Fort Lauderdale Boating Guide
Fort Lauderdale is a great get-away for the active tourist, with many sporting opportunities. One of the best is its access to the water. With 300 miles of waterways and access to both the Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean, the "Venice of America" has many, many different types of boating available to visitors.For Boat Owners
For those with their own boats, Fort Lauderdale has quality marine facilities. The city of maintains three marinas.The Las Olas facility is designed to accommodate mega-yachts with 80 slips. Each slip has with vacuum pumpout equipment and phone service. The marina also has restroom, shower and laundromat "comfort station" facilities. Smaller boats may enquire for reasonable rates for day dockage and temporary mooring. The entire facility has grated security and is convenient to the beach, clubs and restaurants.
Cooley's Landing has 30 slips and three boat launches. Like the Las Olas facility, it has full utilities and sewage pumpout at each slip with on-site security. Comfort stations are also available. It is located near the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Las Olas waterfront and the Museum of Science & Discovery.
Located near the Riverwalk area, the New River Downtown Marina has 100 slips with full utilities and fueling sites and two pumpout stations. This marina features pavilions and picnic areas. Other pumpout and fueling facilities are available at private marinas in the area, such as Hall of Fame Marina near the Center for the Performing Arts; Harbor Towne Marina in Dania.
Jackson Marine Center offers many services for boat owners, including in-water and dry rack storage, boat bottom painting, hull refinishing, carpentry and interior decorating. Their 70 ton boatlift can handle craft up to 80 feet.
No-charge boat ramps are available throughout the area. The following is a short list of some of these facilities:
- Edith Weiner Hack Park and Pioneer Park in Deerfield Beach
- Donaldson Park in Coconut Creek
- Margate Marine and West Bend Ramp in Margate
- Riverside Park in Coral Springs
- Veterans Park in Tamarac
- Cherry Creek Ramp in Oakland Park
- Colohatchee Park in Wilton Manors
- Cooley's Landing and George English Park in Fort Lauderdale
- Everglades Holiday Park and Sawgrass Recreational Area
Boat Rentals in Fort Lauderdale
If you cannot bring your boat along with you on your trip to Fort Lauderdale, there are many possibilities for renting water craft here. Local rental facilities provide a full range of boats available for all marine activities from fresh water fishing to skiing to hauling in a deep sea catch.A Water Fantaseas has many types of boats available for charter, from larger yachts to sail boats and luxury fishing vessels. They are promoting their new 46 foot Sea Ray Sundancer which comes stocked with food, beverages, snorkeling gear and even a waverunner.
Sun Dream Yacht Charters specializes in up-scale boating. They can handle receptions for up to 400 guests and sit down dinners for 160. Call them for an extra-special touch to your wedding reception or corporate event. Their yachts are sleek and elegant with special features such as baby grand pianos and indoor and outdoor dance floors. All of their vessels are fully air-conditioned.
Pompano Boat Rental is located under Jeremiah's restaurant in Pompano Beach. They handle 20 - 23 foot boats which are Coast Guard rated for up to 9 people. Renters need not be licensed. Drinks, ice, etc. can be purchased here.
Everglades Holiday Park's boat rental facilities cater to anglers plying the freshwater inner waterways or those who wish to see the beauty of the Everglades up-close and on their own. Fishing guides, bait and tackle are also available.
Another option for freshwater fishing rentals is Sawgrass Recreational Area, Highway 27, 2 miles north of I-75.
Presidential Yacht Charters offers luxurious charters for all types of events. Add that special touch to your parties, weddings, and corporate meetings for up to 400 guests. Full gourmet catering services are offered. The star of Presidential's fleet is their elegant yacht, the "First Lady."
And located on the Middle River, Bill's Sunrise Watersports has everything your family will need for enjoying the local waters, including boats, waverunners, jet skis and parasailing.
These are just a few of the fine establishments catering to your needs on the local waters. Whether you wish to rent a jet ski or charter a luxury yacht, you'll find it all in Fort Lauderdale.