- Region:
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- Tourism
Fort Lauderdale: Guide to Touring the "Venice of America" by Water Taxi
When you find yourself in the "Venice of America," don't miss the opportunity to explore Greater Fort Lauderdale's 300 miles of inland waterways. The best way to do this is by hopping on Fort Lauderdale's iconic Water Taxis. These distinctive yellow boats not only offer a relaxed way to see the city but have also become a symbol of Fort Lauderdale.
Onboard Experience with Water Taxis
With 11 stops at the city's most interesting locations, Water Taxis have been serving residents and visitors for 30 years, from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood. These routes ensure a safe and enjoyable journey with a professional and friendly crew. Here's a complete guide on how to navigate in style during your next visit:
How It Works
First, purchase your full-day or multi-day tickets online or directly at the dock. Ticket holders have priority boarding. The full-day pass costs $40 USD for adults, $35 USD for seniors and veterans, $20 USD for children aged 5-11, and is free for children under 5. There are also options for evening cruises and group rates.
Water Taxis operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., departing every 35 to 45 minutes, except on Christmas Day and during the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest boat parade in December. A useful tip: ample parking is available near Stop #1 at the Riverside Hotel in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Water Taxi Routes
A complete round trip around Fort Lauderdale back to the starting point takes about three hours. During the journey, enjoy views like "Millionaire's Row" and various local parks and attractions. While you can stay on the boat for the entire trip, we recommend making use of the 11 stops to explore different areas. For real-time arrival information, you can check the live tracker online.
Points of Interest
Each Water Taxi stop features numerous popular attractions in Greater Fort Lauderdale, including restaurants and museums. Begin your journey at Stop #1, home to the historic Stranahan House Museum, built in 1901. After a museum tour, enjoy a meal at one of the lively restaurants nearby on Las Olas Boulevard.
At Stop #3, visit the 15th Street Fisheries restaurant located on the Intracoastal Waterway. Indulge in fresh seafood while watching boats pass by. Stop #4 takes you to the 5 O'clock Somewhere Bar & Grill at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, a perfect spot for casual dining and drinks.
Special Events
If you plan to attend the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the best ways to get there is by Water Taxi. This event runs from October 25 to 29 and spans seven locations with six miles of floating docks. Avoid congestion and crowds by using the Water Taxi to easily navigate the area.
Don't miss special events hosted by Water Taxis throughout the year, such as Taxi Tunes every Friday, a three-hour cruise with live music and drinks. Starting December 1, enjoy the Holiday Lights Cruise, featuring "Millionaires Row" mansions adorned with Christmas lights, accompanied by live music and festive cocktails.
On your next visit to Greater Fort Lauderdale, cruise in style and book your Water Taxi adventure to experience everything this wonderful city has to offer.