Waterway Attractions
Waterfront Hotels Waterfront Dining
ANNE KOLB NATURE CENTER
- 751 Sheridan Street, Hollywood, 954-926-2480
- Open: 9am-5pm
- The Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park's 1,500+ acres of coastal mangrove wetlands -- one of the largest urban parks in Florida -- is rich in native vegetation and wildlife, including many threatened and endangered species. The Anne Kolb Nature Center complex, situated on about 20 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway, includes an exhibit hall with simulated mangroves, a 3,500-gallon aquarium, and a hands-on EcoRoom; an outdoor amphitheater; the Mangrove Hall rental facility (reservations required); a 68-foot observation tower; an Intracoastal fishing pier; and nature, biking, and boating trails.
ATLANTIC COAST KAYAK COMPANY
- 1937 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors, 954-781-0073
- Guided kayak tours and rentals in natural and urban settings, tidal creeks, wetlands, meandering rivers, mild surf, and the Intracoastal waterway. View historical sites, wildlife and mega yachts. Daily 9am-6pm.
BEST BOAT CLUB
- 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-779-3866
- Rent for the day, or join the club and save year-round! Captain your own boat as you navigate South Florida's waterways and see firsthand why it has been dubbed the "Venice of America." Choose from the largest fleet in Broward to Ski! Fish! Dive! or simply relax the day away. Ocean access permitted. Reservations recommended.
BLUE MOON OUTDOOR CENTER
- John U Lloyd State Park, 6503 N Ocean Dr Hollywood, 954-923-6711
- A great way to get close to nature. Plan a 2 hour guided tour and enjoy the calm waters on a single or tandem kayak. Open 7 days a week. Day or night time trips. Large groups welcome. Self-guided trips and kayak classes available. Ask about monthly Full Moon kayak tour dates.
BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
- 201 SW 5 Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 954-522-5334
- Anyone can plan an event at the Broward Center. Guests will be delighted by their state-of-the-art facilities and top-shelf catering service.
CARRIE B. CRUISES
- 440 North New River Drive East, Fort Lauderdale, 954-768-9920
- Offering three daily sightseeing cruises at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, each lasting 90 minutes. See yachts and homes of the rich and famous and cruise ships from around the world in Port Everglades. Stroll around the Sun Deck, seating outside under a canopy or enjoy air conditioned comfort on the main deck. The boat is Coast Guard certified for up to 300 passengers, no reservations required. Entertaining and informative live narration from your Captain. Adults $19.95, children under 12 $12.95.
CLUB NAUTICO BOAT RENTALS
- 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 954-784-7868
- Dive, snorkel, cruise the Intracoastal or fish for the big one off shore. Captain your own boat from 21-foot ski boats, 24 center consoles for fishing or cruising, or try our 30-foot twin engine Scarab Sport. Ocean use permitted. Fishing and skiing equipment available. Surprisingly affordable. Nice, clean boats.
EVERGLADES HOLIDAY PARK/AIRBOAT TOURS
- 21940 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-434-8111
- Journey on an airboat through the "River of Grass." Expert fishing guide tours, fishing facilities, boat rentals, 24-hr. general store. 9am-5pm, departing every 20 minutes or less.
GONDOLAS WEST
- 757 SE 17th St., Suite 391 Fort Lauderdale, --
- Tour the New River on a nearly silent six-passenger boat along quiet canals and see the wildlife that Florida is famous for. With the intimate interior, fewer guests and our noiseless electric motor, we will answer your questions about the scenery and wildlife as well as give you a brief history of the canal system in general and Ft. Lauderdale in particular. Soda and water will be provided free of charge. Daily tours at 10am, 12:30pm and 3pm. Daily sunset tours at 5:30pm. $30 per adult, $25 per child under 12.
HUGH TAYLOR BIRCH STATE PARK
- 3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 954-564-4521
- Nature trail, shaded picnic areas, beach access. In-line skating, volleyball, canoes, fishing. $6 per vehicle, $2 per pedestrian, bicyclist, passengers, under 6 free. Terramar Visitor Center open Saturdays and Sundays. Segway tours and bicycle rentals by the park's Visitor Service Provider, MCruz, 954-235-5082.
INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME
- 1 Hall of Fame Dr., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-6536
- In addition to recognizing over 600 of the world's greatest aquatic athletes the museum is a multi-faceted attraction with exhibits featuring the world's largest, collection of objects d'art, rare photos, posters, films, swimsuits, Olympic medals, trophies and other swimming related artifacts dating from the days of ancient Assyria to modern times.
JUNGLE QUEEN RIVERBOAT
- 801 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. (A1A), Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-5596
- American
- Open: Dinner cruise departs daily at 6pm
- World Famous BBQ & Shrimp Dinner Cruise. Sail to the tropical isle for an "All You Can Eat" dinner of ribs, chicken, shrimp with all the trimmings followed by a hilarious variety show. Daily three hour fully narrated sightseeing cruises of the historic New River, Millionaire's Row, with a stop-off at the tropical isle to see rare birds, monkeys and alligator exhibition.
- Average Dining Cost: Adults $39.95, Children (12 & under) $21.75
LAS OLAS GONDOLA
- SE 1st Ave, near Las Olas River House, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, 800-277-1390
- Authentic gondola tours for history enthusiasts and romantics alike. Imported Venetian gondolas for hire in the heart of the "Venice of America." Tours are always private. Call for reservations, rates, hours and pick-up locations.
LAS OLAS RIVERFRONT
- 300 S.W. 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-522-6556
- A dining and entertainment center overlooking the New River in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy casual or fine dining and a variety of bars and boutiques. Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-4am. Bars and restaurants stay open later.
LTS WAKEBOARD AND WATERSKI
- 3731 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 3, Pompano Beach, 954-260-6955
- Come join us on beautiful Crystal Lake and experience a day in paradise. From beginners to the more advanced, wakeboard and water ski enthusiasts will learn from a five time World Champion Wakeboarder. Multiple courses cover all age ranges and skill levels from beginners to professionals. Coaching, camps and parties are available.
MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY & SCIENCE & AUTONATION IMAX
- 401 SW 2nd St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-467-6637
- Dynamic hands-on exhibits and five-story IMAX 3D Theater puts you in the center of the action. Open daily, 365 days a year, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-6pm with extended IMAX® hours on most evenings. General admission $15 adults; $14 seniors; $12 children 2 to 12; under 2 free. Ticket includes admission to the Museum exhibits and one 45-minute IMAX film.
PADDLES & BOARDS
- George English Park, 1101 Bayview Dr Fort Lauderdale, 954-648-3473
- Paddle Boarding Lessons-Rentals-Tours. Introducing the fastest growing new water sport in the world and the only official paddle board operator for the City of Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy a magical experience referred to as “Walking on Water.” Benefits include cardiovascular health, a strong core workout, relaxation and a total balance of mind and body.
PORT EVERGLADES
- 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, 954-523-3404
- World's cruise ship capital with 11 modern cruise terminals serving 50 ships cruising to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Panama Canal and Transatlantic. Home of Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, the largest and most revolutionary cruise ships in the world.
REEVES COASTAL CRUISES
- 1400 Marina Drive, Loggerhead Marina Hollywood, 954-295-2849
- Have you ever wanted to tour beautiful South Florida by water? Be your own captain in a brand new 24' Bennington Pontoon Boats. You can start your morning off with a Coffee Cruise; end your day on a Sunset Cruise; or take advantage of a full day or half day cruise! Whether you take the boat down the intracoastal and dock it for a bite to eat, anchor at a sandbar for a swim, or simply admire the mansions of the rich and famous -- this will be an experience you will never forget. Boats can accommodate up to 13 people, and bring nothing else but YOU. Everything is provided from drinks, snacks, towels and even sunscreen, they got you covered. Call with any questions or to reserve your boat.
