Ft. Lauderdale: Party Boat Tour to the Sandbar with Tunes

Imagine cruising through Ft. Lauderdale’s waterways on a boat filled with laughter, music, and plenty of drinks — all topped with a splash of swimming at a famous sandbar. This 2-hour party boat from Bahia Mar offers a lively mix of sightseeing, dancing, and water fun, making it a hit for groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or anyone looking to enjoy a carefree day on the water. Guided by friendly, lively crews like John, Jennifer, or BJ, you’ll get a taste of local glamour with views of yachts and mansions, plus a chance to cool off at the sandbar with floats and water toys.

What we love most about this experience are the energetic atmosphere and the flexible BYOB policy — bring your favorite drinks, keep them cold in the coolers, and enjoy them during the cruise. The music setup with a DJ transforms the boat into a floating dance floor, and the sandbar stop offers genuine water fun, not just sightseeing. However, a word of caution: the 7 pm cruise doesn’t include swimming, so if swimming is your priority, pick an earlier time slot.

This tour is best suited for groups of friends, party lovers, or travelers looking for a relaxed, lively experience with a mix of sightseeing and water-based recreation. If you’re after a straightforward sightseeing cruise without the party vibe, this might not be your best pick. But if you love music, floating, and meeting fun people, it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours in Fort Lauderdale.

Key Points

• Lively party atmosphere with a DJ playing hit tunes onboard.
• Bring your own drinks and keep them cold in community coolers.
• Swim at the sandbar with floats and water toys during certain times.
• Enjoy sightseeing of yachts and mansions, especially on the cruise through Las Olas Isles.
• Flexible booking with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Family-friendly considerations: no glass allowed, and the 7 pm cruise doesn’t have a swim stop.

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The Experience in Detail

When you step aboard the Staying Afloat Party Boat, you’re immediately caught up in a casual, festive vibe. The boat is designed for fun, with a large sound system and plenty of space for dancing and lounging. The crew, often praised for their friendliness and energy, makes it clear from the start that the goal is to have a good time. Expect a check-in process that’s straightforward — arriving about 30 minutes early is recommended for parking and finding the dock, which is located on the north side of Bahia Mar behind the DoubleTree hotel.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First, the guided tour of Fort Lauderdale itself is a brief but interesting introduction to the area’s impressive yachts and mansions. Many reviews mention how engaging the guides, like John and Jennifer, are — they love interacting with guests and sharing local insights, which adds a personal touch to the experience.

Next, the boat cruise takes you through Las Olas Isles, a neighborhood famous for its luxurious yachts and waterfront mansions. Although it’s a short sightseeing segment — roughly 30 minutes — it offers plenty of photo opportunities, especially for Instagram fans. You’ll get a glimpse of what the wealthy residents enjoy on their superyachts, and many travelers find this part surprisingly charming and photogenic.

The Sandbar Stop

The highlight for many is the stopping point at the Fort Lauderdale Sandbar, which is practically a floating party of boats and watercraft. Here, you can jump into the water, float on unicorn or flamingo floats, and enjoy the warm Florida sun. The sandbar is always lively but still relaxed, with everyone making the most of the water toys provided. According to reviews, “we throw our unicorn and flamingo floats in, and then the pool is open!”, which captures the playful, carefree nature of this stop.

If you’re on the 10 am, 1 pm, or 4 pm cruises, you’ll have about an hour at the sandbar, giving plenty of time to swim, sunbathe, or just hang out with new friends. Some guests, like Morgan, mention how “the boat ride was fun, stopping at the sandbar and listening to music was a blast.” Others highlight how the crew keeps everyone hydrated, ensuring a relaxed environment.

The 7 pm cruise, however, doesn’t include a swim stop, so if water fun is your priority, steer toward the earlier slots. The absence of swimming in the evening cruise might disappoint some, but the cruise through Downtown Fort Lauderdale offers beautiful city lights and skyline views — a different but equally fascinating experience.

