Exploring Fort Lauderdale’s Marinas: Where Every Great Boat Tour Begins

Hi, I’m Scott Fleischer, and I’m lucky enough to spend every day out on the water in sunny Fort Lauderdale—doing what I love and helping people like you create unforgettable memories. I’m the owner and captain behind 954BoatTours.com, where we offer everything from fishing tours and sunset boat rides to epic private boat tours, bachelor parties, and sandbar parties.

Whether you’re planning a chill afternoon cruise or an all-out celebration, it all starts at one of Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful marinas. If you're curious about where the adventure begins—and why choosing the right marina can set the tone for your entire boat experience—keep reading. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best marinas in the area and show you how they connect to the one-of-a-kind tours I offer here at 954 Boat Tours.

Why Marinas Matter

A marina isn’t just a place to park a boat. It's the front porch of your ocean adventure. From the moment you step onto the dock, the vibe should excite you. A great marina gives you clean amenities, smooth boarding, beautiful views, and easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway or open ocean. Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” for a reason—our waterways are buzzing with life, and the marinas are where it all kicks off.

When you book a private boat tour, the experience should feel elevated from start to finish. That includes showing up at a marina that’s convenient, professional, and loaded with charm. I’ve spent years working out of multiple marinas around Fort Lauderdale, and I’ve got favorites that deliver the best in service, accessibility, and—most importantly—scenic departure routes.

1. Las Olas Marina

Let’s start with a local gem. Las Olas Marina is one of the most iconic marinas in Fort Lauderdale, and it’s right off the beach. It’s the perfect launching point for a relaxing sunset boat ride or a romantic evening cruise. The location makes it easy for guests to arrive by rideshare or walk over after a day at Las Olas Beach. Plus, the views from the dock—especially around golden hour—are absolutely unbeatable.

If you're into people-watching, boat-spotting, and snapping pics for Instagram before we even cast off, Las Olas Marina is the place to be. It gives your private boat tour that extra “wow” factor before we even hit the water.

2. Bahia Mar Yachting Center

You can’t talk marinas in Fort Lauderdale without mentioning the Bahia Mar Yachting Center. This place is legendary. It’s massive, right in the heart of the action, and home to the world-famous Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. When we launch a tour from Bahia Mar, you immediately feel like you’re stepping into a James Bond movie—think mega yachts, waterfront views, and polished vibes.

It’s a fantastic spot to start one of our high-end fishing tours too. We’ll cruise out past some of the biggest yachts you’ve ever seen, then head into the Atlantic for a shot at mahi, tuna, snapper—you name it.

3. 15th Street Fisheries / Lauderdale Marina

Now this one’s a favorite for locals and repeat customers. The Lauderdale Marina, next to the 15th Street Fisheries restaurant, is convenient, cozy, and loaded with charm. Before or after your tour, you can grab a bite on the waterfront while watching tarpon swim up to the dock. Seriously—it’s a full experience.

For families, this marina is great because it’s laid-back and accessible. It’s also one of my go-to spots to launch sunset boat rides. Nothing beats cruising out of the marina as the lights of downtown Fort Lauderdale begin to sparkle across the water.

4. Pier Sixty-Six Marina

This one’s for my luxury lovers. Pier Sixty-Six is high-end all the way and a great starting point for private boat tours designed to impress. It’s sleek, stylish, and surrounded by one of Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic resort properties. If you’re booking a bachelor party tour, anniversary cruise, or surprise proposal, Pier Sixty-Six adds a touch of class that your guests will feel from the moment they arrive.

We’ll cruise under the 17th Street Causeway bridge, hit the Intracoastal, and then you’ve got options—snorkeling, sightseeing, bar hopping by boat, or anchoring up at a sandbar party.

5. Riverwalk / New River Docks

Want something that feels like a hidden gem? The Riverwalk Docks along the New River are perfect for an urban-style adventure. From here, you’ll cruise past some of Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic waterfront mansions and downtown skyline views. It’s especially popular for sunset boat rides—you’ll see everything from mega yachts to locals sipping wine on their balconies as we glide by.

If you’ve never explored Fort Lauderdale by water, this route is a must. It’s peaceful, scenic, and the perfect intro to what our private boat tours are all about: escaping the ordinary and making memories on the water.

How We Use These Marinas at 954 Boat Tours

Each of the marinas I’ve mentioned plays a role in crafting the best possible tour experience, depending on what kind of vibe you’re after. At 954 Boat Tours, we don’t do cookie-cutter trips. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a wild bachelor party, or a relaxing day of fishing tours, we’ll launch from the marina that gives you the smoothest, most scenic experience.

Plus, I keep our scheduling flexible and easy to coordinate. Once you book, I’ll confirm our departure point with you, based on your location and the type of tour you’ve chosen.

What Makes Our Tours Different

Sure, there are other companies offering fishing tours, sunset boat rides, and private boat tours, but here’s what makes 954 Boat Tours truly stand out:

• It’s just you and your crew. No crowded boats. Every tour is 100% private.

• You call the shots. Want to anchor at a sandbar and party? Go for it. Prefer to keep cruising and soak in the views? It’s your day.

• Personalized experiences. I work directly with every guest to make sure your tour feels custom-built for you.

• Real local knowledge. I’ve been navigating these waters for years. I know the best spots, the best times, and the best ways to make your time unforgettable.

  
  

Planning Your Visit? Here's What to Expect

Fort Lauderdale is the perfect year-round destination for a boat tour. Whether you're visiting from out of town or you’re a local looking to switch up your weekend plans, our tours run daily—and we’re always happy to help with special requests.

Some of our most popular options include:

• Private boat tours for couples, families, or friend groups

• Fishing tours for beginners and seasoned anglers alike

• Sunset boat rides with BYOB options, great for proposals or anniversaries

• Bachelor party tours with sandbar stops and floating party vibes

• Custom adventures tailored to your vibe—chill, wild, or anything in between

If you’re not sure what tour’s right for you, just shoot me a message or give me a call. I’m happy to help you plan something amazing.

Your Adventure Starts Here

No matter which marina we launch from, one thing’s for sure—you’re in for a day (or night) to remember. Fort Lauderdale’s waterways are like nowhere else in the country, and the best way to see them is by boat. Whether you’re chasing fish, catching the sunset, or just kicking back with your crew and a cold drink, 954 Boat Tours delivers experiences that go way beyond the ordinary.

Ready to plan your next adventure?

You can book directly at https://www.954boattours.com and lock in a truly unforgettable experience on the water. Let’s make it the highlight of your time in Fort Lauderdale.

See you on the boat,

Scott