Private charters on the Intracoastal, the Sandbar, and Port Everglades. Licensed USCG captain always included. Your group only — no strangers, no fixed schedules.
Fort Lauderdale boat rental quick facts: Private yacht charters from $1,700 for a 45 ft yacht (4 hours, up to 13 guests, captain included). Rates run to $4,500 for an 8-hour charter on the 50 ft yacht. Departures from Haulover or Hollywood. Top routes: Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale Sandbar (Lake Sylvia), Port Everglades inlet, offshore reef.
Fort Lauderdale has more registered boats per capita than any other US city and over 300 miles of navigable Intracoastal canals — more than Venice, Italy. A private boat charter here gives you access to the same offshore reefs, better Intracoastal scenery, and the iconic Sandbar that shared tours rush through in 90 minutes.
A Nauty 360 private charter gives your group the full day. The USCG-licensed captain handles navigation through the Intracoastal locks, anchoring at the Sandbar, and timing the Port Everglades inlet crossing. You handle the cooler.
Average private group is 6–12 people. Unlike a per-person shared tour, a private charter is priced per boat, not per head — the more people you bring, the lower your cost per guest.
15–20 min from Las Olas Marina. Lake Sylvia’s natural sandbar — waist-deep water, anchoring, swimming. The most popular stop in South Florida boating. Shared tours give you 60 min; private gives you the whole afternoon.
Depart from Bahia Mar or Las Olas. Cruise past mega-yachts, waterfront mansions, and the Las Olas bridge. Best for sunset charters and sightseeing groups. Calm, protected water year-round.
10 min from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Watch cruise ships and container vessels transit the inlet from deck level. One of the busiest ports in the US — dramatic views, especially at sunset. Best for photography and corporate groups.
2–4 miles offshore. The Fort Lauderdale reef system runs parallel to the beach at 15–40 ft depth. Eagle rays, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Best visibility November–April in calm northeast winds.
All prices are for 100% private charters with USCG-licensed captain and fuel included. Maximum 13 guests per charter (USCG). Rates in USD.
| Vessel | Departure | Capacity | 4 Hours | 6 Hours | 8 Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 ft Yacht | Haulover | Up to 13 guests | From $1,700 | From $2,100 | From $2,500 |
| 42 ft Yacht | Hollywood | Up to 13 guests | From $1,950 | From $2,500 | — |
| 52 ft Yacht | Haulover | Up to 13 guests | From $2,800 | From $3,500 | From $4,300 |
| 50 ft Yacht | Haulover | Up to 13 guests | From $2,900 | From $3,600 | From $4,500 |
USCG-licensed captain · Fuel · Cooler with ice · Snorkeling gear · Life jackets · Safety equipment · Pre-trip route consultation via WhatsApp.
Shared sandbar cruises in Fort Lauderdale run $75/person for a 2-hour group experience (Mon–Thu only, fixed 1–3 pm slot). A private charter costs more per person, but the experience is different in kind, not just price:
| Factor | Shared Tour ($75/p) | Private Charter (from $1,700) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours, fixed slot | 4, 6 or 8 hours — your choice |
| Schedule | Mon–Thu only, 1–3 pm | 7 days/week, any departure time |
| Who’s on board | Up to 20–25 strangers | Your group only, up to 13 guests |
| Itinerary | Fixed sandbar stop | Sandbar, reef, Port Everglades — your call |
For a group of 10–13 splitting a 4-hour charter on the 45 ft yacht, a private charter runs roughly $130–$170 per person — more than the $75/person shared tour, but with 2x the time, no strangers aboard, and a route built around your group.
We cross-referenced pricing across 8 South Florida charter operators, aggregator platforms (GetMyBoat, Boatsetter), and port authority records to map the real difference between Fort Lauderdale and Miami charters for 2026.
| Factor | Fort Lauderdale | Miami | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-day charter range | $2,500–$4,500 | $800–$1,100 | Price varies significantly by vessel size and duration in both markets |
| Intracoastal miles | 300+ miles of canals | Biscayne Bay focused | FTL has far more protected waterway options |
| Sandbar access | Lake Sylvia, 15 min | Haulover Sandbar, 20–30 min | Both excellent; FTL sandbar less crowded weekdays |
| Offshore reef | 2–4 miles out | 3–6 miles out | FTL reef is closer and shallower for snorkelers |
| Weekday availability | High | High | Both offer same-week booking Apr–Nov |
| Marina congestion Dec–Mar | Moderate (snowbird season) | High (winter season) | FTL slightly easier to book peak season |
Lake Sylvia crowd timing, best anchor spots, group size math, and what shared tours skip. Everything you need to know before you go.
Read the Sandbar Guide →What you actually see landmark by landmark, best departure times for sunset charters, and how the Intracoastal compares to Miami's Biscayne Bay.
Read the Intracoastal Guide →Real 2026 pricing by yacht size, what is included vs. extra, and how to book the right boat for your group without overpaying.
Read the Prices Guide →Biscayne Bay, Haulover Sandbar, and the Miami skyline. From $480 half-day, up to 16 guests, captain included.
Miami Charters →Caribbean-blue water, MUSA underwater museum, and private access to Isla Mujeres. Catamaran from $1,200.
Cancún Charters →Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca, and the walled city seen from the water. Speedboats from $680.
Cartagena Charters →Isla Saona, Catalina Island, and Bayahibe from the Dominican Republic’s top marina. From $500.
Casa de Campo →