Water Toys and Atmosphere

What makes this tour stand out is the party vibe. The music is loud, the drinks flow freely, and the crew encourages dancing and dancing. The float toys add a whimsical element, and many guests appreciate how the crew keeps the energy high.

Guests emphasize that the crew — particularly John, Jennifer, and BJ — are friendly, funny, and attentive. They love being made to feel like part of the party, which enhances the overall fun. Many reviews mention how the crew “made sure we were never without a drink” and went out of their way to ensure everyone was having a good time.

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Practical Tips

• Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear.
• Feel free to bring your own food and drinks (no glass bottles, please).
• The boat has coolers with free bottled water, but you should bring ice, cups, and utensils for your own food and beverages.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early to find parking and the dock; missing the boat is not refundable.
• The bathroom onboard is a nice convenience during the cruise.
• The cost is generally good value given the experience’s lively nature, scenic views, and water fun.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While most guests rave about this experience, a few point out some issues. For example, some guests were surprised that not all cruises include swimming, especially the evening one. Others mention overcrowding on certain trips, which can make relaxing or sitting on the deck a challenge. A few reviews also mention music quality or playlist choices as areas for improvement, though most agree the party atmosphere makes up for it.

It’s also worth noting that this experience is primarily geared towards fun and socializing. If you’re looking for a peaceful, romantic cruise or a purely sightseeing tour, this might not be your best fit.

Who Will Love This Tour

This party boat is ideal for groups of friends, birthday celebrations, and bachelorette parties. If you’re seeking a fun, lively atmosphere with music, swimming, and scenic views, this experience delivers. It’s especially suited for those who value informal socializing, water-based fun, and a good dose of Florida sunshine.

If you prefer a quiet, low-key cruise or want to avoid crowds, you might prefer a different tour. Also, if swimming at the sandbar is a must for you, plan to book the earlier slots, as the 7 pm cruise doesn’t include this feature.

The Sum Up

The Ft. Lauderdale Party Boat Tour to the Sandbar offers a unique blend of sightseeing, dancing, and water fun in a setting that’s both relaxed and energetic. The friendly crew and lively atmosphere make it a standout choice for groups looking for a memorable day on the water. The flexibility to bring your own drinks and the availability of floats and water toys add to the value, especially for those wanting a little extra fun.

While it’s not a quiet cruise — and some may find the crowding or the lack of swimming in certain slots a drawback — it’s hard to beat the authentic party vibe with stunning views of Ft. Lauderdale’s mansions and yachts. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to enjoy a lively day on the water, this tour can deliver a fun, memorable experience.

If you love music, socializing, and a bit of splashy water play, this tour is well worth considering. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a price-friendly, spirited adventure with plenty of opportunities to relax, laugh, and soak up the Florida sun.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 2 hours, including sightseeing, the sandbar stop, and cruising back.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, but no glass bottles are allowed onboard.

Are water toys provided?
Yes, floats such as unicorns and flamingos are available for use at the sandbar, along with water toys.

Is swimming included in all cruises?
No, swimming is available during the 10 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm cruises. The 7 pm cruise does not include a swim stop.

How early should I arrive?
Arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to park and locate the dock. The boat departs promptly.

Where exactly is the meeting point?
At Bahia Mar, on the north side of the hotel behind the DoubleTree, at Dock I (coordinates: 26.11391258239746, -80.1055679321289).

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Are there bathroom facilities onboard?
Yes, the boat has a bathroom for guests’ convenience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While families have enjoyed the trip, keep in mind that the atmosphere is party-oriented, and the environment is lively. No specific age restrictions are mentioned, but the focus is on adult fun.

In the end, if you’re after a fun-filled, music-driven water adventure in Ft. Lauderdale that combines scenic views with a party vibe, this boat tour might just be your ideal choice. Just remember to pick your time slot wisely if swimming is a priority, and get ready to dance, splash, and relax in true Florida style.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby