If you’re looking for the best water activities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you’ve come to the right place! Fort Lauderdale is well known for water sports and in this post, we’ll be looking at the best places in Fort Lauderdale and nearby, to get on the water and have some fun.
Popular water activities in Fort Lauderdale include kayaking, boat tours, fishing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and parasailing. We’ll be covering all these and more- and you can even book a tour if you’d like.
All the tours recommended in this post are rated 5 stars and given by reputable companies.
Here are 11 of the best water activities to do in Fort Lauderdale!
Booking a last-minute trip to Fort Lauderdale?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended hotels and accommodations!
Top Hotels In Fort Lauderdale
Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale – (Top Rated Hotel Located At Downtown)
Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach– (Highly Rated Hotel Near Ft Lauderdale Beach)
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach – (Luxury Hotel With Beachfront View)
Soleado Hotel – (Top-Rated Apartment Nearby Beach )
Looking To Get Around In Fort Lauderdale?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
11 Best Water Activities In Fort Lauderdale!
1. Boat Cruises In Fort Lauderdale
Looking for a unique way to see Fort Lauderdale? Why not take a boat cruise?! There are plenty of boat cruises to choose from, so you can find one that suits your interests.
If you want a party cruise, a family cruise, or a boat tour to see a spectacular Florida sunset, there’s a boat cruise for you.
If you have kids, then you may want to consider a pirate cruise, which is a fun themed boat ride for the whole family!
Here are a few options depending on the experience that you’re looking for:
Photo Credit: Las Olas Paddleboards
2. Mini Power Boat Rentals In Fort Lauderdale
For a fun way to get around Fort Lauderdale, why not rent a mini power boat and cruise around the city’s canals and waterways?!
This relaxing ride is good for 1 or 2 people and is a great way to see the sights of South Florida and get some fresh air.
It’s also a great thing to do for beginners since they will teach you everything you need to know about operating these mini boats.
Most companies require that you have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years old.
You also need to get a temporary boating license for $8.99 if you were born after 1987.
3. Snorkeling In Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is world-renowned for its beautiful beaches, clear blue water, and million-dollar homes.
What many people don’t know is that Fort Lauderdale also offers some of the best snorkeling in Florida.
There are many tour companies that offer snorkeling tours of the Fort Lauderdale reefs, and each one has something unique to offer.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing tour with plenty of time to explore the reef, or an action-packed adventure with lots of fish to see, there’s a tour company that can cater to your needs.
Fort Lauderdale’s reef system is home to a wide variety of fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and more.
Coral reefs are also abundant and provide a beautiful backdrop for your snorkeling adventure.
If you’re interested in exploring the underwater world of Fort Lauderdale, book a snorkeling tour today.
For more on snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, check out this post.
4. Surfing In Fort Lauderdale
If you’re looking for an amazing surf experience, look no further than Fort Lauderdale. With its beautiful beaches and perfect waves, it’s the perfect place to learn how to surf.
There are plenty of surf schools in Fort Lauderdale that offer lessons for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
So if you’ve never been on a board before or you’re just looking to improve your skills, these surf lessons are an excellent option.
One of the great things about taking surf lessons in Fort Lauderdale is that you get to enjoy the incredible weather and scenery while you’re learning.
5. Miami & Fort Lauderdale Helicopter Tour
There’s no better way to see exhilarating ocean views of Fort Lauderdale and Miami than from the air!
One of the most popular things to do in South Florida, these helicopter tours offer an unforgettable glimpse of both cities, allowing you to see all of the amazing sights from above.
Soar over the beautiful beaches, take in the stunning skyline, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of everything that makes these two cities so special.
6. Everglades Day Safari
For an exciting day trip from Fort Lauderdale, look no further than the Everglades Day Safari.
This safari takes you into the heart of the Everglades to see alligators, turtles, birds, and other wildlife up close.
During this trip, you will walk through a cypress forest, drive through Big Cypress National Preserve, and take an airboat ride through Everglades National Park.
