Boating In Fort Lauderdale

Owning a boat or yacht around Fort Lauderdale feels less you’re truly a part of the weekly rhythm built into the city, like you can’t truly understand what it’s like live here unless you spend time on the water At any moment, you’re one spontaneous, short ride away from open water, but also close to calm, scenic cruising through neighborhoods where the canals function like extra streets. Getting off of work early and hitting the water never felt so good! From a quick evening loop to a full-day run offshore, both are somehow equally as satisfying. Because Broward County has an enormous network of navigable waterways (often described as more than 300 miles), it’s easy to plan outings around the conditions: slip out for an hour when the ocean is choppy or commit to a longer day when the forecast is friendly. 

Fort Lauderdale gets labeled the “boating”, more specifically, “yachting”, capital of the world because the entire marine ecosystem is concentrated here: not just boats in the water, but brokers, crew services, refit yards, marinas, suppliers, and major events that pull in the global industry. A headline example is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, widely promoted as the world’s largest in-water boat show and credited with roughly a $1.7–$1.8B economic impact in recent reporting, an annual signal that the city is a true hub, not just a pretty place to anchor. 

On the operational side, Fort Lauderdale also hosts massive repair/refit capacity at major marinas around the county giving larger yacht owners more capacity for service. Intermarine Boats prides itself on our exceptional service for our customers with facilities in both Jupiter and Fort Lauderdale, as well as being authorized marine mechanics for Mercury, Yamaha, and Volvo Penta engines.

As for what people do on boats here, it spans everything from laid-back “floating patio” days to serious offshore fishing. Locals cruise the Intracoastal and canal system to sightsee waterfront homes, meet friends for dock-and-dine evenings, and anchor up for swim sessions; others run out for fishing, diving, and snorkeling trips. There are many opportunities for diving including excursions to reefs and shipwreck-style sites that are easily accessed by boat around Greater Fort Lauderdale.

And boating isn’t just a recreation, it’s part of the city’s culture calendar: a signature example is the Winterfest Boat Parade, where decorated boats and yachts turn the waterways into a moving holiday light show that draws huge crowds along the Intracoastal and New River.

(Below: Boating at night on the New River changes your on-water experience to a completely new vibe.)

Intermarine Boats has 5 convenient locations in Florida to help you find the perfect boat for your plans and budget. Our expert, professional sales professionals and yachts are located right at 4550 Anglers Avenue and can help walk you through the process of selecting what size, brand, model, and features you want on your next boat in Fort Lauderdale.

Here are 5 great spots for boating in Fort Lauderdale:

1.) New River & Downtown Riverwalk
Cruising the New River is the classic “Fort Lauderdale by boat” experience: downtown skyline views, historic riverfront homes, and a steady stream of yachts heading to/from the Intracoastal. It’s great for a sunset loop, showing guests the city from the water, and then tying up so your whole crew can hop off for dinner or drinks. The City of Fort Lauderdale’s New River/Downtown Docking is right in the middle of it, positioned near Las Olas and walkable to restaurants and shops, so it’s one of the easiest “boat-to-night-out” moves in town.

2.) Intracoastal Waterway “scenic cruise” + Las Olas Marina area
If you want smooth water, easy cruising, and nonstop scenery, the Intracoastal is the go-to. This is where you idle past waterfront mansions, marinas, and mega-yachts with far less ocean chop than offshore, making it perfect for family days, casual cruising, or entertaining guests who just want views and comfort. On the east end of Las Olas, Las Olas Marina has become a major focal point for the area’s yachting scene, essentially a high-profile “front porch” for boating near the beach, reinforcing why the city is so boating-centric. 

(Below: Las Olas Marina has nearly 90 slips and can accommodate larger motor yachts.)

3.) Fort Lauderdale Sandbar (New River meets the Intracoastal)
Nothing beats anchoring at a sandbar on the weekend for socializing on the water! The Fort Lauderdale Sandbar sits near the mouth of the New River where it meets the Intracoastal, and boaters typically anchor, wade in shallow water, float, and hang out with other boats nearby. It’s a great spot because it combines calm water, a “boating community” vibe, and a uniquely Fort Lauderdale backdrop (skyline + yacht traffic) without needing a long run offshore. 

(Below: It's hard to have a bad day at the Fort Lauderdale sandbar. Image cred: rentaboatfortlauderdale)

4.) Lake Sylvia Anchorage
Lake Sylvia is one of the most popular “drop the hook and relax” spots right off the Intracoastal. It’s sheltered and surprisingly peaceful considering how close it is to the beach and the main boating corridor, so it’s ideal for a floating lunch, a swim stop, or a mellow raft-up with friends. Boaters like it because it’s a defined anchorage basin with workable depths (often reported around mid–single digits to 9-feet) and clear navigation guidance for entering from the ICW. 

