Sunset Catamaran Cruise Fort Lauderdale: What to Expect on the Spirit of Lauderdale
A catamaran cruise is not the same thing as a motorboat cruise with a drink package — and if you've never sailed a cat before, the difference is worth knowing about. The Spirit of Lauderdale is Fort Lauderdale's only sailing catamaran doing a regular sunset departure, and the experience of motoring through Millionaires Row and then raising the sails on the open Atlantic is something most visitors don't expect when they book. This guide covers the boat itself, what makes the sailing portion different, and everything practical you need to know before you go. (Comparing options? See all Fort Lauderdale sunset cruises we cover on our homepage.)
About This Activity
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
Intracoastal waterway + Atlantic Ocean
Sails raised on the open Atlantic
Bow trampoline to lie and watch the ocean
Fort Lauderdale's top-rated catamaran sunset cruise
About the Spirit of Lauderdale Catamaran
The Spirit of Lauderdale is a purpose-built sailing catamaran — twin hulls, wide beam, and a platform designed for both stability and performance. Catamarans are inherently more stable than single-hull sailboats because the load is spread across two hulls, which means less heeling (tilting) when the sails fill. If you've ever been on a monohull sailboat and felt like the deck was going to toss you overboard, a catamaran is a noticeably calmer experience.
The layout of the Spirit of Lauderdale divides into three main areas:
Three areas of the boat:
- Bow net deck — the trampoline mesh stretched between the two hulls at the bow. You lie face-down and watch the water directly below you through the mesh. It's partially elevated above the waterline when sailing, so you feel the spray and the motion clearly. This is the most popular spot once the sails go up.
- Shaded bar and lounge amidships — the center section between the hulls has a covered bar area with seating and shade. Good choice if you want to be out of the sun or wind, stay close to drinks, or aren't feeling steady on the net.
- Stern deck — open seating toward the back of the boat. More sheltered from the bow spray, good views of the wake and the port on the way out.
Restrooms are on board — an often-overlooked detail on a 2-hour cruise, but appreciated. Life jackets are available for all guests and are required for children 12 and under on the upper decks during the sailing portion.
The Sailing Experience: What Actually Happens When the Sails Go Up
The catamaran spends the first 45 minutes or so on the intracoastal waterway under motor — through the Millionaires Row canal, past the drawbridges, and into the Port Everglades channel. This section is calm, sheltered water. The narration happens here and the bar is open, but the sails stay down.
Once the catamaran exits Port Everglades into the Atlantic, things change. The crew douses the motor and raises the mainsail and jib. The boat settles into a sailing angle, the deck tilts maybe five to ten degrees depending on wind, and you go from the noise of a diesel engine to near silence except for water on the hulls and wind in the rigging.
For first-time sailors, this transition is the memorable part of the trip. The boat is moving under wind power, not an engine, and the sensation is fundamentally different — slower, quieter, more connected to what's happening on the water. The crew on the Spirit of Lauderdale are experienced handlers; the sail raise happens quickly and without drama.
The Atlantic section lasts roughly 40 minutes. Wind conditions determine exactly how far offshore the catamaran goes and which points of sail the crew uses, but the departure heading is generally east-southeast with Fort Lauderdale Beach visible to the north. The sun sets to the west, which puts the golden light on the city and the beach — you're looking back at Fort Lauderdale as the colors change.
The Full Route: Intracoastal to Atlantic
The 2-hour cruise covers three distinct segments, each worth knowing before you go:
| Millionaires Row — Las Olas Isles intracoastal | ~30 min | Waterfront mansions, private docks, mega-yachts; narrated commentary from crew |
| Port Everglades channel | ~20 min | Active cruise port — Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships at the terminals, container cranes, massive commercial vessels at close range |
| Atlantic Ocean — sails up | ~40 min | Open water, sailing under wind power, Fort Lauderdale Beach skyline behind you, horizon ahead; net deck at its best here |
| Return to dock | ~10 min | Champagne toast served; motor back through the port to Bahia Mar Marina |
The Cruise Hour by Hour
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0:00
Arrive and check in — Tropical Sailing kiosk
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0:15
Depart — motor through the intracoastal
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0:30
Millionaires Row — narrated pass
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0:50
Port Everglades — massive ships at close range
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1:00
Atlantic Ocean — sails go up, motor off
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1:20
Sailing on open water — best light of the day
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1:45
Heading back — champagne toast
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2:00
Return to Bahia Mar Marina
Departure Point: Bahia Mar Marina
Who This Trip Is (and Isn't) For
The Spirit of Lauderdale catamaran cruise is especially well suited to people who specifically want a sailing experience — not just a boat ride. If the distinction matters to you (sails up, engine off, moving on wind), this is the only Fort Lauderdale sunset departure that delivers it.
