Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi: Ultimate Guide and My Favorite Stops

If you’re headed to Fort Lauderdale on vacation or before a cruise, hopping on a Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi is the best way to tour the city. The unique water taxis in Fort Lauderdale, Florida provide an amazing way to see the sights, visit various beaches, and dine at delicious restaurants across the city. Here is everything you need to know about how to use the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi and the best stops to make along the way.

Why is Fort Lauderdale called “The Venice of America”?

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is known as the Venice of America due to the city’s numerous canals which flow through the city. These canals add a unique charm to the city of Fort Lauderdale and also offer an alternative form of transportation by using their famous Water Taxi.

If you’re looking for the most unique thing to do in the city, the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi experience is the best way to spend the day.

How does the Water Taxi Fort Lauderdale transportation system work?

The Water Taxi Fort Lauderdale transportation system has several pick-up and drop-off locations shown on the map above. Numerous water taxis operate at the same time so they run at about a 30-minute schedule for each stop.

They have water taxis which go from stops 1-9 and then water taxis which also go in reverse. This is especially useful if you are getting picked up at stop 4, but want to go to stop 1. It would take far too long to have to go to stops 4-9 and end up at stop 1, but since there are taxis that go in reverse, you will never be too far away from your next destination.

Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi Pricing

The best thing about the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi is they are inexpensive. An all day pass is only $40 for adults and $20 for children ages 5 – 11. Children 5 and under are free. You can also purchase an evening pass which can be used after 5 pm for only $25 for adults.

How Long Does the Water Taxi in Fort Lauderdale Take?

Expect your ride on the water taxi to take around 30-45 minutes per 3-4 stops. If I am picked up at stop 1, estimate approximately 30-40 minutes to get to stop 3 or 4. Using the water taxi is easiest if you don’t have a specific timeline or reservations. It’s great for just hopping on and hopping off to explore the city.

What are the Best Places to Visit When Using The Water Taxis?

Here are my favorite places to visit when taking the Water Taxi in Fort Lauderdale including restaurants, beaches, shopping, and more.

Restaurants & Bars

There are a plethora of restaurants and bars you can visit when hopping on and off the Fort Lauderdale water taxi. I’ve listed two of my favorites below with directions, but here are a few other popular restaurants and bars that have been recommended by others on Cruise Critic.

• Coconuts
• Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
• 15th Street Fisheries
• Louie Bossi’s
• Shooters

Boatyard Restaurant

Boatyard restaurant is beautiful and located right on the water. You’ll get off at Water Taxi Stop #4 and walk down Grande Drive. Boatyard restaurant is only about a 10-minute walk from the Water Taxi stop and is delicious. You can enjoy a fabulous seafood tower for brunch with mimosas.

S3 Restaurant Sun, Surf, & Sand

My second favorite restaurant to visit is the S3 Sun, Surf, & Sand which is located along Fort Lauderdale’s most popular beach and is beside the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. We like to get off at Water Taxi stop #7 and walk to Fort Lauderdale Beach. When we’re finished at the beach, Fort Lauderdale has an awesome strip that is full of bars, restaurants, and shops to explore.

S3 Sun, Surf, and Sand Restaurant is absolutely amazing and serves Asian fusion cuisine. I highly recommend resisting the urge to stop elsewhere on your walkover. They have the most mouth-watering Chataubrian that is flambeed tableside in cognac as well as a fantastic sushi selection.

The Beaches

There are so many beaches you can visit. While we usually go to the Fort Lauderdale beach to visit our favorite S3 restaurant, you can also stop off at Las Olas Beach and Sebastian Street Beach.

Shopping

You’ll find most of the shopping at the Los Olas Water Taxi Stop #2. Here you’ll find numerous boutiques, art galleries, jewelry stores, and more.

Water Taxi Stop #7 is also right next to a giant Galleria with stores like Macy’s, Sephora, Express, Dillards, and all the typical common mall stores.

Sites to See

Along the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi route there are also a few notable stops and sites to explore. Here are a few.

• Hugh Taylor Beach State Park where you can explore various trails. It’s also a great spot for bird enthusiasts.
• Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a historic 1920s plantation home nestled right on the beach where you can tour artwork, artifacts, and the Gardens which feature a native barrier island habitat.
• Stranahan House Museum is the oldest surviving structure in Fort Lauderdale and the Stranahan family played a historic role in the growth of the city.

Hollywood/Margaritaville

If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi also makes a stop at the vibrant 5 o’clock Somewhere Bar at Margaritaville, Hollywood Beach Resort. Hollywood Beach also has countless restaurants, bars, and, of course, the sun-kissed shores of Hollywood Beach itself.

What are all the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi Stops?

The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi stops at numerous beaches, restaurants, shopping destinations, and much more. Below is a list of all the stops.

• Stop #1 Riverside Hotel + Stranahan House at 335 SE 6th Ave. (Transfer stop to Water Trolley/Access to Las Olas)
• Stop #2 Shops + Restaurants at Las Olas at 904 E Las Olas Blvd. (At the end of SE 9th Avenue)
• Stop #3 15th Street Fisheries at 1900 SE 15th St.
• Stop #4 Hilton Marina + Convention Center at 1881 SE 17th St.
• Stop #5 South End of Bahia Mar (Beach) at 1001 Seabreeze Blvd
• Stop #6 Swimming Hall of Fame (Beach) at 1 Hall of Fame Dr.
• W is an On Demand Whistle Stop at 2901 Seville St. You’ll need to call for pick up. This stop is dependent on the water levels.
• Stop #7 GalleryOne Double Tree + Galleria Mall at 2670 E Sunrise Blvd.
• Stop #8 Hugh Taylor Birch State Park at 3109 E Sunrise Blvd. (This stop closes at sunset)
• Stop #9 Shooters Waterfront (Beach) at 3033 NE 32nd Ave.
• Stop #10 Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill at 3115 NE 32nd Ave.

The Hollywood Beach & Margaritaville has an express route that picks up at the #4 Stop Hilton Marina and Convention Center at 1881 SE 17th St. (West side under the 17th Street Bridge. Transfer stop to Fort Lauderdale) and goes to Stop #H1 Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort + Broadwalk + Beach at 1111 N Ocean Dr.

Additional Water Taxi Fort Lauderdale FAQS

Here are the answers to some common questions often asked about the Water Taxi in Fort Lauderdale.

Do they serve alcohol on the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi?

You can take your drinks onto the water taxis and some Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi’s even have a bar where you can purchase alcoholic beverages.

Is there a bathroom on the Water Taxi?

The Main larger water taxi has a restroom on board, but the smaller water taxis do not.

Can you bring pets onto the water taxi?

Only service animals are allowed onto the water taxi.

How long is it to go round trip on the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi route?

Going round trip on the Fort Lauderdale Water taxi from stop #1 to stop #9 and back to stop #1 takes approximately 3 hours.

If you’re headed to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for vacation or before a cruise, and looking for a fun unique experience, I highly recommend touring the city using the city’s Water Taxi. It’s a great way to visit a variety of restaurants, bars, and beaches all while taking in the most beautiful views of the water.

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