You’ll also get to experience the natural beauty of this unique ecosystem. The Everglades Day Safari is a great way to learn about Florida’s history and ecology while getting an adrenaline rush.
7. Jet Ski Tours- Pompano Beach
Looking for a thrilling way to see Fort Lauderdale? Then hop on a jet ski and explore the city from the water!
There are plenty of jet ski tour operators in town, and this is the most highly rated and best bang for your buck.
Take a tour through the Venice canals and check out the beautiful homes and yachts, as you head out into the open ocean waters.
And with the help of a knowledgeable tour guide, you’ll be able to see all the best sights that Fort Lauderdale has to offer.
8. Fishing In Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is home to some of the best fishing in South Florida. There are many companies that offer fishing tours, so you can experience the excitement of catching a big one.
This sportfishing option takes you out fishing on the Atlantic Ocean with a small group of people instead of having to rent your own fishing charter.
If you are looking for a fishing charter, go here.
The waters around Fort Lauderdale are teeming with fish, so you’re sure to have a great time.
Common fish to catch on this tour are Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Grouper, Snapper, and Sailfish.
9.Paddleboarding In Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a great place to paddleboard, with plenty of waterways to explore and plenty of places to rent or go on a paddleboarding tour.
Paddleboarding is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying Florida’s natural beauty, and it’s also a great way to sightsee in Fort Lauderdale.
There are many different paddleboarding locations in Fort Lauderdale and this particular tour is a go-at-your-own-pace that takes you along the famous Las Olas canals, where you’re bound to see an abundance of marine life, as well as large yachts and amazing homes.
One of your guides on this tour is a dog, Mr. Beaches, and he will be sure to show you a good time paddleboarding in Fort Lauderdale!
If you’re looking for a paddlboarding rental- Paddleboard Rentals Fort Lauderdale
10. Fort Lauderdale Kayak Tour
If you are looking for a fun way to explore the city, a kayaking tour is a nice option. It is an activity that everyone in the family or you and your friends can enjoy.
There are many kayaking tours available that will allow you to explore the city’s waterways and see its magnificence up close.
When you go on a kayaking tour, you will be able to paddle at your own pace and stop when you want to take pictures or just enjoy the view.
You may even spot some dolphins or manatees along the way. Kayaking is a great way to see Fort Lauderdale from on the water!
This tour takes you along the Venetian Isles where you’ll see the elegance of the area, mansions, super-sized boats, and other hidden gems.
11. Parasailing In Fort Lauderdale
One of the most popular activities in Fort Lauderdale is parasailing and it is an experience that you will never forget.
Parasailing is an exciting activity that allows you to see the city from a bird’s eye view at 500 feet in the air.
You will be strapped into a harness and towed behind a boat as you soar high above the water.
The views from up above are absolutely breathtaking and you will be able to see South Florida for miles.
Parasailing is a great activity for all ages and it is something that everyone should try at least once.
If you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, then parasailing in Fort Lauderdale is definitely for you!
Best Water Activities In Fort Lauderdale-
Frequently Asked Questions
How Old Do You Have To Be To Ride A Jet Ski In Florida?
According to Florida Boating Laws and Regulations, a person must be at least 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).
A person must be 18 years old to rent a personal watercraft.
Do I Need A License To Operate A Jet Ski?
For all individuals born on or after January 1st, 1988, a boating license may be required.
You can take the test and get a temporary certificate online here.
And for more information, go to the Florida Boating Laws and Regulations page.
Final Thoughts:
Best Water Activities In Fort Lauderdale!
There is no doubt that Fort Lauderdale, Florida is one of the best places in the world for water activities.
From snorkeling and diving to swimming and boating, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The crystal clear waters and beautiful reefs make it a paradise for underwater explorers, while the many beaches offer endless opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just relaxing on a boat.
No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find the perfect water activity for you in Fort Lauderdale.
For more fun nearby, check out Peanut Island, Florida!
Travel Resources
Book Your Next Trip! For Accommodations and short-term rentals, I recommend Booking.com as they are the best in the business when it comes to rates and places to stay.
To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator, they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from!
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