- First-time sailors who want to understand what sailing actually feels like — the catamaran's stability makes it an accessible entry point
- Couples and small groups looking for a scenic, relaxed evening on the water rather than a party atmosphere
- Anyone who wants to see the Atlantic and Fort Lauderdale Beach from offshore at sunset, not just the intracoastal
- Guests who've done other Fort Lauderdale boat tours and want something genuinely different
Not suited for
Be honest about what you're looking for before booking:
- Guests prone to seasickness — the Atlantic section has open-ocean wave motion; take Dramamine or Bonine before boarding, not after
- Travelers who want a high-energy party boat with dancing and loud music — this is scenic and relaxed, with calypso background music
- Anyone who needs to bring their own drinks — no outside alcohol or glass bottles permitted on board
- Very young children under 30 lbs who need their own USCG-certified life jacket (not provided in that size)
What to bring
- Motion sickness medication if you're at all sensitive — take it before boarding
- A light layer or wind jacket — noticeably breezy once the sails are up and you're on the net deck
- Camera with a good zoom or a phone with portrait mode — the Port Everglades cruise ships photograph well from the water
- Cash or card for the on-board bar ($5 per drink)
- Valid ID for alcohol purchases
- Flat shoes — no high heels on deck
Not allowed on board
- Outside alcohol
- Glass bottles
- Large coolers
Sunset Catamaran Cruise Fort Lauderdale — FAQ
What is the net deck on the catamaran?
The net deck (also called a trampoline or bow net) is a woven mesh platform stretched between the two hulls at the bow of the catamaran. You lie or sit on it above the waterline, watching the water move directly underneath you through the mesh. It's exposed to wind and occasional spray — and it's easily the most popular spot on the Spirit of Lauderdale once the sails are up on the Atlantic. Compare this and other Fort Lauderdale cruise options on our sunset cruises page.
Does the catamaran actually sail, or just use the motor?
It actually sails. The Spirit of Lauderdale uses its motor to navigate the intracoastal waterway and Port Everglades channel, where speed and maneuverability matter. Once the catamaran exits into the Atlantic Ocean, the crew raises the mainsail and jib and the engine is cut. You sail on wind power for roughly 40 minutes of the 2-hour cruise. This is not a motorboat with decorative masts — the sails go up and the boat moves under wind.
How big is the Spirit of Lauderdale catamaran?
The Spirit of Lauderdale is a large cruising catamaran with capacity for a comfortable group of guests. It's substantially wider than a monohull sailboat of equivalent length — the catamaran beam (width) creates a stable, spacious platform. The boat has a shaded bar and lounge area, bow net deck, open stern seating, and on-board restrooms. It's a proper vessel, not a small day-sailor.
What's the difference between the catamaran sunset cruise and the party boat?
Quite a lot. The party boat cruise (tour-1) is a BYOB high-energy boat with your own cooler, party music, and a sandbar stop — it's social and loud by design. The catamaran cruise is the opposite: scenic, calypso music, a cash bar (no BYOB), champagne toast included, and the sailing experience on the Atlantic. The catamaran goes to the ocean; the party boat stays on the intracoastal. Price difference is significant — $55 vs $129. See the full Fort Lauderdale sunset cruise comparison for all options side by side.
Is the catamaran cruise good for first-timers?
Yes — it's genuinely one of the better first sailing experiences available on a scheduled cruise. A catamaran is more stable than a monohull, the crew is experienced and handles everything, and the Atlantic section is offshore sailing in calm-to-moderate conditions (weather permitting). You don't need any sailing knowledge to enjoy it. If you've never been on a boat that moves under wind power rather than an engine, the moment the sails fill and the engine goes quiet is something you'll remember.
What Catamaran Sailors Say
We laid on the net deck and took some amazing photos as the sails went up on the open Atlantic. The motion sickness meds I took beforehand meant I could fully enjoy the ocean section — the waves were real and worth experiencing. Absolutely romantic.
Well-organized from start to finish. The crew was experienced and made the sail-raise feel effortless. Justin was great at narrating Millionaires Row and Captain John handled the Port Everglades channel with confidence. You can tell they've done this a thousand times.
Really relaxed and beautiful. Exactly what I was looking for — not a party boat, just a great sunset on the water with good people and an actual sailing catamaran. Champagne at the end was a nice touch.