Passengers leaving on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale have the pleasure of scheduling Fort Lauderdale shore excursions that span the state’s storied Gold Coast, which extends all the way down to Miami and up to West Palm Beach.

To fully experience the city nicknamed “the Venice of America” for its many canals and waterways, book Fort Lauderdale cruise excursions that include some of the Sunshine State’s best sights. On a bus tour from the port, visit Riverwalk on the Intracoastal Waterway, the famous Las Olas Boulevard that’s lined with fashionable shops and restaurants, and the Art and Science District. Board a paddlewheel boat and sip a drink as you relax on one of the intracoastal cruises that passes European-style tiled-roof mansions and mega yachts.

Discover an oasis of beauty on Fort Lauderdale shore excursions to the famed Flamingo Gardens Estate that traces its beginnings to 1927 and is one of South Florida’s most prominent animal rescue locations. Walk through an open-air aviary and be thrilled by the sight of iconic pink flamingos. Some of the wildlife habitats you’ll see here include those of bobcats, native Florida panthers, and yes, there’s even an alligator lagoon. Stroll the gardens and view thousands of tropical and subtropical trees and plants.

Nature is also on full display on Fort Lauderdale shore excursions to Florida’s most famous ecosystem, the Everglades. Step aboard an airboat for a guided ride through native sawgrass and extensive wetlands to view flora and fauna, including black mangrove, white fragrant water lily, American alligators, snakes, and diverse bird species.

If a day at the races gets your heart racing, book a shore excursion to Gulfstream Park to experience thoroughbred racing at its finest and a chance to visit one of the best casinos in South Florida. Here, you can shop, dine, and place your bets all in one beautiful location that offers indoor and outdoor venues.

For a fitting finale to your Port Everglades-based cruise, experience the excitement of the Miami you’ve always heard about by scheduling a hop-on, hop-off, open-air bus tour that lets you see Miami and Miami Beach your way, on your time. Stroll the Art Deco District, South Beach, and Ocean Drive, and explore Little Havana, the Cuban heart of Miami, stopping for a cafecito and a Cuban sandwich. Tours to Miami also offer convenient transfers back to either Fort Lauderdale or Miami International airports for your home-bound flights.