Downtown evening cruise review
What the rating means
Captain Ricky and tour guide BJ were “exceptional” to Indy from the US Virgin Islands, who gave it 10/10. Rozay from Miami had half the boat be “bleh” but still rated it five because Captains Ross and Colin were “awesome”. Josh called it “great tour and bang for your buck”. Jason brought his 14-year-old daughter and “she had a blast” on the “awesome way to end an excellent two-hour cruise”. A 4.7 from 61 reviews is the strongest rating on this site.
What the cruise is like
Two hours departing Bahia Mar Dock i — north side of the marina, behind the DoubleTree. Through the parking gate, take a ticket, turn right then second right, past the “Dock H” sign to the next dock. You bring your own food and drinks; coolers, ice and bottled water are on board. USCG licensed captain and first mate, guide, DJ, sound system, restroom.
Three named sailings each day: 10 AM, 1 PM and 4 PM. Those three stop to swim at a sandbar. The 7 PM sailing does not stop — it cruises downtown instead. That route takes you down the New River through the heart of the city at sunset.
Hotel pickup and drop-off is included in the $55. Parking is included. That arithmetic is worth doing out loud: you get the ride, the ride to the dock, the parking fee, and the ride back. For a visitor without a rental car, that makes the boat simpler than renting or ridesharing. Digital waiver before arrival; check-in 15 minutes early or you’re not refunded.
What works
- Best-rated cruise on the site at 4.7 from 61 reviews
- Two hours on the water, longest of the single-boat cruises
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Parking included — no hidden fees
- Coolers, ice and bottled water on board for what you bring
- DJ and sound system included
- Restroom aboard
- Multiple departure times daily
- The 7 PM sails the New River downtown at sunset
Worth knowing
- You bring your own drinks, which means buying and carrying a cooler
- The 10 AM, 1 PM and 4 PM sailings stop at a sandbar to swim — not everyone wants that
- The 7 PM does not stop at the sandbar; it’s the downtown-cruising sailing
- Check-in is 15 minutes early; latecomers are not refunded
- Sunset only lands on the 7 PM sailing between 8 March and 7 October
Book the 7 PM sailing if the New River downtown sunset is your target — that one doesn’t stop to swim. Bring your own drink and food if you have them, or pack light; the coolers are on board. Arrive 15 minutes early so you make check-in.
Know your date?Departure times are fixed but sunset moves by nearly three hours across the year, so the calendar is the only place to confirm a boat is still out when the sun goes down. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.
Check dates and timesWho it suits
Visitors staying near downtown or on the strip without a car. Larger groups and families. People who want the longest on-water time of the evening cruises. Anyone who values the full arithmetic — no parking hunt, no transfer charge, no additional rental or rideshare. If you want cheaper and don’t need the transfer, Millionaire’s Row is $36 from 496 reviews. If you want the unique Atlantic angle, the Sea Rocket is $35.
Other cruises to consider
Most bookedFort Lauderdale: Millionaire's Row Cruise with Drinks
Sunset specialistFort Lauderdale: Sunset Cruise Aboard the Sea Rocket
Frequently asked questions
Is the $55 really all-in?
For the cruise itself, yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included, parking is included, and you pay $55. What is not included is the food and drink, because the boat is BYOB — so the real number is $55 plus whatever you put in the cooler. How that compares with the other five.
Why do I need to bring my own drinks?
It’s BYOB — you bring your own bar, and coolers, ice and bottled water are on board to keep it cold. Whether that is cheaper depends entirely on what you drink, but it does mean you get exactly what you want rather than what the boat stocks. See what else is on board.
What’s the difference between the 7 PM and the other sailings?
The 10 AM, 1 PM and 4 PM sailings stop to swim at a sandbar — that’s the water activity. The 7 PM sails the New River downtown instead, which is where you get the sunset view of the city. Pick by what matters to you: swimming or sundown.
Can I really bring food aboard?
Yes. BYOB for food and drink both. Coolers are on board. That said, you’re not eating dinner in a restaurant; you’re on a boat with a DJ, so light food travels better than a sit-down meal.
Should I book the 7 PM or one of the daytime sailings?
The 7 PM cruises downtown at sunset. The daytime sailings stop to swim at a sandbar. If sunset is the draw, book the 7 PM.