How Fort Lauderdale Became the Yachting Capital of the World

Seminole people navigated rivers in dugout canoes carved from cypress trees. In the early 1800s, the Seminoles lived in the Everglades, traveling by canoe to hunt, fish and visit other camps. As white settlers, including the Stranahan family, arrived in Fort Lauderdale, these canoes also provided access to trading posts. 

Built in 1901 along the New River, the Stranahan House is the oldest surviving home in Fort Lauderdale and once served as a trading post, post office and community center. Frank Stranahan also built a bank and general store nearby. Stranahan and his wife, Ivy, who taught Seminole children, were well respected by the Seminole people. Today, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, the official museum of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, features a replica of the trading post.

It's believed that the first yacht to make its way through Fort Lauderdale was the Wanderer, a steamboat carrying sportsmen in 1896. That same year, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway was built, connecting Lake Worth in Palm Beach County to Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County. With greater access to the region's waterways, Fort Lauderdale began establishing itself as a boating destination.
In 1949, Bahia Mar Yachting Center opened, helping lay the foundation for the city's thriving yachting industry. In 1957, Pier 66 marina opened, quickly becoming a popular stop for boaters to refuel and prepare for voyages to the Bahamas.
As Fort Lauderdale's tourism industry flourished, fueled in part by its popularity as a spring break destination, the property expanded to include a hotel with a rotating rooftop restaurant.

Today, both Bahia Mar and Pier Sixty-Six are undergoing major transformations, with redevelopment projects valued at approximately $1 billion each, reflecting the enduring influence of yachting on Greater Fort Lauderdale's identity.
 

Fort Lauderdale hosts one of the world's premier boat shows each fall, a tradition dating back to 1959. Originally held at War Memorial Auditorium with just 13 exhibitors, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) moved to Bahia Mar in 1983. Today, the world's largest in-water boat show attracts more than 100,000 visitors and features 1,000 exhibiting brands across six venues. In addition to 1,300 vessels on display, attendees can enjoy seminars, interactive experiences, food and beverage offerings, the FLIBS Kid Corner and exclusive VIP experiences. The next show takes place Oct. 27-31, 2027.

FLIBS is also committed to environmental sustainability, with a goal of achieving zero waste and net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The show's exclusive catering company, Proof of the Pudding, supports these efforts through a no-Styrofoam policy, reducing single-use plastics, sourcing from local vendors and donating to local food banks.

More than a century after the steamboat “Wanderer” carried passengers through Fort Lauderdale, the New River and Intracoastal Waterway remain bustling waterways. Today, a steady parade of boats provides entertainment for visitors enjoying waterfront brunch, sipping cocktails or strolling along the Riverwalk.

Visitors to Greater Fort Lauderdale can experience the destination from the water in a variety of ways. For dinner and a show, climb aboard the Jungle Queen, a family-friendly tradition dating back to 1935, when the first of its steamboats arrived from Jacksonville. Today, the attraction offers cruises to Jungle Queen Island, where guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue dinner and live entertainment featuring Polynesian hula dancers, fire performers, drummers and more.

For a scenic alternative to driving, hop aboard the Water Taxi. Its signature yellow-and-green fleet offers hop-on, hop-off service with more than 30 stops stretching from Pompano Beach to Hollywood. Visitors can also choose from several specialty experiences, including the Sunset Music Cruise, Sightseeing Cruise, Early-Bird Cruise and Holiday Lights Cruise.

For a more romantic experience, Fort Lauderdale lives up to its nickname, the Venice of America, with gondola excursions along the New River. Las Olas Gondola offers daytime, full-moon, sunset and evening cruises, complete with a gondolier navigating from the stern and, on select excursions, providing live music. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks while taking in views of impressive megayachts and multimillion-dollar waterfront homes. With its picturesque setting and intimate atmosphere, it's easy to see why Las Olas Gondola has become a popular choice for proposals, anniversaries and special date nights.