When it comes to a luxe yachting vacation, two destinations are better than one in Greater Fort Lauderdale and Bermuda.

Sparkling azure waters meant for diving, snorkeling, fishing, or simply floating. Marinas and waterways dotted with yachts and superyachts. A luxury lifestyle fitting of sun-seekers and jet setters. Those are all things that the maritime destinations of Greater Fort Lauderdale and Bermuda have in common. If that sounds like your type of vacation – and how could it not be – Visit Lauderdale and the Bermuda Tourism Authority are combining their nautical know-how in a new partnership, “Go Where the Yachts Go,” designed to elevate both destinations’ covetable yachting lifestyle. 

Two destinations, two times of year

Instead of competition, the two water-centric destinations have come together for an inspired two-year collaboration in hopes of spurring tourism recovery. The idea: vessels can leave one prime destination and cruise to the other at different times of the year. Greater Fort Lauderdale’s peak season is November through April, while Bermuda’s high season is May through October. And both Greater Fort Lauderdale and Bermuda are important ports of call and stopovers for vessels in transition to the Mediterranean.

FLIBS

Indulge in the yacht-life

Once in Greater Fort Lauderdale, boaters can explore more than 300 miles of navigable inland waterways like canals, the Intracoastal, and the New River. If you don’t have a yacht, no problem! Charter a boat, zoom around on a jet ski, throw a rockin’ party with Cruisin’ Tikis, or hop on the Water Taxi, which offers a scenic way to take in some of the area’s attractions by water and learn fun facts about the area from the knowledgeable crew. Roam our winding canals on a gondola ride with Riverfront Gondola Tours or Las Olas Gondola.

You don’t have to go too far to find a restaurant with a waterfront view. There are plenty of dock-and-dine options like Boatyard Restaurant, where you’ll grab a seat on the dockside patio lounge for a prime view of the Intracoastal and to dine on a seafood-focused dishes; laidback YOT Bar & Kitchen tucked inside the Lauderdale Marina, which is an ideal spot for happy hour and listening to live music; Mastro’s Ocean Club for a great steak and a side of scene; or relaxing GG’s Waterfront Bar & Grill on the Intracoastal in Hollywood for seafood and a picturesque sunset. If you’re in stunning Lighthouse Point, don’t miss a meal and cocktails at Nauti Dawg Marina Cafe where boats, humans, and dogs mingle.

Nauti Dawg Marina Cafe

There are also key boating and yachting events like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) in October; and in April, you can’t miss the thrilling Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess, where you can catch some of the biggest names in professional sailing. With this new partnership between the two destinations, expect to see an even bigger presence in the sailing and yachting world.

While in Greater Fort Lauderdale, choose to retreat at luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, W Fort Lauderdale, Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the soon-to-come Four Seasons Hotel. And in Bermuda, indulge in opulent hotels like the historic pink palace, Hamilton Princess, or newcomer The St. Regis Bermuda Resort which opens in May 2021, along with plenty of attractions that suit any style of traveler.

Yacht or not, there’s so much for everyone under the sun in both destinations.

PRESS RELEASE: Fort Lauderdale & Bermuda Collaborate of "Go Where the Yachts Go" Campaign