FORT LAUDERDALE SURF TRIPS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 fort lauderdale surf trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you paddle out.
Rent a paddle board for about an hour from Sunrise Paddleboards LLC in Fort Lauderdale. You get instruction, a board, paddle, life jacket, free parking, and complimentary photos and videos. Paddle at your own pace through flat, low-traffic waterways lined with yachts and waterfront homes.
“Awesome staff and great time! We enjoyed 2 relaxing hours of self guided paddle boarding. Water felt amazing!”
Join Natasha and her corgi, Mr. Beaches, for a 90-minute stand-up paddleboard tour through Fort Lauderdale’s Riverside canals. You’ll learn basic SUP technique, paddle past grand homes and yachts, receive tour photos afterward, and return to the starting point. The small group holds no more than four people.
“This particular activity is perfect for any skill level, and also has amazing views of the Fort Lauderdale river front. Not only is it a great time, and a healthy workout, but the two tour guides (Mr. Beaches and Natalia) are very friendly and provide an amazing time! It also allows you to see and learn a little about the area, while not being an all day activity, so it’s easy to add to a full day. I highly recommend this for any trip to the area!”
Meet your certified EZride Surf School instructor at Fort Lauderdale Beach for a private 90-minute lesson. You will receive surfing equipment, safety guidance, and hands-on coaching in English. Marcello has worked especially well with children, helping first-timers ride waves on their first attempt.
“The surfing lessons with Marcello at EZRide Surf were spectacular!! My son and his two boys, age 9 and 10 were so excited!! Marcello made sure the boys understood the safety and educated them on the ocean and the waves. He did such a great job instructing them that the boys were up and rode the wave all the way to the shore on their first try!! Marcello gave them some extra time in the water and they absolutely loved it!!”
Join Camila and Thiago for a 2.5-hour small-group outing from Hollywood Beach. Paddle by kayak or paddleboard to artificial reefs with fish and underwater sculptures, then snorkel and relax with drinks, fruit, music, and shade.
“This is a family business with husband/wife such a nice and accommodating couple. They provide drinks and a light snack after. Very very nice even got cupcakes for me and another participant birthday as a nice gesture(didn't ask them too).”
Start at Las Olas Paddle Boards, Boats & Kayaks for a short lesson, then paddle your own route through Fort Lauderdale’s canals. Your $30 fee covers the board, paddle, leash, life jacket, and instruction. The water may be rough near the channel entrance, but calm stretches reveal yachts and mansions along Millionaire Row.
“The team was great and helped my daughter learn how to paddle board. They were kind and friendly. I would recommend this group.”
Start at 8:30 a.m. with a guided paddle board or kayak tour along Bonnet House’s western wetlands. Guides such as Courtney and Paul share local stories, wildlife details, and photos. Afterward, explore the house grounds, orchid house, seashell museum, and art spaces on your own.
“Courtney was a wonderful, charming tourguide - lots of stories about Florida, the history of the place, the culture - also responsive to the fact that I was doing a "vacation day" and we were able to dial back and not have too intense a kayaking day. Very nice!”
Join Vanessa Champion for a 9 p.m. paddleboard trip along Fort Lauderdale’s New River. You’ll pass Las Olas Riverfront and the NSU Art Museum, paddle beneath city lights with glow sticks, enjoy music and beer, and receive photos and videos afterward.
“Instructor exhibited lots of patience and was encouraging. This was my first time paddleboating and I admit struggled.”
Meet Sunrise Paddleboards LLC at 2520 N Federal Hwy for a private, one-hour beginner SUP lesson. Your instructor matches the board to your body type, teaches basic skills at your pace, and provides equipment, safety gear, photos, videos, and free parking.
“Great time, we were nervous about making it to standing position on the paddle board and was allowed to switch to kayaking after making it to the middle of the water....”
Start at Coconut Cove near Bonnet House at 8:30 a.m. Choose a kayak or paddle board, then follow a guide through Seven Isles canals and mangrove habitat. Guides such as January, Troy, Renee, and Brian help beginners, take photos, and lead you back to the launch after about two hours.
“Had a great kayak paddle starting at the Bonnett House, Ft. Lauderdale. I highly recommend. Great environment - mix of mangroves & estates. Great spot. Enjoyed!”
Join Salty Blue Fun Paddleboards for a private two-hour paddle through Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. Host Melinda helps beginners get moving, and standing is optional. Expect waterfront mansions, yachts, seabirds, fish, and a little exercise. Add a cooler or waterproof speaker for $10 or $5.
“Paddle boarding was an awesome experience. For the price, it’s hard to beat anywhere. The host was super nice and made the experience super easy.”
Join Vanessa Champion for a roughly two-hour paddleboard outing on Fort Lauderdale’s New River. You’ll pass Riverside Miami, History Fort Lauderdale, and The Wharf, then watch the sunset and city lights appear. The experience is beginner-friendly, limited to 10 people, and includes photos, videos, music, beer, and water.
“This is a great experience paddle boarding through the Venice of America, on the New River in Fort Lauderdale. Vanessa was a fantastic guide and made sure we had a great time!”
Meet Darlan Lopes at 1 Datura Ave in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea for a one-hour beginner surf lesson. You’ll spend 10 minutes learning safety and the pop-up on the beach, then practice in the water with direct help from the instructor. Groups are limited to four and the lesson is offered in English.
“My best friend and I took a private lesson together and our instructor was so friendly and awesome! We had a blast 🏄♀️”
Spend about an hour learning to surf at Dania Beach with Vibe Surf School Fort Lauderdale. Your private lesson starts on the sand with safety and board basics, then moves into shallow water. Equipment is included, and instructor Heinrich is praised for friendly, adaptable coaching.
“This was such an amazing experience! Loved the instructors and loved the lesson. It was very organised and fun. I will definitely do it again 🏄♀️”
Learn electric foiling at Fort Lauderdale Beach with a professional instructor, safety briefing, helmet, life jacket, and throttle handlebar included. Plan on about 1.5 hours total, including training, followed by a 60-minute water session. Most beginners rise onto the foil within 30 minutes.
“Great experience! Very accommodating and efficient. Very informative and caring as well🥰 Plan on doing this again for sure🥳 So glad I picked this company. These guys are great And make this experience even more fun 🤩🥹💕”
Meet Ariana or another certified Advanced Master Naturalist at West Lake Park for a two-hour SUP trip through calm mangrove trails. You’ll practice in a sheltered cove, paddle under green tunnels, watch native birds, and may spot manatees. Boards, water, photos, and safety gear are included.
“This was one of the best paddle boarding adventures that I have ever had. We saw manatee at a safe distance and had a great workout. I highly recommend.”
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