Not at all. Every EcoBoats cruise comes with a licensed captain at the helm, so you can just show up and enjoy the ride.

Yes. Every cruise comes with a licensed captain at the helm from start to finish, so your whole group gets to relax and enjoy the ride together.

As much or as little as you'd like. Want a guide? Your captain can point out landmark homes, share the stories behind the waterways, and help you spot wildlife along the way. Prefer to keep to yourselves? Your captain will happily take a quieter role, so you can focus on your group, your surroundings, and the water.

The easiest way is to book online. It only takes a few minutes and you can see live availability. You're welcome to call too. If our reservations line is busy, leave a message and we'll call you back.

There's no minimum. Since you're chartering the whole boat, it's yours whether it's an intimate outing for one or two or a lively group of six. Either way, the boat and your captain are all yours for the ride.

Yes! You choose your departure time when you book, so you can plan around sunset views, a relaxed morning outing, or whatever vibe fits your group.

Each boat can carry up to 6 guests, plus your captain. That guest limit includes children and infants. There's no exception based on age or size, since it's a US Coast Guard limit tied to the class of vessel we operate.

For example: 5 adults and a baby works. 6 adults and a baby doesn’t, since that’s 7 guests.

Free parking is available in the Rendezvous restaurant lot, right next to the docks.

Please arrive 15 minutes before departure and meet your captain at the gate to the docks. We recommend using the restroom before you board. You'll find one just to the left of the Rendezvous restaurant entrance.

Come dressed comfortably for the water. Most guests keep it casual. The canopy keeps direct sun off, but we still recommend sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially for daytime cruises. A light layer is nice too for evenings and cooler days, since there's a light breeze once you're underway. Bring a reusable water bottle if you have one, we're happy to keep it filled.

Yes. Bring your own food, drinks, and adult beverages, including a cake or dessert if you're celebrating something special. We keep an ice-filled cooler on board for whatever you bring, plus plant-based disposable plates and utensils if you need them. We also provide water, and we encourage you to bring a reusable bottle to fill up throughout your cruise. Don't have one with you? No problem, we'll have cups on hand too.

Yes. We offer a Celebration Add-On ($60) that includes a personalized banner, a lei for each guest, and a candle centerpiece, all set up and ready when you board. Prefer to bring your own decorations instead? That's welcome too, as long as everything can be set up and taken down within 15 minutes, since there are tours before and after yours. Balloons are fine for photos but need to stay on shore before departure, and anything you bring can't include an open flame or block the captain's view.

Yes, for all ages. Children 7 and under are required by law to wear one, and we carry infant sizes too. Adult life jackets are stowed underneath the seats.

Each boat has a Bluetooth sound system, so you're welcome to listen to your favorite playlist from your own phone.

There's no restroom on board, so we recommend everyone go before departure. You'll find restrooms just to the left of the Rendezvous restaurant entrance.

The canopy keeps the sun and rain off, so you're covered either way. The side enclosures stay open during the cruise — closing them up would trap heat, and part of the fun is the breeze once you're underway. True cold snaps are rare in Fort Lauderdale, maybe a couple of days in January or February, but even then you're welcome to bring a blanket.

Yes, our canopy keeps you dry and comfortable, so cruises go out rain or shine. Your captain makes the call based on conditions and safety, including things like thunderstorms or high winds. If we do need to postpone for safety, we'll work with you to reschedule, or if that doesn't work for your trip, we'll issue a full refund.

Our boats are built for cruising, not swimming, so no diving, swimming, or fishing from the boat.

Manatees show up in Florida waters year-round but are most common from November to March, when they gather in warmer water. Keep your camera ready, and remember not to feed or disturb them if you spot one.

Absolutely. It's a relaxed, easygoing environment for all ages, and there's always a chance of spotting a manatee along the way.

Our docks float, so they rise and fall with the boat rather than sitting at a fixed height, which helps compared to a stationary gangway. That said, boarding still involves stepping from the dock onto the boat. On our 21-foot boats, that means stepping onto the back deck and climbing in, usually steadying yourself with a hand on either railing — our captains are glad to assist. There are another two steps down into the cabin. On our 18-foot boats, there are three steps down into the boat. Guests who are unable to stand or bear weight briefly during boarding may find it difficult to board safely. If you have specific mobility needs, give us a call before booking and we can talk through what's realistic for your situation.

Gratuity isn't included in the price, but it's always appreciated when your captain delivers a great experience.

No smoking or vaping
No open flames — we use flameless candles for occasions instead
No stemmed glasses — they tip easily and we'd rather avoid the safety risk
No pets, including emotional support animals; registered service dogs are allowed
No confetti or rose petals
Balloons are welcome for photos, but need to stay on shore before departure
Decorations are fine as long as they don't block the captain's view

Life happens, and plans don't always go as scheduled. Your booking reserves a time slot, not a set number of hours, so your cruise will always end at the originally scheduled time, regardless of when you arrive. If you know you're running behind, please call us, it helps your captain plan accordingly, and keeps your full remaining time available to you. If we don't hear from you and you haven't arrived within 45 minutes of your start time, your booking will be treated as a no-show, and no refund will be issued. If you arrive after your cruise's scheduled end time, it will be treated as a no-show as well, and no refund will be issued.

Cancel more than 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.