5.) Port Everglades Inlet (gateway to offshore days)
When you want “real boating” outside the protected waterways—deep-sea fishing, offshore cruising, or a Bahamas run - Port Everglades is the main gateway. It’s described as wide, deep, and well-marked, which makes it an efficient exit to the Atlantic, but it’s also a working inlet with heavy cruise and cargo traffic, so it’s best enjoyed by boaters who are comfortable with big-ship awareness, proper lookout, and monitoring the right channels.

Taking your boat to dinner in Fort Lauderdale is one of the most fun and uniquely local things you can do, and it’s a big reason people fall in love with boating here. Luckily, the infrastructure around Fort Lauderdale makes it easy. Fort Lauderdale has a rare concentration of waterfront restaurants with dedicated dockage along the New River and Intracoastal, especially near Las Olas and downtown. You can cruise in at idle speed, tie up steps from the restaurant, and walk straight to your table with no rideshare, no parking garages, no traffic. At night, the canals and river glow with city lights and passing yachts, turning even a short ride into part of the evening experience.

Here are 5 restaurants in Fort Lauderdale you can get to by boat:

1.) Boathouse at the Riverside
Located right on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, this vibrant waterfront restaurant is a classic dock-and-dine spot. You can tie up near the patio and enjoy river views while eating fresh seafood or international-inspired dishes. Its lively setting and great sunset views make it ideal for an evening meal after cruising around town. 

(Below: Boathouse at the Riverside is an easy restaurant to pull up by boat.)

2.) Boatyard
Boatyard is a premier seafood destination on the Intracoastal Waterway with dedicated dock space where boaters can pull up and step ashore for dinner. Known for fresh oysters, grilled fish, and creative cocktails, it’s one of the most popular boat-accessible restaurants in the area. 

3.) Shooters Waterfront
Shooters is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic waterfront restaurants with plenty of dockage right on the Intracoastal. With a big outdoor patio and casual vibe, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or sunset cocktails after a day on the water. The dock space and lively atmosphere make this a favorite stop for boaters. 

(Below: Shooters Waterfront is another iconic spot to come by boat after a long day on the water.)

4.) Coconuts
A local favorite near Las Olas Boulevard, Coconuts offers casual waterfront dining with limited dock space on a first-come basis. It’s known for seafood classics (including its famous Scoobies garlic crabs), cold drinks, and a laid-back vibe, ideal for a sunset meal or relaxed dinner right off your boat. 

5.) 15th Street Fisheries
A longtime Fort Lauderdale staple, 15th Street Fisheries is in a marina setting along the Intracoastal and welcomes boaters to dock and dine. Famous for fresh seafood and great water views, it’s a classic South Florida seafood house that gives you a real boat-to-table experience.

What do the experts say about boating in Fort Lauderdale?

Erin Waters (Fort Lauderdale Yacht Broker / New Boat Sales Professional): "Boating around Fort Lauderale literally offers an endless array of opportunities to have fun with your family and friends. It is also a centrally located area as a jumping off point. You can go north to Palm Beach and Peanut Island or head south to Miami or even the Florida Keys. For me personally, I enjoy anchoring at Haulover Sandbar closer to Miami or even heading up to Boca Raton. Inside Boca Inlet is a great place to anchor and enjoy the day. For restaurants to get to by boat I'm heading to Billy's Stone Crab, 15th Street Fisheries, or the Blue Moon Fish Company. There are so many places to get to by boat in Fort Lauerdale, and more opening all the time it seems, that you can always find a restaurant with a great vibe nearby."

Jeff Stella (Fort Lauderdale Boat Service Coordinator): "Boating in South Florida is unique, I can't think of anywhere on earth that you have so many incredible places to cruise or anchor, with all of the available infrastructure to support it. There are many marinas, restaurants, and other places to get to by boat. If I have a long weekend and can go anywhere I want, I'm making the run from Fot Lauderdale down to the Islanmorada Sandbar. Key Biscayne by Cape Florida Light is also a great spot to go. Of course Beer Can Island.  As far as restaurants to go to where you can dock, I recommend Shooters, Tiki Tiki, Pelican Pib, and Le Tub. If you don't have a boat already, you're missing out on the true South Florida lifestyle."

There is simply no better boat dealer and yacht brokerage firm in South Florida to help you into the perfect boat for your budget, needs, and lifestyle plans. Intermarine Boats has 9 new boat brands ranging from small bowriders, to fishing boats, cruising boats, and motor yachts, along with 4 locations in South Florida, including an incredible service department. We are your one-stop-shop for boating in Florida and we can't wait to help you maximize your free time spent on the water. Contact Us today to get started with one of our new boat sales professional or yacht brokers specializing in the pre-owned market.