Private Double Deck Pontoon Party Cruise in Fort Lauderdale

A fun, flexible way to explore Fort Lauderdale’s waterways—on a private double-deck pontoon cruise. For about four hours, up to 13 friends or family can enjoy a personalized adventure that mixes sightseeing, swimming, and a bit of party vibe. This tour, offered by Pontoon Party, takes you along the Venice of America, with options to stop at a beach bar or just lounge on the boat’s top deck, with your own drinks and music. It’s a perfect option for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just a sunny day with loved ones.

We love the freedom this tour offers: you bring your drinks and playlist, and the captain handles the navigation and safety. The two-story boat packs in several highlights—like a swim in the sandbar, a scenic cruise through mansions and megayachts, and a stop at one of Fort Lauderdale’s best waterside restaurants. The best part? This is a private experience, so it’s all about your crew, without strangers on board.

A small note of caution: this tour is weather-dependent. If a storm or heavy rain interrupts your plans, you might need to reschedule or get a full refund. Also, if you’re looking for an included meal, this cruise doesn’t provide lunch—so plan to BYOB or snack on what you bring along.

This experience suits travelers who want a personalized, relaxed day on the water—perfect for groups who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and socializing, with plenty of room for customizing the day to suit your mood and pace. Family groups, friends celebrating special occasions, or anyone keen to see Fort Lauderdale from the water will find it a good fit.

Key Points

• Private double-deck boat: space for up to 13 guests with a top deck for lounging and sunbathing.
• Customizable experience: bring your own drinks, music, and snacks to create a personalized vibe.
• Multiple stops: cruise the intercoastal, visit the sandbar, and enjoy a waterside restaurant or bar.
• Family-friendly: suitable for all ages, with options to swim, relax, and enjoy wildlife viewing.
• Excellent reviews: consistent 5-star ratings, with travelers praising guides, views, and overall value.
• Weather considerations: experiences are weather-dependent, so flexible rescheduling is available.

A Detailed Look at the Double-Deck Pontoon Party Cruise

When we picture a day in Fort Lauderdale on the water, it often involves grand mansions, luxury yachts, and shimmering sunshine. This tour offers all that from the comfort of your own private boat—an intimate, flexible experience that’s about your group’s preferences. For $750 per group, up to 13 people can enjoy four hours of fun, making it an appealing option for groups seeking both sightseeing and socializing.

The boat itself, a double-deck pontoon, is designed with both fun and comfort in mind. The spacious upper deck is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying panoramic views, while the lower deck provides shade and a social area. The boat features Bluetooth speakers, so you can set your own playlist, and an ample cooler for your drinks—an easy way to keep your party lively.

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

The tour begins by cruising the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, often called the Venice of America. This stretch is known for its stunning homes, luxury yachts, and abundant wildlife. The reviews highlight how much travelers enjoy the opportunity to see Fort Lauderdale’s famous mansions and the lively marine scene. One review praises the “great tour around the water” and the chance to spot wildlife, making it clear this leg is both scenic and engaging.

Next, the boat heads to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, home to the beloved sandbar, or “The Triangle.” Here, your group can hop off the boat and swim or float on provided equipment such as floats and water mats. The vibe at the sandbar is casual and lively, with reviews mentioning how much fun they had on the floats and watermat, with the boat’s surround sound speakers adding a party atmosphere. The two-hour stop ensures plenty of time to splash, relax, and socialize, with many reviewers noting how much they enjoyed this segment.

The final stop at 15th Street Fisheries is a bonus for those wanting a quick bite and a drink in a prime waterside setting. This spot is praised by visitors as one of the best restaurants on the water in Fort Lauderdale. Feeding giant tarpon in the area is also a memorable experience, especially if you’re into wildlife encounters. The hour-long stop combines a laid-back meal with some wildlife watching, adding a culinary touch to your water adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides bottled water, ice, floats, and Bluetooth speakers, ensuring your group is comfortable and ready to party. You’ll also get to enjoy the scenic cruising and swimming, all in a private setting.

However, alcoholic beverages are BYOB, and no lunch is included, so plan accordingly. Many reviews indicate that bringing your own drinks and snacks enhances the experience and keeps costs reasonable. The flexibility to bring your own food and drinks allows for a personalized celebration or chill day.

The Experience from Reviews

One of the best aspects of this tour, as reflected in the glowing reviews, is the knowledgeable guides and captains. Reviewers mention Captain Anthony and Captain Josh as fun, accommodating, and safety-conscious. Several reviews highlight how guides made the experience memorable—whether by upgrading the boat for special occasions or by joining the fun with singing and dancing.

The scenic views consistently impress travelers. From mansions to wildlife, the waterway offers plenty of photo opportunities. Many also highlight how much they enjoyed the swimming stops, often describing them as the “best part” of the trip. The presence of floats, a water mat, and a slide makes the experience more dynamic and engaging, especially for families or groups who love to splash around.

The Cost and Its Value

At $750 per group, this tour falls into the mid-range for private boat experiences in Fort Lauderdale. Considering it fits up to 13 guests, the cost per person can be quite reasonable, especially given the personalized nature of the trip. The value is amplified when you consider the flexibility—your own music, drinks, and itinerary—making it a tailored day on the water.

The reviews strongly suggest that the experience exceeds expectations, especially with guides who go above and beyond. Multiple travelers mention how they return repeatedly, citing the great customer service and the fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Who Will Love This?

This cruise is perfect for families, friends celebrating a special occasion, or groups wanting a private, laid-back day on the water. If you enjoy activities like swimming, lounging, and customizing your experience, you’ll find this tour hits the mark. It’s also great for those wanting a scenic, yet relaxed way to see Fort Lauderdale’s famous sights without the crowds of larger tour boats.

The Sum Up

The Private Double-Deck Pontoon Party Cruise offers a fantastic way to explore Fort Lauderdale’s waterways in a personalized setting. With its spacious deck, customizable playlist, and multiple stops, it combines sightseeing with fun and relaxation. The glowing reviews from happy customers emphasize the professionalism of the guides, the stunning views, and the overall value for money.

If you’re looking for an intimate, flexible experience that mixes sightseeing, swimming, and socializing—without the hassle of large group tours—this cruise is a superb choice. It’s especially well-suited for small groups, families, or anyone celebrating a special day on the water.

Just remember, good weather makes all the difference—so check the forecast and be ready for a memorable day under the sun in Fort Lauderdale.

FAQ

How many people can fit on the pontoon cruise?
Up to 13 guests can comfortably join this private tour, making it ideal for small groups looking for an exclusive experience.

What is included in the price?
Bottled water, ice, floats, and Bluetooth speakers are provided. The tour also includes stops at the intercoastal, sandbar, and a waterside restaurant.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, this tour is BYOB, so you can bring your preferred alcoholic beverages and snacks to enhance your experience.

How long does the cruise last?
The tour runs approximately four hours, including cruising time, swimming stops, and the restaurant visit.

Is this experience suitable for families?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention how families with children enjoyed the trip, especially the swimming and fun activities on the boat.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there any food included?
No, lunch isn’t provided, but you can bring your own snacks and drinks. The stop at 15th Street Fisheries offers an opportunity to enjoy a waterside meal.

Can I customize the playlist?
Yes, you bring your own music, and the Bluetooth speakers make it easy to set the mood.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, a DoubleTree Hilton hotel, conveniently located near public transportation.

This private pontoon cruise combines comfort, flexibility, and great views, making it a wonderful choice for a relaxed day on the water in Fort Lauderdale.