Yacht Charter Fort Lauderdale: Bahia Mar, Las Olas, and the Intracoastal

Fort Lauderdale has more deep-water slips than any other city in Florida, which is why so many of the larger yachts in our network are based here rather than Miami. If you are chartering anything over 80 feet, or you want a longer Intracoastal cruise rather than a sandbar run, Fort Lauderdale is usually the better departure point. Pickup is roughly 35 minutes from MIA, 20 from FLL, and right next door to the major Las Olas hotels.

Why guests pick Fort Lauderdale over Miami

  • Bigger inventory in the 80-150ft range, most of the South Florida superyacht fleet winters at Bahia Mar, Pier 66, and Lauderdale Marine Center.
  • Calm-water cruising, the Intracoastal between Hillsboro and Sunny Isles is sheltered no matter what the ocean is doing.
  • Mansion sightseeing, the Las Olas Isles, Harbor Beach, and Hillsboro Mile are arguably better waterfront tours than Star Island.
  • Easier dockside dining, Boatyard, Coconuts, and 15th Street Fisheries are all dock-and-dine spots Miami does not really replicate.

Departure marinas

  • Bahia Mar Yachting Center (801 Seabreeze Boulevard), adjacent to the Hilton, walking distance to A1A and the Lauderdale beach.
  • Pier Sixty-Six Marina (2301 SE 17th Street), deepwater slips for vessels up to 400ft, on the south side of the 17th Street Causeway.
  • Las Olas Marina (240 E Las Olas Circle), newly renovated, mid-size yachts, walkable to the Las Olas restaurants.
  • Lauderdale Marine Center (2001 SW 20th Street), used primarily for refits and large-vessel base, occasional departures for full-day cruises.

Typical itineraries from Fort Lauderdale

The Intracoastal tour from Bahia Mar north past the Las Olas Isles, Idlewyld, and Hillsboro is a roughly two-hour loop without an ocean leg. Add an inlet run out of Port Everglades and you are in deep blue water in fifteen minutes, with a straight shot down the coast toward Haulover and back. For full days, guests with bigger vessels often run north to Boca Inlet for lunch at Boca Bridge or south to the Miami sandbars and back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I depart from Bahia Mar?

Yes, it is our most common Fort Lauderdale departure point. Guest parking is at the Hilton garage adjacent to the marina.

Are bookings cheaper out of Fort Lauderdale than Miami?

For comparable vessels, pricing is roughly the same. The advantage is selection, there are simply more 80ft+ yachts available north of the county line.

Can we run down to the Miami sandbars from FTL?

Yes on a 6 or 8 hour charter. The Nixon Sandbar is about 50 minutes south at cruising speed.

Is the Intracoastal worth seeing if I have already done the Miami bay tour?

Different scenery entirely. The Lauderdale Isles and Hillsboro mansions are more residential and quieter, the Miami bay tour is more urban skyline. Many repeat guests do one of each on separate trips.

Book a Fort Lauderdale charter

All vessels show pricing and live availability on the main listing, browse the full Miami and South Florida fleet, and our concierge will match you with the right Fort Lauderdale-based yacht for your group and dates.