What to Expect on a Fort Lauderdale Sunset Cruise
The six boats at a glance: what you get
Full reviews of each cruise have more detail. Here is what you’re actually living through once the boat leaves the dock.
Millionaire’s Row (75 min, $36, 4.4/496)
Departs from 2900 Sebastian St. Complimentary beer, wine or soda; narration by a Coast Guard licensed captain; DeConna ice cream, one per person, in summer. English only. The catch: narration is limited on the 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM sailings — the sunset ones. Those are the evening departures where the commentary is cut back. Check which sailing actually has sunset on your date.
Sea Rocket sunset cruise (65–75 min listed, $35, 3.7/52)
Departs Bahia Mar. 65 ft boat, full bar, professional photos including a 6×8 group photo. Seating is first-come first-served within the zone you booked (Middle Bench or VIP Bow). Under-18s need a parent or guardian. Not wheelchair accessible. The duration conflict: the listing says 1 hour; the description says 75 minutes. Write it that way.
Lowest rated cruise on the site at 3.7. Sub-scores: Guide 3.8, Transport 4.0, Value 3.8. A real review from Sue (February 2026, 5★): the restroom is below deck with no handrail on the stairs. This is worth noting if you have balance concerns. Read the full review page for the harder truths about this boat.
Water Taxi Premier (90 min, $33, 4.7/3)
Departs 301 Las Olas Circle. Fully narrated, open-air and shaded seating, restroom, drinks and cocktails for purchase. Daytime only: 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM. Only three reviews, so the 4.7 means very little. This is a daytime sightseeing cruise. Do not book this for sunset.
Staying Afloat downtown evening cruise (2 hrs, $55, 4.7/61)
Departs Bahia Mar Dock i. BYOB — you bring food and drink; coolers, ice and bottled water are on board. USCG licensed captain and first mate, guide, DJ, sound system, restroom. Hotel pickup and drop-off included. Parking included. Digital waiver before arrival; check-in 15 minutes early. The 10 AM, 1 PM and 4 PM sailings stop to swim at a sandbar; the 7 PM does not, and cruises downtown instead. Best-rated cruise with a meaningful sample (61 reviews).
Intracoastal dinner cruise (2.5 hrs, $80, no rating)
Departs Bahia Mar A-Dock. Full dinner at Bokamper’s Bar & Grille, meal chosen ahead. Complimentary drinks both ways. Max 12 passengers; private option exists. Arrive 30 minutes early. No rating, no reviews at all — it is listed as “New activity”. Our route check: the 2.5 hours is roughly an hour of cruising each way with dinner in the middle.
Private charter (2 or 4 hrs, $1,605/boat, 5.0/2)
Whole boat, 15–45 people. Departs Bahia Mar. BYOB and bring your own food; Bluetooth sound, coolers, bottled water and fuel included. You choose the departure time — which is the only reason the sunset table exists. Gratuity not included, suggested 18%. Pay to park. Only two reviews, so the 5.0 tells you nothing. The per-head maths: $35.67 at 45 people, $107 at 15 people.
The accessibility notes
The Sea Rocket lists itself as “Not suitable for wheelchair users” and has no handrail on the below-deck restroom stairs. If mobility is a concern, pick another boat.
The six boats
Best ratedEvening Boat Cruise through Downtown Ft. Lauderdale
Most bookedFort Lauderdale: Millionaire's Row Cruise with Drinks
Sunset specialistFort Lauderdale: Sunset Cruise Aboard the Sea Rocket
Dinner includedFort Lauderdale: Intracoastal Waterway Dinner Cruise
Private charterFort Lauderdale Private Sunset Cruise for Groups (15-45)
Daytime onlyFort Lauderdale's 90 minute Premier Sightseeing Cruise
Frequently asked questions
How long is a sunset cruise?
They range from 1 hour (Sea Rocket, listed as that but described as 75 minutes) to 2.5 hours (dinner cruise). No single length dominates: the most-booked boat is 75 minutes, the best-rated one is 2 hours. Check your boat's listing before booking.
What drinks are included?
Millionaire's Row includes beer, wine or soda. Sea Rocket has a full bar (though one reviewer said there was no liquor for purchase as advertised). Water Taxi has drinks for purchase. Staying Afloat is BYOB. Dinner and private charter depend on what you bring. Check your listing.
What about food?
Only the dinner cruise includes a meal. Most others allow BYOB or have a bar. Staying Afloat's price includes coolers and ice on board. Check what your boat allows.
Is a restroom available?
Yes, on most boats. The Sea Rocket's restroom is below deck with no handrail on the stairs — note this if you have balance concerns. The Water Taxi cruise lists one, and so do both Staying Afloat boats. The other two listings do not say either way.
What if I'm under 18?
The Sea Rocket requires a parent or guardian. No other listing here publishes an age rule, which is not the same as there not being one — check the listing for your boat before you book.
Can I choose where I sit?
On the Sea Rocket you book a zone — Middle Bench or VIP Bow — and seating is first-come within it. The Water Taxi cruise has open-air and shaded seating. No other listing publishes a seating policy, so treat it as first-come and turn up early.
What about wheelchair accessibility?
Sea Rocket is not suitable for wheelchair users. Other boats don't list wheelchair restrictions. Check directly with the operator before booking if accessibility is a requirement.