Photo: PRNewsFoto/Water Shuttle Fort Lauderdale
This article was previously published at Examiner.com in June 2016.
Known as the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale, Florida is taking its nickname to heart with the recent launch of Water Shuttle Fort Lauderdale. Operated by Marine Hospitality Corporation, Water Shuttle Fort Lauderdale is a flamingo pink water taxi designed to transport visitors and locals around the city.
Passengers can enjoy Fort Lauderdale views and easy access to some of the city’s best destinations and attractions. The water shuttle takes passengers to a wide array of popular destinations along Las Olas Boulevard and Fort Lauderdale Beach, including Bahia Mar, Beach Place, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Historic Stranahan House Museum.
What to see and do along the Water Shuttle Fort Lauderdale route:
- Las Olas Boulevard – Enjoy the shopping, art galleries, cafes and restaurants of this popular destination. Be sure to check out The Floridian, which has been serving Fort Lauderdale customers since 1937.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach –Lounge in the sun and sand or visit the Elbo Room, made famous in the ‘60s movie “Where the Boys Are.”
- Himmarshee Village – This dining and nightlife destination features the 1920s Prohibition era-style bar Stache and dancing and foam parties at America’s Backyard.
- Art, culture and history – Visit the ArtWalk in FATVillage, the NSU Museum of Modern Art and the 1936 Riverside Hotel.
Via the press release, James Campbell, owner of Marine Hospitality, said …
“Tourism is booming, our year-round population is growing – it was the perfect time to offer folks a fun, car-free transportation alternative with the best views in town.”
Tourism is booming in the Fort Lauderdale area. In 2015, the east coast beach town was visited by 15.4 million people. More than $2 billion in hotel development is planned for Broward County, with a large portion of that scheduled for Fort Lauderdale Beach. Fort Lauderdale is the largest city in Broward County, and it is expected to see a large population growth through 2030.
The Fort Lauderdale Water Shuttle operates rain or shine seven days a week from 10: a.m. to 7:00 p.m. There are eight stops and one whistle stop. The total route takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Passengers can get on or get off the shuttle at any of the stops along the way.
“The hop on, hop off Water Shuttle provides reasonably priced transportation along Fort Lauderdale’s New River and Intracoastal Waterway,” said Campbell. “While cruising the City’s waterways, passengers are treated to some humor and history from U.S. Coast Guard Certified boat captains and tour guides.”
Marine Hospitality has been operating commercial boats and charter services in Fort Lauderdale for more than 25 years. In addition to the hop on, hop off Fort Lauderdale Water Shuttle, Marine Hospitality runs Anticipation Yacht Charters, a fleet of luxury yachts that include the Liberty Belle and Riverfront dinner cruises and the Anticipation IV and Anticipation V, both of which are great for private weddings, corporate events and private parties.
“We want our pink boats to create a one-of-a-kind experience – we often greet our passengers with a complimentary glass of pink lemonade as they board,” said Campbell.
Tickets for Fort Lauderdale’s boat shuttle can be purchased online at water-shuttle.com, at the Water Shuttle Fort Lauderdale kiosk at Riverwalk (300 SW 1st Ave.) or at any of the water shuttle stops. Tickets are $20 per day, per person, $18 for seniors and military personnel and $10 per child (under 12). Children up to four years old are free. Each ticket includes unlimited all-day boarding and complimentary pink lemonade.
Water Shuttle Fort Lauderdale Promotions
Water Shuttle Fort Lauderdale is currently running a buy one/get one free promotion through the end of June 2016. This deal can be obtained from the ticket booth on the shuttle or at the Riverwalk kiosk. You can also receive 10% off of purchases at select Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale food carts with your Water Shuttle Fort Lauderdale ticket.
For more information on Water Shuttle Fort Lauderdale, please visit water-shuttle.com.