RIVERFRONT CRUISES & ANTICIPATION YACHT CHARTERS
- Las Olas Riverfront, Downtown, Fort Lauderdale, 954-463-3372
- Located right in the heart of Las Olas Riverfront. Their modern, elegant yachts offer the utmost in comfort in their new and completely redesigned interior, panoramic views and air-conditioned salons. Enjoy light snacks and drinks from the bar as you enjoy cruising along Florida's beautiful Gold Coast. Breathtaking views will be yours to see along the New River, the Intracoastal Waterway and Port Everglades. Adults $20, juniors (4-16) $10, seniors $18, children (4 & under) free. Departure Times: 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm & 5pm 7 days a week (rain or shine).
SAWGRASS RECREATION PARK
- 1006 N. U.S. Hwy. 27, Weston, 954-389-0202
- Feel the excitement and learn the history of Florida's most remarkable treasure, the Everglades. Renew your spirit as you glide across miles of river at speeds up to 40 mph and get up close and personal with native wildlife, many of whom are endangered in this fragile environment. Start your adventure with a 30 minute airboat tour of the Florida Everglades. Catch a glimpse of endangered wildlife as you skim across the glassy water.
SEA EXPERIENCE SCUBA DIVING, GLASSBOTTOM & SNORKEL ADVENTURES
- 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-467-6000
- Glass bottom, snorkel and scuba diving trips. Try the Discover Scuba Diving, a 4 hour class and go scuba diving the same day. Visit the underwater beauty of natural reefs. View through the glass bottom or get up close and personal snorkeling with the tropical fish. An experienced staff helps beginners and seasoned snorkelers in every aspect of their tour. Great family fun and an educational eco-tour. Two trips daily (three trips during peak times), seven days a week; also offering private charters. Two tank scuba trips also offered daily.
SKI RIXEN AT QUIET WATERS PARK
- 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, 954-429-0215
- Direct from Europe to Florida is the German concept most recognized as a “cable park,” SkiRixenUSA is in the business of teaching people to learn how to wakeboard and waterski. The majority of customers who come to SkiRixenUSA have never done any of the activities that we offer and are successful in trick skis, wakeboarding, wakeskating, kneeboarding and waterskis. SkiRixenUSA is the place to do it all! Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, Florida is the home of SkiRixenUSA located next to Festival Skate Park. The cable best known as “Rixen,” is the longest standing cable way in America and is recognized worldwide as a cable park for producing top athletes in the boat and cable wakeboard.
STRANAHAN HOUSE
- 335 S.E. Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-524-4736
- The historic Stranahan House was built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, the father of Fort Laurderdale and his wife, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, the town's first school teacher. The building has served as a trading post, community center, post office, bank and home to the Stranahans. In 1984, the house was restored to the original configuration of the early 1900s and opened up as an historic house museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Adults $12, seniors $11, students $7
TROPICAL SAILING CATAMARAN CHARTERS
- 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-579-8181
- Champagne sunset cruises, half day island getaway and beach adventure (full menu lunch included), 2-hour Intracoastal mansion and ocean sightseeing cruise, dinner cruise. Private group charters, snorkeling and gourmet catering available. 10am-7pm, 3 trips daily, 365 days a year. From $30 for adults.
WATER TAXI
- 413 SW 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, 954-467-6677
- Enjoy a leisurely cruise along Fort Lauderdale's world-famous waterways. Come to the beach, shop and dine on Las Olas Boulevard and see the cruise ships at Port Everglades. There are 14 pick up stops in Fort Lauderdale along the Intracoastal and downtown New River from 8:20am (winter) and 10am (summer) until midnight. New this season! Your Water Taxi All Day Pass now links Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. First boat leaves for Hollywood at 11:45am. $20 all day pass, $16 Sr/Military (Seniors are age 65 or older), $12 child 5-11 (children under 5 are free), $55 Family Pass: Two adults and three children OR two adults, two children, and one senior, $200 annual pass (must be purchased at the Water Taxi Headquarters)
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