Cruising the Venice of America

Fort Lauderdale's 165 miles of inland waterways offer cruise passengers an alternative to typical pre-voyage routines. The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi provides hop-on, hop-off service across three routes, with the main tour looping through 11 stops over three hours. Travelers can access waterfront hotels like the Hilton Marina and Omni Fort Lauderdale directly by water, bypassing ground traffic entirely. The service connects to dining destinations along the Riverwalk and Las Olas Boulevard, plus shopping areas including the Galleria. Deckhands serve as guides, sharing local history and anecdotes during the journey. The taxi operates from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., making it ideal for passengers arriving early or departing late. The company offers discounts at over 80 partner businesses across its stops. Clear yellow signage marks all docking locations, ensuring easy navigation throughout the city's waterway network. Originally reported by Porthole Cruise and Travel, Marguerite "Peggy" Cleveland (June 11, 2026).