10 Top Water Sports And Activities In Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Updated 2024

Pala
Pala 
Updated
| 5 min read

Are you in pursuit of a perfect seaside getaway in Florida? Lauderdale is known for its golden beaches that span over 37 km (23 mi). There are so many attractions here that will allure tourists, including good hotels, shopping destinations, and gourmet restaurants among others. Located on the southeastern coast of Florida, it offers everything one needs to relax, unwind, and cherish a change of scene. However, you do not have to spend your entire vacation in the water just because the city is by the sea. The beach destination provides everything from surfing lessons to yacht rentals for water sport enthusiasts. So, read below for the top water sports and activities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, if you want to spend your vacation in a different way.

1. Sightseeing cruise

Enjoy this lovely cruise along the historic New River of Fort Lauderdale and relish a gourmet barbecue dinner as part of this tour. Board this wonderful riverboat and check out the luxurious yachts and mansions along Millionaire’s Row. You will love the endless dinner served on board. Fill your stomach as they dish out chicken with trimmings and barbecue ribs. The package also includes a hilarious variety show to end an entertaining and enjoyable evening. It is the oldest running comical variety show in the United States. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included in this package.

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All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise

Duration: 4 hours

723 reviews

2. Jet skiing (from USD 159.0)

Make sure you do not miss out on this amazing jet ski cruise as it passes through Fort Lauderdale’s VIP section. Aside from merely passing to and fro between two buoys, you will be within proximity to elegant mansions and luxury yachts while jet skiing through them. Enjoy this ultimate experience of jet skiing, which covers a distance of about 8 km (5 mi) to 11.3 mi (7 mi). You can choose to jet ski for two hours or four hours. Other amenities included in the package are bottled water, life jackets, watertight bags, and a tour representative who will take your pictures.

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Ft. Lauderdale Jet Ski Rental

Duration: 1 hour

229 reviews

3. Sail and snorkel (from USD 169.0)

Be a part of this tropical adventure, a snorkeling sail trip for all levels that starts from Fort Lauderdale. There will be expert guides to offer you information about the surrounding localities after you board a huge catamaran and start sailing. After you reach the diving location, wear your snorkeling outfit and get ready to jump into the crystal waters. Marvel at the tropical marine life and beautifully colored coral underneath. There will be ample time to traverse through Key West during this tour.

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Key West Sail and Snorkel Day Trip from Fort Lauderdale

Duration: 15 hours

15 reviews

4. Sightseeing cruise (from USD 26.0)

If you are looking for some adventure during your vacation in Florida, make sure you add this sightseeing cruise on a yacht to your itinerary. The cruise starts in St. Petersburg and you can sit back and marvel at the panoramic views around once you get going. The captain will be making a live commentary to keep you enlightened. You can either choose the air-conditioned dining room inside or opt for the beautiful observation deck outside. Upgrade your package to include a sumptuous lunch so that you can take your pick from six different kinds of delightful meals. You can also choose from a wide variety of beverages that will be served on board.

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Tampa Bay Sightseeing Cruise from St. Petersburg with Lunch

Duration: 2 hours

47 reviews

5. Fishing trips near Naples, Florida (from USD 379.0)

Just because you may not be an expert in fishing or angling does not mean you cannot be a part of this memorable private fishing tour on Lake Trafford. Board a boat with your group and take the help of an experienced fishing guide and your private captain. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Trafford while you try your luck to catch fish. You can take your pick from different tour lengths based on what suits you the most. There is a variety of fish available for fishing in this lake such as reader sunfish, bluegill bass, and crappie among others. However, you need a fishing license to embark upon this trip.

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Lake Trafford Fishing Trip Private Half-Day Tour Near Naples

Duration: 4 to 8 hours

2 reviews

6. Fishing trips near Palm Beach, Florida (from USD 354.0)

Imagine the luxury of having a 21-foot (7-meter) boat with you as you embark upon an exciting fishing trip in Palm Beach. Try your luck on catching butterfly peacock bass and opt for a full-day or half-day fishing trip based on how much time you have in your tight schedule. The package includes all necessities for fishing including bait, tackle, and poles. There will be a personal captain accompanying you who will give you valuable tips irrespective of your experience level.

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Peacock Bass Fishing Trips near Palm Beach Florida

Duration: 4 to 12 hours

9 reviews

7. Airboat tour and alligator show (from USD 58.0)

Outdoor enthusiasts will love this airboat adventure from Fort Lauderdale to Everglades Holiday Park. Book this trip if you want to experience the excitement of an airboat ride while exploring the Everglades’ unique subtropical system. You will come across a variety of wildlife such as wading birds, turtles, and fish in their habitat as you pass the grassy water on your way. There will be also an alligator show as part of this exciting tour after the conclusion of the airboat ride. Pickup and drop-off to and from your hotel are also included in the package.

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Florida Everglades Airboat from Fort Lauderdale

Duration: 4 hours

10 reviews

8. Ferry ride (from USD 125.0)

Buy this wonderful round-trip ferry ticket to reach the Grand Bahama island from Fort Lauderdale. The ride will sail across the mighty Atlantic Ocean for around 2.5 hours. Once you reach Freeport Harbour, you will get approximately five hours of time to relax on gorgeous sand beaches, explore by scooter, or go snorkeling. Then, you will have to return to your ferry to get back to Fort Lauderdale the same evening. This wheelchair-accessible trip is open to American residents and anyone who has a valid passport.

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Grand Bahama Round-Trip Ferry Ride from Fort Lauderdale

12 reviews

9. Pontoon party boat (from USD 337.0)

pontoon party boat
Source: www.viator.com

Your vacation in Fort Lauderdale will be incomplete without spending some time on the water. The pontoon party boat is an excellent way to do that in style. The boat can accommodate a maximum of 10 people, which means you can choose a schedule most suitable for you. Amenities include a stereo system, a changing room, and safety equipment. There’s a stocked cooler where you can store your drinks and you have the option to rent a captain for people who do not hold a license for boating. This private boat rental is an ideal trip for visitors and locals.

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Pontoon Party Boat

10. Paddleboarding and kayaking tour (from USD 38.0)

It will be a great opportunity for you to explore the coastline of the city as you embark upon this paddleboard and kayak tour during sunset. The tour lasts for around one and a half to two hours and offers you a chance to watch the mesmerizing sunset from a vantage point. You will also see yachts, mansions, and other attractions as you glide along the water. The tour is suitable for experienced guests and beginners. All participants will be given an introductory kayak or paddleboard lesson on safety before taking off. A tour guide and bottled water are also included within the package.

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Sunset Paddleboard & Kayak Tour

Fort Lauderdale from a different perspective

Lauderdale is an excellent city for outdoor activities. It is one of the most popular beach destinations in the state of Florida. The city’s attractions make it a fabulous place to visit and enjoy. Why not include a touch of adventure during your visit to this amazing city? Hopefully, these recommendations will motivate you to spend a significant amount of time outdoors in Lauderdale, Florida.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Pala Sen is an avid follower of travel and health updates, current affairs and entertainment news from all across the world and writing is a passion for her. She had been previously associated...Read more

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