5 Fun Facts About Fort Lauderdale’s Boating Culture

Hey, I’m Scott Fleischer, owner and captain of 954BoatTours.com, and if there’s one thing I know inside and out—it’s Fort Lauderdale’s boating culture. Living and working on the water every day gives me a front-row seat to the energy, history, and sheer fun that makes this city one of the best boating destinations in the world.

Whether you're a local looking to discover something new or you're visiting and thinking about booking one of our private boat tours, Fort Lauderdale offers more than just great weather and beautiful views—it’s got a boating culture that runs deep.

Let’s dive in! Here are five fun facts that make Fort Lauderdale's boating lifestyle truly one-of-a-kind.

1. We Have More Canals Than Venice

You read that right. Fort Lauderdale has over 300 miles of navigable waterways, earning it the nickname "The Venice of America." And unlike Venice, our canals are lined with luxury homes, mega yachts, and palm trees—not gondolas and historic stone bridges.

These waterways connect everything from downtown to the ocean, making it easy to hop on a boat and explore the entire city from the water. It’s part of why our private boat tours are so popular—you get to see Fort Lauderdale’s beauty from a whole new perspective. Most people don’t even realize how much of the city they’re missing until they’re cruising past it on the water.

Want to know my favorite stretch? The New River winding through Las Olas—it’s a perfect mix of nature, skyline, and mansions.

2. Fort Lauderdale Hosts the World’s Largest In-Water Boat Show

If you caught my last blog post, you already know a bit about the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show—but did you know it’s officially the largest in-water boat show in the world?

This massive event brings in over 100,000 visitors annually and showcases more than 1,300 boats spread across nearly 90 acres. From ultra-luxurious yachts to innovative fishing boats and everything in between, this show is the Super Bowl of the boating world.

I always tell my guests: if you’re planning to visit Fort Lauderdale in the fall, try to time it with the boat show. It’s the perfect excuse to book a sunset boat ride or one of our fishing tours while you're already in a boating state of mind. Plus, you might catch a glimpse of some of the show’s most jaw-dropping vessels cruising by.

3. Our City Has More Registered Boats Than Most States

Here’s a stat that surprises a lot of people: Fort Lauderdale—and Broward County in general—has more registered boats than most entire states in the U.S.

With our access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Everglades, and hundreds of miles of canals, it’s no wonder boats are as common as cars around here. For many of us, hopping on a boat is as routine as a morning coffee run.

And it’s not just big yachts or sport boats—locals love everything from paddleboards and jet skis to pontoon boats and sailboats. Of course, for visitors who don’t own a boat, my private boat tours offer a chance to live the boating lifestyle without having to do any of the work (or the docking!).

4. Fort Lauderdale Is a Global Hotspot for Yacht Refits and Crew Life

Because of its strategic location and thriving marine industry, Fort Lauderdale is one of the top destinations in the world for yacht refits, repairs, and crew training. Our marinas and shipyards handle some of the largest private vessels on the planet.

Walk around areas like Marina Mile or Lauderdale Marine Center, and you’ll see shipwrights, mechanics, engineers, and deckhands hard at work on boats worth tens of millions. The city is home to an international community of yacht crew members who live here between charters or while training at local academies.

I’ve had plenty of crew members join my fishing tours or sunset boat rides on their day off, just to enjoy being on the water without having to hoist a single sail or polish any chrome. It's always fun trading stories with people who’ve sailed around the globe.

5. Sandbar Parties Are a Fort Lauderdale Ritual

While some cities have rooftop bars or downtown clubs, here in Fort Lauderdale, we’ve got sandbars.

On any sunny weekend (which is basically all of them), you’ll find dozens—sometimes hundreds—of boats anchored at local sandbars. People blast music, toss footballs across the water, float around on inflatable flamingos, and enjoy a cold drink with their feet in the sand.

The most famous is probably the Haulover Sandbar just south of Fort Lauderdale, but we’ve got great local ones like the New River sandbar and others only accessible by boat.

If you’ve never experienced a proper sandbar party, you're missing out on a local tradition. That’s why I offer sandbar stops as part of many of my private boat tours. Whether it’s a chill afternoon float or a full-on bachelor party vibe, it’s always a crowd favorite.

Bonus Tip: The Best Way to Experience Fort Lauderdale’s Boating Culture? Be On the Water.

Reading about boating is one thing—but feeling the breeze in your hair, hearing the water lapping against the hull, and watching the sun sink below the skyline? That’s where the magic really happens.

At 954 Boat Tours, I’ve designed every tour to give you an authentic, exciting, and hassle-free boating experience. Whether you're visiting from out of town or just want to treat yourself to something different, here’s what I offer:

• Private Boat Tours – No crowds, no strangers, just you and your group cruising the waterways in style.

• Sunset Boat Rides – Hands down one of the most beautiful experiences in Fort Lauderdale. The colors are unreal, and the vibe is perfect for couples, friends, or even solo travelers who want a peaceful escape.

• Fishing Tours – Want to get your hands dirty and feel the thrill of the catch? I’ll take you to the best local spots and show you the ropes.

And yes, you can mix and match experiences. Want a sunset cruise after a fishing session? Done. Want to swing by a sandbar on your private tour? Just say the word.

Your Fort Lauderdale Boat Adventure Starts Here

Fort Lauderdale’s boating culture isn’t just about big yachts and flashy marinas. It’s about freedom, discovery, relaxation, and fun. It’s about locals and visitors alike coming together to enjoy the water, the sun, and everything that makes this city so unique.

If you’re ready to experience it for yourself, I’d love to welcome you aboard.

Whether you’re booking a romantic sunset boat ride, an exciting fishing tour, or one of my fully customized private boat tours, I’ll make sure your time on the water is unforgettable.

Let’s make your Fort Lauderdale trip one for the books.

Book now at https://www.954boattours.com and let’s hit the water together.