“How much is a party boat in Fort Lauderdale?” is one of the first questions anyone planning a bachelorette weekend, birthday bash, or group outing types into Google. The honest answer: it depends on group size, boat type, and how many hours you need,  but most groups end up paying somewhere between $300 and $1,500+ for a few hours on the water.

This guide breaks down exactly what drives that price, what’s typically included, and how to avoid the hidden fees that catch a lot of first-time renters off guard.

Average Party Boat Rental Cost in Fort Lauderdale

Across Fort Lauderdale’s boat rental market, prices generally fall into three tiers:

SunFun FTL sits in the mid-size party boat tier, the sweet spot for most bachelorette parties, birthdays, and group celebrations that need real space without yacht-charter pricing.

What Actually Drives the Price?

1. Group size. This is the biggest factor. A boat that fits 12 people costs less to operate than one built for 30, and most companies charge per-person fees once you cross a base guest count.
2. Rental duration. Almost every Fort Lauderdale party boat company has a 2-hour minimum. After that, you’re typically billed at the same hourly rate for extra time.
3. Day and season. Weekend afternoons, holidays, and peak season (winter through spring) book up fast and sometimes carry premium pricing or earlier cutoffs for availability.
4. What’s included vs. what’s extra. This is where prices can quietly balloon. Some companies advertise a low base rate, then add fees for fuel, cleaning, captain gratuity, or “premium” add-ons like sound systems and coolers that should arguably be standard.

SunFun FTL Pricing – No Hidden Fees

SunFun FTL keeps pricing simple and upfront, which is exactly why so many groups compare other quotes and come back here:

Tiki Jack (32′, up to 30 passengers)

• 2-hour minimum: $700 total ($350/hour)
• Includes up to 16 guests
• Additional guests (17th–30th): $50 per person
• Extra hours: $350/hour

Tiki Love (32′, up to 16 passengers)

• 2-hour minimum: $300/hour
• Additional guests above 16: $50 per person

What’s included at no extra charge:

• USCG-certified, licensed captain and crew
• Premium Bluetooth sound system
• Life jackets for every passenger
• Ice and coolers (BYOB, bring your own drinks)
• Oversized lily pad float
• Launch point at 429 Seabreeze Blvd, minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale

No fuel surcharges, no cleaning fees, no “sound system upgrade” tacked on at checkout, the hourly rate is the rate.

Questions to Ask Before You Book Any Party Boat (So You Don’t Get Surprised)

Before handing over a deposit to any company, ask:

• Is the quoted price per hour, flat rate, or per person?
• Is there a minimum number of hours required?
• What’s the exact guest count included in the base price, and what’s the per-person fee after that?
• Are coolers, ice, life jackets, and a sound system included, or extra?
• Is gratuity for the captain included or expected separately?
• What’s the cancellation or weather rescheduling policy?
• Is alcohol allowed onboard (BYOB), or does the company sell drinks?

A reputable company should be able to answer all of these in one sentence each, if pricing feels vague or the quote keeps growing with follow-up questions, that’s a red flag.

Tips to Get the Best Value on a Fort Lauderdale Party Boat

1. Book the right size boat the first time. Paying for a 30-passenger boat when you only have 10 guests wastes money, but underestimating your headcount means scrambling for per-person add-on fees later.
2. Split costs by guest, not by couple. For bachelorette and birthday groups, dividing the total rental cost evenly by headcount usually keeps it under $50–$70 per person for a 2-hour cruise.
3. Book on a weekday if your schedule allows. Some companies offer more flexible time slots and lower demand pressure Monday–Thursday.
4. Confirm BYOB policy in advance. Bringing your own drinks instead of paying for an onboard bar package is one of the easiest ways to cut costs.
5. Book 1–2 weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings on weekends or holidays often mean fewer boat-size options and less negotiating room.

Conclusion

Party boat pricing in Fort Lauderdale isn’t complicated once you know what to ask, group size, hours, and what’s actually included are the only real variables that matter. SunFun FTL keeps that math simple: $300–$350 an hour, a clear per-person rate past 16 guests, and zero hidden fees for the things that should already be included, like coolers, life jackets, and the sound system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a party boat in Fort Lauderdale? 

Most party boat rentals in Fort Lauderdale range from $300 to over $1,000, depending on boat size, group size, and rental duration. SunFun FTL’s rates start at $300–$350 per hour with a 2-hour minimum.

Is there a minimum rental time for party boats? 

Yes. Nearly all Fort Lauderdale party boat companies, including SunFun FTL, require a 2-hour minimum booking.

Do party boat rentals include alcohol? 

Most Fort Lauderdale party boats, including SunFun FTL, are BYOB, you bring your own drinks and snacks, and the boat provides coolers and ice at no extra charge.

Are there hidden fees I should watch for? 

Common hidden fees include fuel surcharges, cleaning fees, sound system or cooler “upgrades,” and mandatory gratuity. SunFun FTL’s pricing has none of these, your hourly rate is the full rate.

How many guests can a Fort Lauderdale party boat hold? 

It varies by vessel. SunFun FTL’s Tiki Jack holds up to 30 passengers, while the Tiki Love comfortably fits up to 16, both with transparent per-person pricing past the included headcount.

Do I need a boating license to rent a party boat? 

No. Party boat rentals like SunFun FTL include a professional, licensed captain, so no boating license or experience is required from guests.