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Cruise Fort Lauderdale’s New River aboard a 24-foot pontoon—perfect for family outings, sandbar stops, or sunset runs. Learn what to expect, from captain rules to local wildlife and practical packing tips.
Cruise Fort Lauderdale’s New River aboard a 24-foot pontoon—perfect for family outings, sandbar stops, or sunset runs. Learn what to expect, from captain rules to local wildlife and practical packing tips.
The New River opens like a channel of motion through downtown Fort Lauderdale — palm-fringed bulkheads, marina stacks of white hulls and the occasional dolphin arcing at the bow. Standing on a 24-foot pontoon under a Bimini top, the city loosens its edges: Las Olas Boulevard hums at the river’s lip while the current dares you into open water toward the Fort Lauderdale Sandbar.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Coastal Florida Rides · Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The New River opens like a channel of motion through downtown Fort Lauderdale — palm-fringed bulkheads, marina stacks of white hulls and the occasional dolphin arcing at the bow. Standing on a 24-foot pontoon under a Bimini top, the city loosens its edges: Las Olas Boulevard hums at the river’s lip while the current dares you into open water toward the Fort Lauderdale Sandbar.
This stretch of water has been central to the city’s economy and leisure since the early 20th century, when canals and bridges turned a mangrove-lined estuary into a boating corridor. Geologically recent and shaped by tidal flows, the New River and adjacent Intracoastal are shallow in places and lined with man-made seawalls and luxury waterfront homes — a living record of South Florida development and yachting culture.
Expect a day that mixes easy cruising with local color: glide past mega-yachts, tie up at riverfront restaurants on Las Olas, or drop anchor at the sandbar for swims and social hours. Wildlife is visible — dolphins often play near the bow and iguanas sun on logs. The operation runs bareboat rentals for experienced operators or captain-backed charters; fuel is included in reasonable amounts and parking at the dock is provided.
Practical bits matter: bring proof of boating experience if you plan to helm, pack layered sun protection, secure coolers and trash bags, and factor in tidal conditions for shallow sandbar anchoring. Rentals range from two hours to a full day, and a hired captain is available for a per-hour rate. Follow no-wake zones, respect protected seagrass areas, and time your trip around sunset or mid-morning for calmer seas and the best light.
Yes — bareboat rentals are allowed for experienced boaters who can provide proof of experience; otherwise a captain is required.
The 24-foot pontoon seats up to 11 passengers plus the captain (12 total), matching the vessel’s certified capacity.
A reasonable amount of fuel is included in the rental price; confirm allowances for longer charters to avoid extra charges.
The dock is on the New River across from the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas; parking at the dock is included and delivery to a waterfront property can be arranged for longer rentals.
Coastal Florida Rides operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The New River opens like a channel of motion through downtown Fort Lauderdale — palm-fringed bulkheads, marina stacks of white hulls and the occasional dolphin arcing at the bow. Standing on a 24-foot pontoon under a Bimini top, the city loosens its edges: Las Olas Boulevard hums at the river’s lip while the current dares you into open water toward the Fort Lauderdale Sandbar.
The New River opens like a channel of motion through downtown Fort Lauderdale — palm-fringed bulkheads, marina stacks of white hulls and the occasional dolphin arcing at the bow. Standing on a 24-foot pontoon under a Bimini top, the city loosens its edges: Las Olas Boulevard hums at the river’s lip while the current dares you into open water toward the Fort Lauderdale Sandbar.
This stretch of water has been central to the city’s economy and leisure since the early 20th century, when canals and bridges turned a mangrove-lined estuary into a boating corridor. Geologically recent and shaped by tidal flows, the New River and adjacent Intracoastal are shallow in places and lined with man-made seawalls and luxury waterfront homes — a living record of South Florida development and yachting culture.
Expect a day that mixes easy cruising with local color: glide past mega-yachts, tie up at riverfront restaurants on Las Olas, or drop anchor at the sandbar for swims and social hours. Wildlife is visible — dolphins often play near the bow and iguanas sun on logs. The operation runs bareboat rentals for experienced operators or captain-backed charters; fuel is included in reasonable amounts and parking at the dock is provided.
Practical bits matter: bring proof of boating experience if you plan to helm, pack layered sun protection, secure coolers and trash bags, and factor in tidal conditions for shallow sandbar anchoring. Rentals range from two hours to a full day, and a hired captain is available for a per-hour rate. Follow no-wake zones, respect protected seagrass areas, and time your trip around sunset or mid-morning for calmer seas and the best light.