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A bachelorette boat rental in Fort Lauderdale, in four lines
Revelwick estimates for about nine guests.
- Private charter
- About $115A head for about three hours with a captain, including a tip
- Hourly rate
- $300 to $425For a boat that takes nine to twelve, as a Revelwick estimate
- More than six guests
- Inspected boatA captained boat carrying more than six paying guests must be Coast Guard inspected
- Or
- Water Taxi $38A day pass on the Intracoastal and New River, with no reservations
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Boat rental options for a Fort Lauderdale bachelorette party
Choose the boat for the group size and the day you want.
A party pontoon
A wide, flat deck with shade and room for coolers, for cruising the Intracoastal. Ask whether it has a bathroom.
A yacht charter
A luxury yacht with a captain and crew, a cabin and a bathroom, for an upscale celebration.
A Coast Guard inspected party boat
For a group of seven or more paying guests with a captain, the vessel must hold a Certificate of Inspection that lists how many passengers it can carry.
A self-drive rental
A boat with no crew, for a smaller group with an experienced driver. Check the passenger limit and the rules on alcohol for the driver.
The Water Taxi
A $38 day pass on the Intracoastal and New River, every 35 to 45 minutes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It takes no reservations and cannot guarantee a whole group boards together.
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Where to go on the water
Fort Lauderdale's waterways, as the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB describes them.
The Intracoastal
Cruise past waterfront homes and yachts on flat, calm water.
The sandbar
Local boaters drop anchor there on weekends. Ask your captain where it is and whether it suits your boat.
Lake Sylvia
A spot in Harbor Beach where locals float on rafts tied to their boats.
The New River
A ride through downtown past Las Olas and the Riverwalk.
Dock and dine
Some waterfront restaurants have docks where boats can tie up for lunch.
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Questions to ask before you book
Get the answers in writing.
How many passengers can it carry?
With a captain and more than six paying guests, ask to see the Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection.
Is there a bathroom?
Some pontoons have none, so plan stops.
Can we bring food, drinks and coolers?
Ask what is allowed, and whether ice, cups and napkins are included.
What happens in bad weather?
Ask when the captain cancels and whether you get a refund or a new date.
What is the cancellation policy?
Deposits and refunds vary by operator and by how close to the date you cancel.
Is the tip included?
Budget 15 to 20 percent for the captains and deckhands if it is not.
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Bachelorette boat party ideas and what to bring
Fun touches for the bride and her friends.
A theme
Last sail before the veil, let's get nauti, or a white swimsuit for the bride.
Floats
One large float for the photos, tied to the boat.
A playlist
Download it in case the signal drops.
Food and drinks
Finger foods and cans, never glass, in a soft cooler.
Sun protection
Reef-safe sunscreen, hats and a cover-up.
A sunset trip
An evening cruise for a cooler, golden hour celebration.
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Boat party experiences to consider
Ideas for an unforgettable afternoon on Fort Lauderdale's famous waterways, often called the Venice of America.
A waterway tour
A captain-led cruise past waterfront mansions and yachts, with local stories along the way.
A swim stop
An anchor stop where the group can swim and float, if the captain says conditions allow.
A sunset party boat
An evening boating adventure timed for golden hour photos with the bride.
Dinner by boat
Cruise to a waterfront restaurant with a dock, then head back after dinner.
Extras
Ask about the price of extras such as a DJ, decorations, floats or a photographer.
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Planning a bachelorette boat day in Fort Lauderdale
The season, the rules and the budget.
A bachelorette boat rental in Fort Lauderdale is the perfect experience for a fun, unique celebration: sun, music, views and the whole group on one party boat. Choose the boat for your group size, check that a captained boat for more than six guests is Coast Guard inspected, and agree what to bring.
When to go
February to April are the driest months, with highs of about 78 to 83 degrees. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, so book a flexible date and check the weather policy.
Drinks on board and off
Alcohol is banned on Fort Lauderdale's public beach, so plan drinks for the boat, if the operator allows them, and for bars on land. For the rest of the weekend, see the Fort Lauderdale bachelorette party guide, and for charters anywhere, see boat bachelorette party.
An inspected boat, a clear weather policy, and the crew on board.
The boat ruleOn the water
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Fort Lauderdale bachelorette boat rentals, answered
What groups ask before paying a deposit.
How much is a bachelorette boat rental in Fort Lauderdale?
About $115 a head for a private three hour charter with a captain, or $300 to $425 an hour, as Revelwick estimates.
The Water Taxi is $38 a day.
Does a party boat for nine need to be Coast Guard inspected?
If it comes with a captain and carries more than six paying guests, yes.
Ask for the Certificate of Inspection.
Can we bring our own drinks on a Fort Lauderdale boat?
It depends on the operator. Ask before booking, and bring cans rather than glass.
Bring your own ice if asked.
Is there a sandbar in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, local boaters anchor there on weekends, according to the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB.
Ask your captain about it.
How long should the boat rental be?
About three hours gives time to cruise, swim and enjoy the views.
Book early for weekends.
When is hurricane season in Fort Lauderdale?
June 1 to November 30.
Check the weather refund policy.
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What to read next
The city this happens in, chartering generally, the beach afternoon it replaces, and the region.
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How this was priced and checked
Charter prices vary by boat and season; the rules are from federal law and official sources.
What the figures are
The $115 a head and the hourly range are Revelwick editorial estimates for a group of about nine. Check current quotes.
Where the facts come from
The passenger rules are from 46 U.S.C. 2101 and 3301, the Water Taxi from its operator, the sandbar and Lake Sylvia from the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, beach alcohol rules from the Fort Lauderdale City Code, the weather from NOAA climate normals and hurricane season from the National Hurricane Center. We do not name charter operators on this page.