When headed to the “Venice of America,” don't miss out on the incredible 300-mile network of inland waterways in Greater Fort Lauderdale. The best way to experience it? Hop on the iconic Water Taxi. These distinctive yellow boats are not only a stress-free way to explore the city, but they've also become a symbol of Fort Lauderdale.
Boasting dozens of stops at some of the coolest hangouts around town, the hop-on, hop-off taxis have serviced locals and visitors for more than 30 years. With endless routes from Fort Lauderdale to Pompano Beach and Hollywood, you can guarantee a safe and smart way to get around while in the hands of some pretty cool crew. Read along for Visit Lauderdale's definitive guide to the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi so you can cruise in style during your next visit.
How It Works
First, secure your tickets by pre-purchasing an all-day or multi-day pass online or buying them at the dock. Priority boarding is given to guests with tickets or ticket vouchers, followed by those purchasing on-site.
The all-day Fort Lauderdale route pass costs $38 for adults, $33 for seniors and veterans, $18 for children aged 5-11, and FREE for children under 5. You can also opt for evening voyages or take advantage of group rates.
There’s also a new Pompano Beach route with adult tickets beginning at $30 and $10 for children.
The Water Taxis operate all week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with departures every 35 to 45 minutes—excluding Christmas Day and during the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, also in December.
Pro tip: Find ample parking near stop #1 at the Riverside Hotel parking garage in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Water Taxi Routes
A full circuit around Fort Lauderdale, returning to your initial pickup spot, typically takes about three hours, offering plenty of sights along the way, such as Millionaire’s Row and some of the city’s most well-known parks and attractions. While you can enjoy a non-stop boat ride, we recommend making the most of the 30 stops by trying the hop-on, hop-off approach. To check when the next taxi will arrive, use the live tracker online.
The Water Taxi recently launched a new Pompano Beach route, taking visitors north with convenient stops and connections across 30 locations from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood.
Around Town Hotspots
Numerous popular Greater Fort Lauderdale attractions, including restaurants, can be found along the Water Taxi stops. Begin your journey at stop #F1, featuring the Historic Stranahan House Museum, a Broward treasure built in 1901. After a museum tour, grab a delicious meal at one of the bustling Las Olas Boulevard restaurants nearby, like YOLO or El Camino.
At stop #H1, you can fully embrace the "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem" vibe while enjoying food and drinks at the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill within the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. You can reach this destination via the Water Taxi’s express Hollywood route.
Stop #F6 will drop you off near Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel with direct access to the beachfront resort. Or use it as an opportunity to check out the new Marina Village nestled on the eastern edge of the famous resort to sample some of the area’s best foodie concepts. Then hop aboard its sister concept, The Shorely—a 500-person ferry reborn as a luxurious lounge and entertainment hub— for a refreshing libation.
In addition to these, you’ll find even more attractions, including Fort Lauderdale beach and The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale.
Along Pompano Beach’s route, stops range from local seafood haunt Blue Moon Fish Co. in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea to Sands Harbor Resort and Marina in Pompano Beach.
Check out this link for discounts on attractions and dining for Water Taxi patrons, including top restaurants, culinary tours, and more—just show your Water Taxi ticket to redeem.
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi Events
If you plan on attending the city’s iconic Tortuga Music Festival set for April 4-6, 2025, you can choose the express Water Taxi service, valid all three days with extended hours until 11 p.m. Boarding location offers direct service to the Tortuga entrance with additional stops at Riverside Hotel Fort Lauderdale, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, and The Galleria Fort Lauderdale.
Starting December 5, you can enjoy the annual Holiday Lights Cruise. This festive event offers guests the best view of the “Millionaires Row” waterfront mansions adorned with dazzling lights and decorations. Live music and festive cocktails round out the holiday special.
On your next visit to Greater Fort Lauderdale, cruise in style by booking your Water Taxi adventure.