Some places are best experienced by water and Fort Lauderdale, Florida is one such place. As a city surrounded by canals and rivers, it’s reminiscent of a more exotic Venice, complete with palm trees and bikinis. It’s one of the world’s largest cruise ports and where people like Stephen Spielberg dock their mega-yachts.
By Airboat
While not in Fort Lauderdale proper, the city is close enough to parts of the Everglades that it makes a good day trip. Start at Sawgrass Recreation Park on one of their airboat tours to see the park up close. You will get the chance to see wildlife like herons and maybe even the famous alligators that inhabit the area. The park also has its own small wildlife park. Airboat rides are $17.50 for adults and $9.00 for children.
1006 N. US Highway 27, Weston
By Snorkel
Despite being an incredibly choppy day on the ocean, I was very excited about snorkeling in the clear waters of Fort Lauderdale. The folks at SEA Experience got us suited up and out to sea in their glass bottom boat. The reefs are fairly shallow, so it’s easy to see the coral and wildlife without going too deep.
Our trip went to Twin Ledges, where I saw lots of fish up close. They also run scuba diving trips, but I didn’t have time to sign up for one. Snorkel trips start at $35 for adults and $21 for children.
801 Seabreeze Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
By Cruise
One of the city’s top attractions is cruises through the canals, where a guide points out the homes of the rich and famous. I took a trip with Fort Lauderdale Sightseeing Cruises, where we sailed through “Millionaire’s Row,” where celebrities live.
Tiger Woods once owned a house here. Scottie Pippin (known as “No Tippin Pippin” by locals), GEICO founder Leo Goodwin Sr. and Wendy Thomas of Wendy’s restaurants all own houses on the canals. Tours are $20.50 and last 1.5 hours. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.
300 S.W. 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
I received a complimentary VIP pass from the Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for these activities, but all opinions remain my own.
It looks like a great place and whilst reminding me of the Gold Coast in Australia, Florida seems very appealing.
I’d certainly fancy snorkeling or scuba diving there.
Awe, boating year round is one of South Florida’s top perks! I’m from Miami and these pictures make me miss it! Too bad the diving is not great there, but the islands are close by!