568 Travel Guide

The Intracoastal Waterway along the Fort Lauderdale coast of Florida is an inland shipping channel forming a key segment of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway system. This protected calm waterway runs parallel to the Atlantic coast, composed of natural lagoons, artificial canals, and dredged channels, providing vessels with a safe route that avoids the open ocean swells. The Fort Lauderdale segment serves as the core artery of America's yachting capital, lined with marinas, luxury waterfront residences, seafood restaurants, and watersports clubs that define South Florida's distinctive waterfront lifestyle. The waterway is regularly dotted with sails and yachts, with golden light suffusing the water at sunset, offering the best aquatic route to experience South Florida's luxurious waterfront culture. Whether cruising by yacht, exploring by kayak, or dining at waterfront restaurants, the Intracoastal Waterway showcases Fort Lauderdale's unique charm as the Venice of America.