Best of Fort Lauderdale Small Group Tour with Intracoastal Cruise — Bonnet House & Port Everglades
A compact, four-hour introduction to Fort Lauderdale that pairs a guided walk through the Bonnet House and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park with a 90-minute Intracoastal sightseeing cruise. Small groups (max 7) and narrated commentary make it a smart first outing to understand the city’s water-driven character.
The Experience
Before You Go
Sun and salt protection
The boat and beachfront sections are exposed—sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a brimmed hat will make the day more comfortable.
Ship gangway awareness
Be ready to step on and off a small gangway for the cruise; wear closed-toe shoes and watch for wet surfaces.
Light layers for the water
A windbreaker or thin fleece helps during breezy stretches on the Intracoastal, even on warm days.
Arrival and pickup
Meet your guide outside your downtown hotel entrance ~30 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth pickup and check-in.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The Bonnet House gardens behind the main house—fewer visitors and better birding in the morning
- •A quiet observation point in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park where the Intracoastal narrows and paddleboarders pass close by
Wildlife
- •West Indian manatee
- •Great blue heron
Conservation Note
Mangrove restoration and seagrass protection projects are active in the Intracoastal; staying on marked paths and minimizing plastic prevents disturbance to marine life.
Bonnet House was built in the early 1920s and reflects Fort Lauderdale’s growth as a winter destination; Port Everglades grew into a major cargo and cruise port through 20th-century dredging and development.
Photographer's Notes
- • From the boat looking back toward Las Olas mansions
- • The Bonnet House garden paths framed by oaks and palms
- • Near the Port Everglades entry for ships and industrial contrast
What to Bring
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)Essential
Protects skin during exposed walking and the open-water portions of the cruise.
Closed-toe walking shoesEssential
Useful for navigating uneven paths at Bonnet House and boarding the boat safely.
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare on the water and improves sighting wildlife from the boat.
Light windbreaker
Shields you from cool breezes on the Intracoastal, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
Common Questions
How long is the cruise portion?
The narrated cruise is approximately 90 minutes and explores the Intracoastal Waterway into Port Everglades.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes — complimentary pickup and drop-off are provided for downtown Fort Lauderdale hotels; meet outside your hotel entrance about 30 minutes before departure.
Can children and strollers join?
Infants and small children are allowed; strollers are accessible, but infants must sit on laps during the cruise portion.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour is generally accessible for guests with limited mobility for the driving and cruise portions, but boarding the boat requires stepping across a gangway; contact the supplier for specific assistance needs.
What happens in bad weather?
The operator may cancel in severe weather; you can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure.
Are admission fees included?
Yes — admission to the Bonnet House and the Carrie B cruise are included in the tour price.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers who can stand and walk short distances; expect some paved but uneven surfaces at Bonnet House.
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