In Broward County, the best views are from the water. Between the Atlantic, the Intracoastal Waterway, hundreds of miles of canals and the Everglades out west, there’s a way onto the water for every kind of traveler.
Ride the Water Taxi
Hop on and off along the New River and Intracoastal to see waterfront mansions, superyachts and downtown Fort Lauderdale from a different angle. Captains narrate the sights along the way.
Snorkel a Reef From the Beach
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is known for reef close enough to reach from shore. On calm days, grab a mask and fins and you may spot tropical fish, sea fans and even sea turtles. Check conditions and swim near a lifeguard.
Paddle the Mangroves
Kayak and paddleboard trails wind through quiet mangrove tunnels at West Lake Park and the Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood, and around the lagoon at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Go early for calm water and birdlife.
Cast a Line From a Pier
Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach and Dania Beach all have fishing piers that reach out over the Atlantic. Pompano’s newer pier area is surrounded by restaurants and shops if the fish aren’t biting.
Take an Airboat Into the Everglades
Western Broward borders the River of Grass. An airboat ride is the classic way to see sawgrass prairie, gators and wading birds up close — and it’s less than an hour from the beach.
Watch a Boat Parade
Broward celebrates the holidays on the water. Decorated boats light up the Intracoastal each December, and the waterfront fills with spectators — one of the most Florida things you can do all year.
Safety first: wear sunscreen and a hat, carry water, and respect wildlife and no-wake zones — manatees share these waterways too.
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Featured photo: User:Kolossos, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons