Looking for a fun, flexible way to enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s waterways? The 4 Hours Private Sandbar Pontoon Party offers the perfect mix of scenic cruising, relaxed swimming, and socializing with friends or family. For $700 per group (up to 11 people), you get a private boat ride that’s all about your party — whether it’s a birthday bash, bachelorette celebration, or just a sunny day escape. It lasts about four hours and departs from Esplanade Park, giving you plenty of time to explore the famous Sand Bar, located just north of Port Everglades.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the flexibility. You can cruise the New River, the Intracoastal Waterway, or head to a local bar or restaurant — it’s entirely your call. Second, the friendly, attentive crew and knowledgeable guides ensure safety and fun, making it a family-friendly outing that doesn’t sacrifice excitement. On the flip side, since it’s a private experience, it requires advance booking—on average, about 20 days ahead—so planning ahead is key if you want to secure your preferred date.
This tour is well-suited for groups looking to relax and enjoy authentic on-the-water fun in Fort Lauderdale. It’s ideal for those wanting a personalized experience, with reviews emphasizing how memorable and enjoyable it is—especially with captains like Tony, John, Jack, and Colin, who are praised for their friendliness and professionalism.
Key Points

- Private Group Experience: Only your party participates, ensuring personalized service.
- Flexible Route: Cruise the New River, Intracoastal, or visit local bars and restaurants.
- Ideal for Celebrations: Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or family outings.
- Highly Rated Guides: Captains Tony, John, Jack, and Colin are praised for their friendliness and attentiveness.
- Stunning Views: Enjoy scenic sights, especially at the sandbar and during sunset.
- Good Value for a Custom Experience: Four hours of private fun for $700, with reviews highlighting memorable moments.
In-Depth Review of the 4 Hours Private Sandbar Pontoon Party
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The Experience at a Glance
We loved how this private pontoon cruise is designed around your group’s preferences. Starting from Esplanade Park, you’ll board a comfortable pontoon with plenty of room for up to 11 people. The trip is approximately four hours, which is long enough to relax, explore, and soak in the views without feeling rushed. While most travelers book about 20 days in advance—so be sure to plan early—this gives you enough time to craft the perfect day on the water.
The core attraction? The Sand Bar, a shallow, protected spot just north of Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades. The warm, clear waters are ideal for floating, swimming, or just lounging with snacks and drinks. You’re encouraged to bring your own snacks and beverages, and the crew provides a cooler filled with ice, making it easy to keep your drinks cold and your snacks handy.
The Route and Stops
What makes this tour attractive is the customizable itinerary. You can cruise along the New River, taking in the city skyline and historic sights, or head into the Intracoastal Waterway, where you’ll pass by luxurious homes and yachts. The crew is flexible, so if you want to stop at a local bar or restaurant, they’ll likely accommodate. For many, the highlight is the Sand Bar, a lively spot where you can float, swim, and relax. One reviewer shared, “We had an absolute blast at the sandbar. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the water.”
Some reviews mention visiting multiple spots, with captains like John and Jack being praised for their informative commentary and attention to safety. Whether it’s a scenic tour or a party on the water, the crew ensures your safety and comfort.
The Guides and Crew
Several reviews highlight the exceptional guides and captains, especially Tony, John, Jack, and Colin. They’re described as fun, energetic, personable, and attentive. One reviewer said, “Tony was the best captain ever! Very accommodating and went out of his way to make sure we had a great time.” Others appreciated how guides like Colin made the experience engaging, making everyone feel comfortable and in good hands.
The Atmosphere and Customization
The tour’s “Your Party, Your Pontoon” motto reflects the tailored experience that travelers love. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just seeking a private escape, you can bring your drinks, snacks, and playlists, creating a fun, relaxed party atmosphere. Multiple reviews rave about how easy the booking process was, and how guides like Colin made the experience enjoyable and memorable.
The Price and Value
At $700 for four hours, this tour offers great value for a private group. When you consider the personalized attention, the flexibility of route, and the opportunity to enjoy scenic spots and swimming, it’s a solid investment. Travelers note that the experience feels more like a custom outing rather than a cookie-cutter tour, which adds to the perceived value.
However, it’s worth remembering that this experience requires planning ahead, since bookings are typically made about three weeks in advance. If you’re a last-minute planner, availability might be limited.
What You Need to Know Before Booking
- Meeting point is Esplanade Park, easy to access via public transportation or car.
- The activity is family-friendly but also popular with groups celebrating special occasions.
- You’re allowed to bring service animals, and most travelers can participate.
- Cancelations are free up to 24 hours in advance, which provides some peace of mind.
- Weather can impact the experience, so good weather is recommended for the best views and fun.
Who Will Love This Tour?

This pontoon tour is perfect for groups that want a private, relaxed, and customizable water adventure. If you’re celebrating something special—a birthday, bachelorette, or reunion—you’ll find it easy to tailor the day. It also suits families with kids, given the safe, family-friendly environment that guides like Tony and John foster.
Travelers who appreciate scenic views and enjoy floating in warm waters will especially love the stop at the sandbar. Plus, those seeking a laid-back, fun atmosphere where they can bring their own drinks and playlists will find this experience ticks all the boxes.
Overall, if you’re looking for a stress-free, memorable day on the water with friendly guides, stunning scenery, and plenty of flexibility, this private pontoon cruise hits the mark.
Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately four hours from start to finish, giving you ample time to explore, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
What is included in the price?
The $700 fee covers the private pontoon for your group, the cooler with ice, and your guide. You bring your own snacks and drinks.
Can I customize the route?
Yes, the route is flexible. You can cruise the New River, Intracoastal, visit a bar or restaurant, or spend more time at the sandbar — it’s tailored to your preferences.
Is this activity suitable for families?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight how family-friendly and safe the trip is, especially with attentive captains like Tony and John.
What should I bring?
Bring snacks, drinks, a towel, sunscreen, and possibly extra water. The crew provides ice and a cooler, so you can keep beverages cold.
What if the weather isn’t good?
If weather conditions lead to cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It’s best to check the forecast before booking.
How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 20 days ahead to secure their preferred date, especially during busy seasons.
Final Thoughts

The 4 Hours Private Sandbar Pontoon Party offers an excellent way to enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s sparkling waters in a relaxed and personalized setting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sunny day on the water, this tour combines scenic beauty, flexible routing, and friendly guides to create memorable moments.
The stunning views at the sandbar and along the Intracoastal are what many reviewers rave about, making it a top choice for those who want more than just a generic boat ride. Its private nature, combined with the ability to bring your own drinks and playlist, makes it feel more like a floating party with friends than a commercial tour.
If you value authentic, laid-back experiences where you can control the pace and scenery, this tour is a winner. It’s best suited for groups looking for fun, memorable outings in a safe, family-friendly environment—perfect for celebrating or just soaking up the sun in style.
Ready to enjoy a full four hours of Fort Lauderdale’s best water views and fun? Book ahead, bring your party spirit, and get ready for a memorable day on the water with this top-rated pontoon experience.
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