Most Fort Lauderdale charter sites bury the price behind a contact form. You fill it out, wait a day, and get a call from someone reading off a script. This page skips that.
Below you’ll find real price ranges by vessel type, what’s included in each tier, what drives the final number up or down, and the one thing most first-time charterers overlook when comparing quotes. Lauderdale Charters operates up to 12 guests per charter — which means every booking is a private experience, not a shared boat.
Ready to check availability? Book directly at ftlcharters.com or keep reading for the full breakdown.
Fort Lauderdale Charter Prices by Vessel Type
Charter pricing in Fort Lauderdale follows the vessel, not the itinerary. A pontoon rental on the Intracoastal and a luxury yacht on the same route will be priced at completely different tiers — same water, same captain experience, very different boats.
| Charter Type | Vessel | Duration |
| Pontoon Day Charter | Aqua Patio | Half-day (4 hrs) |
| Pontoon Day Charter | Aqua Patio | Full day (8 hrs) |
| Sport Yacht Charter | Axopar / Fjord 44 | Half-day (4 hrs) |
| Sport Yacht Charter | Axopar / Fjord 44 | Full day (8 hrs) |
| Luxury Yacht Charter | 52ft Schaefer / 55ft Azimut | Half-day (4 hrs) |
| Luxury Yacht Charter | 52ft Schaefer / 55ft Azimut | Full day (8 hrs) |
| Sunset Charter | Any vessel | 2–3 hrs (evening) |
Note: All charters are priced per vessel, not per person. A group of 4 and a group of 12 pay the same base rate on the same boat.
Pontoon Boat Rentals
The Aqua Patio is Lauderdale Charters’ most-requested vessel. It’s the right call for relaxed group day trips, sandbar stops, and BYOB afternoons on the Intracoastal. Capacity is up to 12 guests.
See the full vessel options and availability on the pontoon boat rental Fort Lauderdale page.
Sport Yacht Charters (Axopar / Fjord 44)
The Axopar and Fjord 44 sit in the mid-tier of the fleet — more capable offshore than a pontoon, well-suited for coastal cruising, sandbar runs, and half-day fishing trips. These vessels appeal to groups who want the speed and style of a sport boat without moving into full luxury pricing.
Luxury Yacht Charters (52ft Schaefer / 55ft Azimut)
The 52ft Schaefer and 55ft Azimut anchor Lauderdale Charters’ premium tier. These are the boats for milestone events — anniversaries, proposals, corporate outings, and Millionaires’ Row itineraries where the vessel itself is part of the experience.
More on what’s included at the luxury tier: yacht charter Fort Lauderdale.
Sunset Charters (2–3 Hours, Evening Departure)
Sunset charters run on any vessel in the fleet and typically depart 90 minutes before local sunset. They’re the most efficient way to get on the water — shorter duration, lower total cost, and a built-in visual payoff that no midday charter can match.
Planning a sunset outing? See times, vessels, and what to expect: sunset cruise Fort Lauderdale.
What’s Included in a Lauderdale Charters Booking
Every charter includes the vessel, a licensed captain, fuel, and standard safety gear. Here’s what that means in practice:
- Licensed, local captain — not a contractor hired for the day
- Fuel (no surcharge at checkout)
- USCG-required safety equipment onboard
- Up to 12 guests per charter — the boat is yours exclusively
- Flexible departure times based on availability
What isn’t included by default: food, alcohol, and crew gratuity. BYOB is welcome on most charters — confirm the specifics when you book.
What Drives Charter Prices Up (and Down)
Two charters at the same base price can end up at very different final numbers depending on a few variables. Here’s what actually moves the price:
Duration
Half-day (4 hours) versus full-day (8 hours) is the biggest lever. Most first-time charterers book a full day and realize at hour six that a half-day would have been perfect. If you’re unsure, start with a half-day — you can always extend at the dock if availability allows.
Season and Demand
Peak season in Fort Lauderdale runs roughly November through April, when snowbirds, spring breakers, and winter vacationers converge on South Florida. Weekend availability during this window fills 4–6 weeks out. If your dates are flexible, a Tuesday–Thursday charter in shoulder season gives you the same water at better availability.
Group Size
Charters are priced per vessel, not per person — so a group of 12 splitting a charter is substantially cheaper per head than a couple booking the same boat. Conversely, two people booking a 55ft Azimut pay the same rate as twelve.
Add-Ons
Catering, custom decorations for events, and extended offshore runs (like a Bimini day trip) will add to the base price. Confirm add-on availability and pricing directly when booking.
How Lauderdale Charters Compares to Other Fort Lauderdale Options
The Fort Lauderdale charter market splits into a few categories. Understanding where Lauderdale Charters sits helps you know whether it’s the right fit.
Shared “Party Boat” Cruises
Shared cruises put your group on a boat with strangers. Cheaper per person, zero privacy. If your group has 4–12 people and the experience matters, a private charter at a comparable per-head cost is almost always the better call.
Bareboat Rentals (No Captain)
Some operators offer bareboat rentals without a captain. These require a valid captain’s license. Lauderdale Charters provides a licensed captain on every booking — which is the correct choice for most groups.
OTA-Listed Charters (Viator, GetMyBoat)
Third-party platforms add 15–30% in marketplace fees that come out of the operator’s margin — which means less experienced crew and older vessels at the same price point, or higher consumer prices. Booking directly at ftlcharters.com removes the middleman.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private boat charter cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Pricing depends on vessel size and duration. A pontoon half-day is the most accessible entry point; a full-day luxury yacht charter at the 55ft tier is at the top of the range. All vessels accommodate up to 12 guests at the same base rate regardless of group size.
Is fuel included in the charter price?
Yes. Lauderdale Charters includes fuel in all charter pricing — no surprise surcharges at checkout.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Weekend availability during peak season (November–April) fills 4–6 weeks out. Weekday charters and off-peak dates are more flexible. Booking 2–3 weeks ahead for any weekend date is a safe rule.
How many people can join a Lauderdale Charters charter?
All charters accommodate up to 12 guests (13 total including captain). Lauderdale Charters does not operate large-group party barges — the fleet is sized for private, high-quality experiences.
Do you offer sunset charters?
Yes. Sunset departures are available on most vessels and are the most-requested charter format for couples and small groups. Departure times shift with the season to align with local sunset.
Book Your Fort Lauderdale Charter
Lauderdale Charters operates a licensed-captain fleet across the full vessel range — from the Aqua Patio pontoon through the 55ft Azimut. All charters are private, all are priced per vessel, and availability fills fast during peak season.
Check availability and book directly: ftlcharters.com