Shopping for a waterfront home is exciting, but the marina you use will shape your daily routine just as much as the view from your balcony. If you plan to cruise, fish offshore, or host guests on the water, slip access and travel time to the ocean matter. In this quick guide, you’ll learn how Fort Lauderdale’s waterways work, the types of marinas you can choose from, and the due diligence that keeps your purchase stress free. Let’s dive in.
How Fort Lauderdale waters work
Fort Lauderdale revolves around the Intracoastal Waterway, the New River, and a web of canals. These routes connect homes, condo docks, and marinas with two primary Atlantic inlets. Understanding this layout helps you estimate time to sea and choose the right neighborhood–marina pair.
Intracoastal and New River
The ICW runs along the barrier island and is your sheltered north–south corridor. The New River and Las Olas waterways connect downtown and beach areas back to the ICW. These stretches offer protected cruising and easy access to dining and services.
Port Everglades vs. Hillsboro
Port Everglades Inlet sits just south of Fort Lauderdale Beach and provides the most direct deepwater access for many local marinas. Hillsboro Inlet, to the north in Broward, serves boaters closer to Pompano and Deerfield and can be a better choice depending on your slip location and cruising plans. Your inlet choice influences time-to-sea, fuel use, and your route to the Bahamas or offshore grounds.
Marina types at a glance
Different marinas match different boating styles. Here is how the main categories line up in Fort Lauderdale:
Oceanfront or inlet marinas. Closest to Port Everglades and the outer ICW, they offer the fastest ocean access and often include fuel docks, concierge, and customs access. These suit frequent cruisers and larger yachts. Local examples to explore include Bahia Mar Yachting Center and Pier Sixty-Six Marina.
Intracoastal or canal marinas. Set along the ICW, New River, and interior canals, they deliver protected water and neighborhood convenience, though you may wait on bridges. You will see a mix of private docks, condo-managed slips, and city facilities in areas like Las Olas and downtown.
Full-service boatyards and shipyards. Facilities that handle haul-out, refit, and repair are vital for larger vessels and maintenance-heavy programs. Lauderdale Marine Center is a well-known complex serving this market.
Dry-stack and trailer-launch facilities. Designed for smaller boats and day use, these often trade wet-slip costs for quick launch service and storage savings.
Yacht clubs and private marinas. Expect member amenities and a social calendar with rules that may limit commercial use or liveaboards. The Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club is one example.
Condo-operated marinas and deeded slips. Certain buildings include deeded or assigned slips, plus association-run docks with waitlists and rules. These can be highly convenient if you want an elevator ride to your boat.
Choosing your inlet access
Your slip location and regular route determine whether your time on the water feels effortless or slow. Keep these factors in mind:
- Time to open ocean. Inlet-adjacent marinas can offer near-immediate access. Inner-ICW and canal locations add transit time and may require bridge openings.
- Bridge clearances. For sailboats or tall motor yachts, verify air draft and bridge schedules along your route.
- Water depth. Ask for depth at mean low water and whether the marina or canal is maintained by regular dredging.
- Traffic and no-wake zones. Busy stretches and speed restrictions affect run times, especially on weekends and during season.
Amenities that matter
The right marina amenities protect your vessel and simplify your days on the water. Focus on the essentials first, then consider lifestyle perks.
- Slip size and power. Confirm maximum vessel length, beam, and draft, plus shore-power capacity that matches your boat’s needs.
- Fuel and pump-out. On-site services save time and reduce repositioning.
- Security and access. Ask about gates, CCTV, lighting, staffing, and guest policies.
- Maintenance support. On-site mechanics, haul-out capacity, and service partners shorten downtime.
- Walkability and dining. If you value a social marina scene, check proximity to restaurants and shops.
- Transient dockage. Useful for visiting friends or repositioning.
- Liveaboard rules. Policies vary widely across marinas and condo docks.
- Hurricane plan. You want a written plan for haul-out, mooring, or evacuation procedures.
Match homes and marinas
Your property type will influence how you dock and use your boat. Match the real estate to your boating pattern.
- Luxury high-rise condos. Many newer buildings along the beach and ICW offer deeded or assigned slips and concierge conveniences. Review HOA rules on boat size, chartering, and liveaboards.
- Mid-rise or older waterfront condos. Often a more approachable price point for waterfront living with possible leased or deeded slips. Check dock maintenance history and any upcoming assessments.
- Single-family deepwater homes. Private docks and larger lifts give you control and space for bigger boats. You are responsible for seawall and dock upkeep, so review records and permits carefully.
- Townhomes with community docks. A middle ground between condo care and single-family control. Understand allocation rules and any slip waitlists.
- Nearshore ocean-view homes or condos. If you do not need a wet slip, you can rely on nearby marinas or dry-stack storage and keep beach access front and center.
If you operate within the yachting ecosystem, proximity to shipyards and service corridors can be as important as views. Being near maintenance hubs, crew services, and supplier networks can cut downtime and improve vessel logistics.
Due diligence checklist
A clean, well-documented marina plan protects your investment. Use this checklist when you pair a home with a slip.
Documents and title matters
- Confirm whether the slip is deeded, leased, licensed, or assigned and if it conveys with the property.
- Review marina or association rules, bylaws, and any transfer fees.
- Read HOA or condo CC&Rs, including addenda on slip use, chartering, and liveaboards.
- Request permits and maintenance history for seawalls, docks, and dredging.
Physical and operational checks
- Verify maximum vessel dimensions and depth at mean low water.
- Confirm shore power, water service, pump-out, and fuel options.
- Inspect security systems, access controls, and lighting.
- Obtain the written hurricane plan and any towing or haul-out arrangements.
- Ask about minimum insurance requirements for your vessel.
Costs and constraints
- Review current slip fees plus any escalation clauses.
- Check HOA reserves and any history of special assessments for docks or seawalls.
- Clarify utility charges for power and water, plus pump-out and fuel fees.
- Ask about repair yard scheduling and seasonal waitlists.
Environmental and permitting
- Understand rules that govern dredging, fueling, and seagrass protection.
- Note local no-wake zones and any operating restrictions on your typical route.
- If you plan dock changes, coordinate early with city and county permitting offices.
Who to call
- Marina manager or harbormaster for rules, availability, and policies.
- Experienced waterfront real estate agent for slip conveyance norms.
- Marine surveyor for dock integrity and depth verification.
- Title company familiar with slip conveyance and marina liens.
- Boat broker or shipyard for sizing, haul-out logistics, and maintenance timelines.
Costs and policies to expect
Slip fees vary by location, vessel size, and amenities. Inlet and resort-style marinas often command premiums, while interior canal or condo-managed docks may be more cost effective but can have waitlists. For HOA-controlled docks, review reserves and upcoming capital projects.
Expect utility metering for shore power and water, plus potential fees for pump-out. Some facilities charge for transient guests, fuel dock use, or after-hours services. If you plan to charter or live aboard, confirm policies up front and get approvals in writing.
Hurricane and insurance prep
Ask for a written hurricane plan that outlines haul-out options, secure mooring procedures, and any required actions on your part. Clarify whether you need to evacuate the slip at certain wind thresholds and how reservations are handled before a storm. Many marinas set minimum liability or protection and indemnity insurance levels, so verify requirements early.
Smart next steps
Start with your boat’s specs and how you plan to use it. Choose the inlet that best fits your routes, then shortlist marinas based on bridge clearances, depth, and amenities. Walk the docks, talk with managers, and review documents before you fall in love with a view.
If you want a streamlined path, lean on a team that understands both the marine details and the real estate deal. With authentic yachting experience and luxury marketing reach, Team Van Zyl can help you match the right home, slip, and inlet plan so your time on the water feels effortless.
FAQs
In Fort Lauderdale, does a condo or home include the slip?
- It depends on the property and association, so confirm deeded vs. leased status, whether the slip conveys, and any transfer fees in writing.
Will my boat fit in local marina slips?
- Verify slip length, beam, draft, and air draft at mean low water and check bridge clearances and schedules along your route.
How long does it take to reach the ocean?
- Inlet-adjacent marinas offer near-immediate access, while ICW or inner-canal docks add transit time and may require bridge openings.
Are liveaboards or charters allowed at Fort Lauderdale marinas?
- Rules vary by marina and association, so review written policies for liveaboards, overnight guests, and any charter restrictions before you commit.
What hurricane procedures do marinas require?
- Ask for the written plan that details haul-out, secure mooring or evacuation steps, storm timelines, and any insurance requirements you must meet.
