Sight guide · Fort Lauderdale · United States
Visiting Water Taxi
Yellow hop-on, hop-off boats run along the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway, linking downtown, Las Olas, the beach hotels and, on some routes, Hollywood.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Fort Lauderdale · Photo: KeanoManu, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Water Taxi is an experience in New River and Intracoastal, Fort Lauderdale. Allow 2–4 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- New River and Intracoastal
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- views, couples, kids and photo spot
- Best months
- May and October–November
Plan a trip to Fort Lauderdale
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Water Taxi
Yellow hop-on, hop-off boats run along the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway, linking downtown, Las Olas, the beach hotels and, on some routes, Hollywood. Captains narrate along the way, pointing out the mansions and superyachts of the 'Venice of America'.
Tip: Buy a day pass and use it as your transport between the Riverwalk, Las Olas and the beach; sit outside on the upper deck.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–4 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: New River and Intracoastal.
Best time to visit Water Taxi
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- November: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- May: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 13 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-November the sun sets at about 17:32 local time (calculated for Fort Lauderdale).
When to visit Fort Lauderdale has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Fort Lauderdale itinerary visits Water Taxi on day 2, together with Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Riverwalk and Stranahan House.
- No. 3 of the 16 sights in our Fort Lauderdale things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- A family favourite in Fort Lauderdale with kids.
If you like Water Taxi
- Jungle Queen Riverboat — Fort Lauderdale Beach, 1.5–4 hours
- Butterfly World — Coconut Creek, 2–3 hours
Staying near Water Taxi
Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Water Taxi?
Plan 2–4 hours.
+Is Water Taxi free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Water Taxi?
May and October–November, the quietest of the good months. Buy a day pass and use it as your transport between the Riverwalk, Las Olas and the beach; sit outside on the upper deck.
+Do I need to book Water Taxi in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Water Taxi good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale suits families who want beach time with easy extras: lifeguarded beaches, a science museum, Water Taxi rides and wildlife parks within half an hour.