A New River boat tour in Fort Lauderdale is a private, guided cruise along the historic New River, the waterway that runs through downtown Fort Lauderdale past Las Olas Isles, the Riverwalk, and multimillion-dollar waterfront estates. Sun Fun Ftl runs private New River cruises with sandbar stops for couples, families, and small groups, departing from Seabreeze Blvd near Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
New River Boat Tour
Why Cruise the New River
Fort Lauderdale earned its nickname “the Venice of America” because of waterways like the New River, a narrow, winding river lined with historic homes, luxury yachts, and lush mangroves just minutes from the Atlantic. Unlike the open Intracoastal, a New River sightseeing cruise takes you close to the water’s edge, past architecture, wildlife, and hidden inlets you can’t see from the road.
A Fort Lauderdale New River boat tour with Sun Fun Ftl is fully private, it’s your boat, your group, your pace. No sharing the deck with strangers on a big tour boat.
What You’ll See on a New River Cruise:
- Historic homes and estates along the riverbanks
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale skyline from the water
- The Riverwalk and Las Olas area waterfront
- Local wildlife including manatees and tropical birds
- A stop at a sandbar for swimming and photos (weather permitting)
What Makes a New River Boat Tour Special?
The New River offers one of the most unique boating experiences in Fort Lauderdale. Unlike larger sightseeing cruises that follow a fixed route, a private New River boat tour lets you explore the city’s historic waterways at your own pace. Cruise past waterfront mansions, luxury yachts, downtown landmarks, and quiet natural areas while enjoying the comfort of your own private boat.
With Sun Fun FTL, you are not part of a crowded tour group. Your captain creates a relaxed experience designed around your group, whether you want sightseeing, relaxing on the water, taking photos, or spending time at a sandbar.
Private New River Boat Tour Options
Private New River Cruise 2-hour minimum · up to 16 guests included Starting at $350/hr, ($700 base for 2 hours) Extra guests (17–30): $50/person · Extra time: $350/hr
Includes: licensed captain, Bluetooth sound system, life jackets, coolers/ice (BYOB), extra-large lily pad float for the sandbar stop.
New River Cruise With Sandbar Stop
One of the most popular parts of a Fort Lauderdale New River boat tour is relaxing at a nearby sandbar. After cruising through the city’s waterways, your captain can take you to a shallow-water location where you can swim, float, take photos, and enjoy time on the water.
Sun Fun FTL provides an extra-large lily pad float, making it easy for guests to relax together while enjoying the Florida sunshine.
Sandbar stops are weather and tide dependent, but they are a favorite addition for families, couples, and small groups looking for more than just a sightseeing cruise.
Where the Cruise Departs
Sun Fun Ftl departs from 429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 — minutes from Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the New River entrance, with easy parking and access.
Who a New River Cruise Is Perfect For
- Couples wanting a private sunset cruise
- Families visiting Fort Lauderdale who want to see the city from the water
- Small groups wanting a calmer alternative to a party boat
- Visitors who want a local, less-touristy way to see Las Olas and the Riverwalk
- Photographers and history lovers interested in the historic waterfront homes
FAQs – New River Boat Tour Fort Lauderdale
It’s a private boat cruise along Fort Lauderdale’s New River, passing historic homes, the Riverwalk, and downtown, usually including a stop at a nearby sandbar. Sun Fun Ftl’s version is fully private, with no shared tour groups.
Sun Fun Ftl’s New River cruises run a 2-hour minimum, with the option to extend by the hour for a longer route or additional sandbar time.
It’s 100% private, you book the whole boat for your group, up to 16 guests included in the base rate (up to 30 with add-ons).
No. Every cruise includes a licensed, USCG-certified captain, so no boating experience or license is required.
Yes, most New River cruises include a stop at a nearby sandbar for swimming and photos, weather and tide permitting.
Cruises depart from 429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL, just minutes from downtown and the New River.
Yes, Sun Fun Ftl is BYOB, bring your own drinks and snacks; coolers and ice are provided onboard.