About this tour
When Sarah from our team booked the double deck pontoon in Fort Lauderdale, she got what the brochure promised: a genuinely spacious two-level boat with its own waterslide, decent sound system, and room to actually move around. The 4-hour cruise takes you through the Intracoastal Waterway — a stretch of calm, shallow water lined with mansions and yachts — then anchors at the sandbar where you can wade or laze on the provided floats. It's stripped-back party boat stuff: bring your own drinks, throw on a playlist, jump overboard when it gets hot. The crowd's mixed ages, mostly groups and couples looking for a low-key water day without the nightclub vibe.
Highlights
- Two-level layout means actual space, not shoulder-to-shoulder crowding
- Shallow sandbar stop lets you wade, swim, and float without deep-water anxiety
- Waterslide on a pontoon feels unnecessary but genuinely fun
- Bluetooth setup means your music, not the boat's questionable playlist
- Wheelchair accessible throughout — ramp, accessible loo, smooth surfaces
- Captains know the route and timing, no awkward dawdling
- Floats and watermats included, no rental markup nonsense
What to expect
You'll board at the Fort Lauderdale marina and spend the first hour cruising the Intracoastal, sliding past waterfront homes, other boats, and the occasional pelican. It's pretty rather than dramatic — think manicured rather than wild. The boat stays calm and steady; Sarah noticed the two decks actually get used, so you can escape the sun or find a quieter spot. Around the 90-minute mark, you'll anchor at the sandbar in knee-to-waist-deep water where most people hop in or float for an hour.
There's a bathroom on board (small but functional) and ice is provided, so your own drinks stay cold. The waterslide gets tested by everyone once. Towards the end, the captain offers a stop at a nearby bar or restaurant if you fancy food or a fresh drink, though that adds time and money. The return cruise is the wind-down lap. It's not high-energy chaos — more a relaxed float with mates.
Good to know
Real space on two levels means it doesn't feel packed. The sandbar stop is genuinely refreshing, and the included floats save you hiring gear elsewhere. Fully wheelchair accessible with accessible loo is a rarity on party boats. The Bluetooth speakers work well if your group's got a decent playlist. Good for mixed-age groups, friends, couples, and families who want water time without intensity.
BYOB rule means you must bring your own drinks — the boat doesn't sell them, so budget accordingly. No food included; the restaurant stop is optional and costs extra. The Intracoastal scenery is nice but residential, not tropical-escape vibes. Can get a bit aimless if your group doesn't bring decent tunes. Peak season (summer, weekends) books solid.
Your own alcohol (cans or bottles), sunscreen, towel, flip-flops, a phone charger. Wear swimwear under clothes. The 4 hours moves fast; arrive 15 mins early. Groups of 6–20 work best.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.