The Winter Thaw: A Sunshine State Escape

party ideas in fort lauderdale for the wintertime

The Winter Glow: Intracoastal Escape

While the northern states are dealing with “deep winter,” Fort Lauderdale is in its prime. This itinerary focuses on the luxury and energy of the New River and the famous local sandbars, where the water stays inviting and the skyline provides a backdrop you won’t find anywhere else.

Morning: Cruising the Venice of America

Cast off from the dock and begin your morning with a slow cruise through the finger canals of Las Olas and Millionaire’s Row. In the winter, the air is crisp but the sun is strong, making it the perfect time to admire the mega-yachts and sprawling estates without the sweltering humidity of summer. Keep your eyes peeled for manatees; they often migrate into the warmer canal waters during these months, offering a unique winter sighting you can’t get in July.

Mid-Day: The Laudi Lagoon (The Triangle)

Your main destination is the Fort Lauderdale Sandbar, locally known as “The Triangle,” located right where the New River meets the Intracoastal. In the winter, the “party” is more intimate. Anchor your pontoon in the shallow, waist-deep water. Because the summer boat traffic is thinned out, the water at the sandbar is often at its clearest. Toss out the lily pad or the water toys, turn up the LED lighting and the sound system, and enjoy a BYOB lunch while you watch the traffic of the Intracoastal pass by.

Afternoon: Whiskey Creek and Nature Trails

If you want a change of pace from the sandbar, head slightly south to Whiskey Creek. This hidden gem tucked inside Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park offers a narrow, sheltered waterway lined with mangroves. It’s a perfect “winter” spot because it’s protected from the ocean breezes, staying warm and calm. It’s an ideal place to drop the anchor and paddle around or just enjoy the quiet side of the Florida ecosystem.

Evening: Sunset on the New River

As the sun begins to dip, navigate your pontoon back toward Downtown Fort Lauderdale. The winter sky in South Florida turns incredible shades of neon pink and purple. A sunset cruise along the New River takes you past the glowing skyscrapers of the city and the vibrant lights of the Riverwalk. Wrap up the day by docking at one of the many “dock and dine” spots like The Wharf or Boathouse, where you can transition from the boat deck to a table with a view, celebrating the fact that you’re in a t-shirt while the rest of the country is in parkas.

Get Spooky, Get Hoppy! Your Ultimate October Pontoon Party Itinerary

enjoy october on the waterway in Fort Lauderdale with Pontoon Party boat charters

October in Fort Lauderdale is prime time for cruising! The summer humidity is a memory, the sunsets are dramatic, and the party possibilities are endless. Forget boring haunted houses—the best fun is right here on the water.

Here are the Pontoon Party-approved ways to rock your October on the waves:

The Floating Fright Night: Costume Cruise

This is the only trip of the year this incredible! Halloween is a MUST-DO event on a pontoon.

  • The Vibe: Costume contest meets scenic cruise. Get your entire crew to dress up in their best (or worst!) costumes, decorate your boat for a spooky feel, or keep it classic party animal style—it’s totally up to you!
  • The Party Bonus: You can roll up to waterfront hotspots like The Wharf on the water and make an entrance that would make any spectator jealous. Plus, our double-decker boats give you the perfect stage for showing off your look!
  • Pro Tip: Bring some easy, handheld treats. Think “Mummy Dogs” or candy—it’s a costume party, not a sit-down dinner!

Prost! The Oktoberfest River Cruise

Grab your steins and your lederhosen—we’re bringing the beer garden to the Intracoastal Waterway!

  • The Vibe: Festive, loud, and Hoppy. Themed parties are the best parties, and they’re even better when you’re cruising past million-dollar mansions.
  • What to Do: Pour a tall boot of beer, blast some German music, and host a Stein Holding Contest on the top deck. Let your captain be the designated driver so you can fully embrace the fest!
  • The Pontoon Advantage: Our boats are BYOB, so you can stock up on your favorite fall seasonal beers and save big while you celebrate.

