Fort Lauderdale is nicknamed the Venice of America for a reason. Hundreds of miles of waterways create winding ribbons through the city, and there’s no better way to explore them than by boat.
But who should that boat be captained by? You, or a professional?
That depends on the experience you’re after. One offers freedom, the other relaxation. Either way, both are two of the best things to do on the water in Fort Lauderdale.
Below, we’ll compare two live tours, looking at who drives, who each is best for, and what to know before you go.
Fort Lauderdale Self-Drive Boat vs Sunset Cruise at a Glance
Here’s the need-to-know breakdown:
Self-drive mini powerboat | Sunset cruise | |
Length | 1 hour | 2 hours |
Price | $110+ | $139+ |
Who drives | You or someone in your group | An experienced captain |
Best for | Travelers who prefer controlling their own pace, smaller groups, and families with older kids | Couples, inexperienced boaters, travelers who want to learn from a knowledgeable guide, large groups |
Refreshments | Not included | Snacks, beer, and wine available for purchase on board |
Florida boat license required | Temporary boating certificate required for visitors and renters | No |
What the Self-Drive Mini Powerboat Experience Is Like
See Millionaire’s Row, Fort Lauderdale’s bounty of yachts, and tranquil mangroves, or switch it up entirely. That’s the beauty of a self-drive experience: You’re in charge of the pace and the stops.
If you want to give self-driving a go but you’re still finding your legs as a boater, a mini powerboat is ideal. These vessels are easy to operate, and you’ll have a quick orientation session before setting off.
Some points to be aware of first:
Fort Lauderdale sees plenty of boat traffic. Weekends and tourist season (from December to April) can be particularly busy.
There is a strong law enforcement presence around the canals. Respect no-wake zones and speed limits to avoid citations.
Leave plenty of room around large vessels, be prepared to see commercial boat traffic, and pay attention to signs.
Finally, you’ll need to have a Florida temporary boating certificate (if you’re only renting or visiting) or an official Florida boating license. This requirement applies to anybody born on or after January 1, 1988 who wants to operate a motorized watercraft of 10 horsepower or more.
Fort Lauderdale Sunset Cruise: What to Expect
Golden hour from the water, a glass of champagne in your hand, and panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale—that’s the vibe of a sunset cruise. Travel along South Florida’s stunning coastline, see the sights, and relax while someone else does the navigating.
The brochure offers a glistening experience, but there are a few considerations to bear in mind:
The cruise accommodates 48 people. While it is a lovely evening for couples and friend groups, it won’t be as intimate as a private cruise.
Refreshments aren’t included in the base price, but you can purchase beer and wine on the boat.
The cruise can trigger motion sickness. If you’re sensitive to the rocking motion of boats, it’s best to take medication beforehand.
Although it’s less flexible than a self-drive rental, the sunset cruise is a great Fort Lauderdale boat tour for couples. A knowledgeable captain manages all the navigation, allowing you to focus on the experience instead of bickering about directions.
Do You Need a Licence to Drive a Boat in Fort Lauderdale?
As mentioned above, Florida law states that anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 needs to hold either a boater safety ID card or a completed boater-safety course certificate. However, if you want to rent a boat, you only need a Florida temporary boating certificate, which is valid for 90 days.
It’s extra admin, but the process itself is pretty simple. You’ll need to take a multiple-choice test and achieve 76% or higher. If you fail, you can retake the test an unlimited number of times.
The test only takes around 15–30 minutes, and you’ll normally pay a fee of $10 dollars; it might be a little bit less or more. That cost isn’t included in the price of the self-driving mini powerboat excursion.
Which Is Better for Couples, Families, and Groups?
Each self-drive mini powerboat seats two, so if you’re looking for a Fort Lauderdale boat tour with kids, this may or may not be a practical choice. For a family of four with two adults able to operate the boats, it can work. If not, a different kind of self-drive boat, like a pontoon, makes more sense.
Both the sunset cruise and self-drive excursion are great for couples. One is more active, which is ideal for a morning or afternoon out. The other is more relaxed, ideal for a date night. Groups can also enjoy the cruise, as well as families with teens or older children.
Can You Do Both in One Day?
You sure can. Both the sunset cruise and self-drive rental are short activities lasting only a few hours at most. You can steer your way through the Intracoastal Waterway in the morning and be relaxing on the cruise boat by 6 p.m.
Which Should You Book?
If you want independence, flexibility, and something a little bit different, then book the self-driving mini powerboat excursion.
If you want to hold a drink, unwind, and see the sights, then the sip, sail, and sunset cruise is right up your alley.
And if you want to maximize your time on the water, try both.
