There’s no better way to experience the "Venice of America" than by hopping aboard the iconic Water Taxi. These bright yellow boats cruising Greater Fort Lauderdale's 300 miles of inland waterways offer a stress-free way to get around and have been synonymous with the destination for more than 30 years.
Beyond a leisurely boating experience, the Water Taxi is best known for connecting visitors to the restaurants, beaches and neighborhoods that make Greater Fort Lauderdale worth exploring. Routes run from Fort Lauderdale to Pompano Beach and Hollywood, with dozens of stops along the way. Consider this your guide to riding like a local.
How the Water Taxi Works
Before boarding the Water Taxi, you'll want to purchase an all-day or multiday pass online or at the dock. All-day and multiday passes are available, along with evening cruises and group rates for those traveling with a crew.
Purchasing in advance earns priority boarding, followed by guests who buy tickets on-site. Boats operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every 35 to 45 minutes, with two exceptions: Christmas Day and the weekend of the in December.
Pro tip: Stop #F1 is located at the Riverside Hotel in downtown Fort Lauderdale. A nearby parking garage makes for a stress-free start to your day.
Water Taxi Routes
Staying on board for a full Fort Lauderdale loop is a perfectly good way to spend several hours, especially as Millionaire's Row slides past your window. But the hop-on, hop-off setup exists for a reason.
With 30 stops scattered across the area's top neighborhoods, parks and waterfronts, getting off and exploring is half the fun. The Water Taxi's online live tracker shows exactly when the next boat will arrive, so you can explore without watching the clock.
On-the-Water Hotspots
Numerous attractions and restaurants throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale are located along the Water Taxi routes. Start at stop #F1, where Fort Lauderdale's history comes into full view. The Historic Stranahan House Museum (circa 1901) is Broward County's oldest surviving structure and tells the story of the city long before the megayachts and high-rises arrived.
After the tour, head to bustling Las Olas Boulevard for window shopping and lunch at nearby favorites such as Worthwyld and Sixty Vines.
Stop #F5 takes you to the reimagined Pier Sixty-Six, a 32-acre waterfront resort that reopened last spring. Dine at one of its 12 restaurants, including Calusso and Sotogrande. If you're visiting in the evening, reserve a spot at the iconic Pier Top rotating bar for caviar and 360-degree views of the city.
Stop #F6 puts you at Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Beyond the resort itself, Marina Village on the eastern edge of the property has become a destination of its own, featuring several of the area's most talked-about dining concepts. Before reboarding, step aboard The Shorely, a 500-person ferry transformed into a floating lounge, and enjoy a drink with a waterfront view.
Embrace the "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem" spirit at stop #H1 while enjoying food and drinks at the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill within the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. This destination is accessible via the Water Taxi's express Hollywood route. Fort Lauderdale beach and The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale are also located along the route, giving visitors even more reasons to hop on and off throughout the day.
Along the Pompano Beach route, stop #P6 brings visitors to Sands Harbor Resort & Marina, home to Lola’s On The Water, which offers a European-inspired waterfront dining experience. It's also an ideal starting point for families. A short walk from the marina leads to the Jellyfish Museum, where dozens of species from oceans around the world are on display.
Additional stops along this route include local seafood favorite Nauti Dawg Marina Cafe and the charming beach town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.
Before boarding, bookmark the Water Taxi's deals page. Ticket holders receive discounts at restaurants, culinary tours and attractions throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale. Simply show your ticket to redeem offers.
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi Events
Get ready for a new Friday afternoon tradition with the Water Taxi's Sunset Music Cruise, a weekly experience that begins with happy hour at 5 p.m., followed by a cruise at 7 p.m. featuring cocktails and live music. Guests who book in advance receive access to a dedicated VIP section at Shooters Waterfront and an extended happy hour. Valet parking is available at Shooters, and self-parking is available across the street.
Beginning Dec. 4, the Water Taxi's Holiday Lights Cruise runs nightly through Jan. 3, offering views of Millionaire's Row illuminated for the season. Live music and beverages are available on board. Cruises do not operate Dec. 13 due to the Winterfest Boat Parade or on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Departures are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. from stop #F1 near the Riverside Hotel and Historic Stranahan House Museum.
The annual Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival brings collaborative chef dinners, hands-on master classes and a Grand Tasting featuring more than 100 food and beverage samples, along with appearances by Food Network personalities. Water Taxi passengers can disembark at stop #F7, Las Olas Landing, located near festival registration and the Grand Tasting venue.
Visitors attending the Tortuga Music Festival each April can avoid traffic by taking the Water Taxi. Service operates between the Riverside Hotel Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina and GALLERYone DoubleTree Suites by Hilton throughout the festival. Check the Water Taxi website for passes and the latest schedule.
Each fall, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show spans seven locations across the city, and the Water Taxi provides convenient transportation between venues. Visitors can park at the Broward County Convention Center and travel between Riverside Hotel, Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, GALLERYone DoubleTree Suites by Hilton and Shooters Waterfront. Service begins one hour before the show opens and continues until one hour after closing. Day passes cost $15, five-day passes cost $65, and children younger than 5 ride free. Windward VIP ticket holders receive complimentary boarding.
On your next visit to Greater Fort Lauderdale, cruise in style by booking your Water Taxi adventure.