Arrive in Style: October Dinner & Brunch Cruises

Ditch the Uber and make your meal part of the adventure! October brings the perfect weather to dine dockside.

  • The Vibe: Relaxed luxury with a perfect sunset backdrop. Skip the valet and let us be your water taxi to some of the city’s best waterfront restaurants.
  • Dinner Cruise: We can pull right up to spots like 15th Street Fisheries, Historic Downtowner, or Southport Raw Bar. Enjoy a stunning sunset cruise, hop off for dinner, and then cruise home with the sparkling city lights as your backdrop.
  • Brunch Cruise: Everybody’s favorite meal is even more awesome when you get a head start on the mimosas on the way! It’s the perfect pre-game for a Sunday Funday or an awesome way to kick off a celebration.

Ready to launch your ultimate October party? Book your Pontoon Party charter now!

Spring Sunsets are the BEST Sunsets

There’s something about a South Florida sunset. A big orange disk descends between the glass skyscrapers as the sky fills with colors ranging from orange to red to maroon and purple. Light clouds light up white in the day’s last light and the winds calm as your adventure begins.

Late spring is prime time for our 3-hour sunset cruises. Catch the sunset (and maybe a buzz) as you cruise through the most beautiful waterways in the continental United States. Not only are these our most beautiful trips, they are also some of our most affordable.

March MADNESS

March Madness is here and we are ready. Put on your team colors and catch a ride to one of South Florida’s hot waterfront sports bars. We recommend grabbing your friends and some drinks and taking a 6-Hour Bar Hopping ride to rep your team in the madness.

Let your captain be your designated driver as you cruise the Venice of America and check out the hottest bars. You’ll get to see the sights and drink the drinks as your team battles for supremacy. Take an afternoon trip and experience an amazing sunset at the same time.

Spring Break Get Lit

Welcome to the hottest spring break destination on the East Coast. Beaches, Boats, Bit… You know what we mean. Come out and get lit with your crew in BEAUTIFUL Fort Liquordale. Steps from the beach, but miles from the real world. Set sail and have fun.

We recommend a 4-hour trip to the sandbar to really experience what Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Cruise down the New River and then spend some time swimming and partying in tropical waters amongst the hottest people. Bring your favorite drinks and your cutest bathing suits for this adventure.

November Happy Hour Hotspots

As much as we like our sandbar parties and day drinking, we must admit that we love sunsets and happy hour cruises just as much! As the heat of summer fades into the comfort of fall, dining and drinking dockside becomes the perfect activity for your evening.

With that in mind, here is a list of 3 of our favorite places to cruise and stop at on the water to take advantage of some happy hour action this November.

November Family Fun Cruises

This time of year, as families draw together and travel or plan holiday activities, remember that South Florida in the fall and winter is a beautiful time of year for cruises. Our pontoons are fun and safe for all ages so make this holiday season the jolliest of them all.

Besides, you know uncle Jack from Wisconsin has been dying to get to Florida all year and onto the water. Make his dreams come true.

Thanksgiving Weekend Cruises

Thanksgiving is knocking at the door and that can only mean one thing…. The holidays are upon us and it’s time to start planning for family get togethers.

Do something different this year and get out of the house and on to the water for a thanksgiving dinner like none other. Whether its the warm up Wednesday before thanksgiving or the recovery after the big feast we have you covered for action during the long weekend.

October Brunch Cruises

We all know everybody’s favorite meal of the day is brunch! Why not make it even more awesome by arriving and departing in style on Pontoon Party. You can also get a head start on the mimosas on the way!

Here is a list of our 3 favorite brunch places on the water:

October Dinner Cruises

Another awesome way to get on the water and make going out a unique experience. Skip the uber or valet and let us take you and your dates to dinner. With some awesome restaurants ready for you to pull up and dine, why not also catch a sunset along the way. The double deck party pontoon is the ideal boat to see the views from the top deck.

Here are 3 of our favorite places for dinner on the water: