a good time, a splash in the water, and some great photos of Fort Lauderdale’s lavish waterfront. It’s an experience that’s simple, affordable, and packed with opportunities for laughter and relaxation.

If you’re after a laid-back, lively water adventure that allows you to soak up the Florida sunshine, this cruise is worth considering—just make sure to arrive early and leave your glassware at home.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is casual and fun, it’s generally geared toward adults or older children who can swim and enjoy inflatable toys. Always check with the provider if you have young kids, as safety precautions and supervision are important.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks, but glass containers are not allowed for safety reasons. There are coolers onboard with free bottled water.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable sunscreen, swimwear, and sunglasses. Bring a towel if you plan to swim, and consider wearing flip-flops or water shoes for comfort on the boat.

What time does the tour depart?
Starting times vary; check availability when booking. Arrive 30 minutes early to find the dock and complete check-in procedures.

Are there any hidden costs?
No hidden costs are specified. The tour price covers the cruise, guide, coolers, floats, sound system, and restroom. You only need to bring your own food and drinks.

What happens if the boat leaves early or for some reason I miss it?
The guide emphasizes punctuality, and refunds are not provided for missed departures. It’s vital to arrive early and confirm details beforehand.

In all, this boat trip offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, water fun, and social vibes—ideal for those wanting a low-key, memorable day on the water in Fort Lauderdale.