South Florida Living
South Florida Marina & Boating Lifestyle
Fort Lauderdale alone has 165 miles of navigable canals and the third largest yacht fleet in the world. Here's what the boating lifestyle in South Florida actually looks like.
Equal Housing Opportunity. All marina communities and boating areas are equally accessible to all residents. Descriptions are based on geographic and market characteristics.
Why South Florida is the Boating Capital
South Florida's combination of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, hundreds of miles of navigable canals, multiple ocean inlets, and year-round warm weather makes it arguably the premier boating destination in the United States. The Florida Keys and Bahamas are both accessible day-trip destinations from South Florida inlets.
165 mi
Navigable canals in Fort Lauderdale
#3
Yacht fleet in the US (Fort Lauderdale)
30,000+
Registered vessels in Broward County
12+
Ocean inlets from Miami to Palm Beach
Major Marina & Boating Hubs
Fort Lauderdale — Las Olas Isles / Lauderdale Isles
The heart of South Florida's boating world. Canal-front homes throughout the isles neighborhoods. Close to Port Everglades and Port 17th Street marine row — the global center of the superyacht industry.
Pompano Beach — Hillsboro Inlet
Hillsboro Inlet connects directly to the ocean from Pompano Beach's Intracoastal canals. Pompano Airpark area offers storage and service. Strong fishing and diving community.
Lighthouse Point — Deep Water Access
Lighthouse Point's canal system offers deep-water lots with direct ICW access and short runs to Hillsboro Inlet. A top choice for serious boaters wanting single-family homes.
North Palm Beach / Palm Beach Gardens
Soverel Harbour Marina, Old Port Cove, and PGA National area provide full-service marina access. Quick ICW/Lake Worth Inlet access to the ocean.
Aventura — Turnberry Isle Marina
Full-service luxury marina at Turnberry Isle. Intracoastal access to both Haulover Inlet (north) and Government Cut (south) gives flexibility for Miami or coastal cruising.
Miami — Dinner Key & Coconut Grove
Miami's largest marina at Dinner Key in Coconut Grove. Biscayne Bay cruising, easy Government Cut access. Strong liveaboard community at Dinner Key.
Boating Ownership Costs to Budget
Cost estimates are general ranges only. Actual costs vary by vessel type, size, condition, and specific marina. Always include boating costs in your total South Florida lifestyle budget.
Ready for Life on the Water?
Jacob Edri is a South Florida boating community insider who can match you to the right waterfront property, dock setup, and marina neighborhood.