Intracoastal Waterway Fort Lauderdale

The basics

Aside from serving as a means of transportation, the Intracoastal Waterway offers countless opportunities for recreation, especially in Fort Lauderdale's year-round sunshine. Intracoastal Waterway Fort Lauderdale tours range from classy dinners and sightseeing cruises to riverfront gondola rides, so you can enjoy the water in whatever fashion floats your boat.

Travel past forested coasts at Port Everglades; high-end real estate at the famous Millionaires Row; luxury resorts at Hyatt Pier; the drawbridge at the 17th Street Causeway; and the entertainment complex at the Las Olas Riverfront. Didn't pack your sea legs? The water-wary can opt for a walking or Segway tour along the coast, or even see the sights from above on a helicopter excursion over turquoise waters.

Things to know before you go

• The waterway offers activity options for every type of traveler, from families to the adventurous solo explorer.

• Book tickets for higher-end tours in advance, as limited-passenger options fill up more quickly than less exclusive tours.

• Be sure to bring plenty of sun protection and dress for sunshine and ocean breezes.

• Waterside restaurants are generally casual, but travelers should dress to impress at the fine dining establishments.

• There’s no entrance fee for these beautiful canals, so you don’t need to buy Intracoastal Waterway Fort Lauderdale tickets.

How to get there

Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway is the city's artery; it's impossible to miss. Aside from organized boat tours and sightseeing tours near the water, you can take a hop-on, hop-off water taxi through the city's canals and access 15 popular stops, including Seville Street Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, the Stranahan House, Bahia Mar Marina, and the Hilton Marina/Convention Center.

When to get there

Fort Lauderdale's tropical climate remains warm and wet year-round, with average highs of more than 80°F (27°C) for eight months of the year. Heat and humidity lovers will thrive from May to October; otherwise, opt for a winter or spring tour.

Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale along the Intracoastal Waterway. Home to dozens of stores, art galleries, two museums (the Museum of Discovery & Science and NSU Art Museum) and many of the city's best restaurants, shoppers and sightseers alike will want to make time in their itineraries to visit Las Olas.

Ways to explore

Intracoastal Waterway Fort Lauderdale tours range from classy dinners and sightseeing cruises to gondola rides and kayaking adventures, so you can enjoy the water however you'd like. There's also a hop-on, hop-off water taxi that makes stops along the waterway.

Travel past the cruise ships at Port Everglades; high-end real estate at Millionaire's Row; luxury resorts at Hyatt Pier; the drawbridge at the 17th Street Causeway; and the entertainment complex at the Las Olas Riverfront. Didn't pack your sea legs? The water-wary can opt to stroll the canals, take a Segway tour, or see the sights from a helicopter excursion.

Accessibility

Some boat tours that navigate the waterways are accessible; check with tour operators first to ensure they’re wheelchair-friendly. The only accessible Water Taxi stop is Stop 4.

Age limits

None—people of all ages can enjoy this attraction.

What to pack

Sunscreen, hat

What to wear

Walking shoes, sunglasses

Not allowed

Disrupting marine life, disorderly intoxication

Amenities

Restaurants, marinas, shopping

Address 

Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway is the city's artery; it's impossible to miss. Aside from organized tours near the water, you can take the water taxi through the city's canals and access popular stops, such as Seville Street Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, the Stranahan House, Bahia Mar Marina, and the Hilton Marina/Convention Center.

Driving

You can pick up the water taxi at different stops, but if you want to drive and park, it’s best to head to stop 1 and park in the Riverside Hotel Parking Garage, close to the riverfront and Las Olas Boulevard.

Public transportation

The hop-on, hop-off water taxi is actually the best form of public transport and features 10 different stops in Fort Lauderdale.

Best times to visit

Exploring the waterway in the morning is ideal to beat the heat. Then, enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants lining the canals.

Best days to visit

You can visit the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale any day of the week, but it’s often less crowded on weekdays.

Best months to visit

Tour the waterway in the winter and spring months (December through April), which are sunny and dry, but not overly hot.

Special events

Head over in December to catch the annual Winterfest Boat Parade. Fort Lauderdale’s Food & Wine Festival occurs annually in January.