Top 5 Waterfront Buildings for Yacht Owners in Fort Lauderdale
Quick Summary
- Yacht focused Fort Lauderdale condos
- Direct marina and private slip options
- Branded and boutique waterfront towers
- Guidance for matching yacht and residence
Fort Lauderdale: The Yacht Capital Of The World
Fort Lauderdale has long been synonymous with yachting. With more than 50,000 registered yachts, over one hundred marinas and roughly 165 miles of navigable waterways, the city operates as a true home port for the global boating community. Wide canals, deep water inlets and a thriving marine services industry make it possible to move seamlessly from condo terrace to flybridge in a matter of minutes.
For high net worth buyers who treat their vessel as an extension of home, the latest generation of waterfront residential buildings in the city goes far beyond the simple promise of "dock access". These new addresses are being designed from the keel up around marina operations, yacht services and hospitality level amenities, while still protecting privacy and discretion.
In this guide, MILLION Luxury highlights five pre construction or newly delivered developments that stand out for yacht owners: The Residences at Pier Sixty-Six, The St. Regis Bahia Mar, Riva Residenze, Sixth&Rio and 3000 Waterside. Each offers a distinct take on the waterfront lifestyle, from mega yacht capable marinas to boutique riverfront retreats, and each reflects the way Fort-lauderdale has evolved from a casual boating town into a strategic base for serious yacht collectors.
The Residences At Pier Sixty-Six: A Social Harbor For Superyachts
For more than half a century, Pier Sixty-Six has been the visual shorthand for Fort Lauderdale's boating culture, its spire topped tower greeting vessels as they approach the inlet. Today the 32 acre estate has been reimagined as a private residential resort, with The Residences at Pier Sixty-Six introducing 88 condominiums in a collection of low rise buildings set within lush gardens and pools.
From a yachting perspective, the location is close to ideal. The property sits directly on the Intracoastal Waterway just inside the inlet, with immediate deep water access and no fixed bridges between your slip and the Atlantic. The on site Marina provides approximately 5,000 linear feet of dockage and 164 slips, engineered to welcome vessels up to around 400 feet in length, which places it among the most capable superyacht facilities on the East Coast.
Residents enjoy priority access to berths, effectively extending their living room onto the water. A promenade lined with yacht outfitters and European builders, along with casual and fine dining, turns the basin into a curated social harbor where owners, crew and guests can move easily between boat decks, resort spaces and private residential amenities. Crucially, the residential portion functions as an enclave, with owner only pools, lounges and gardens that preserve a calm, secure atmosphere even during major events such as the boat show.
Designers Garcia Stromberg and Arquitectonica have taken cues from the site's mid century heritage, softening it with contemporary lines, expansive glazing and generous terraces. Signature elements like the rotating rooftop lounge remain as a nostalgic landmark, while new indulgences, including a substantial spa with a snow room and multiple resort style pools, reinforce the feeling that this is both a yacht club and a six star retreat. For owners of large yachts who want to be at the heart of Fort Lauderdale's marine industry while still retreating behind the gate, Pier Sixty-Six is difficult to match.
The St. Regis Bahia Mar: Mini Monaco On The Intracoastal
Just across the channel, Bahia Mar has long been associated with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where a temporary city of superyachts rises every autumn. The next chapter for this storied marina is The St. Regis Bahia Mar, a master planned, multi billion dollar redevelopment that will add a five star hotel, two branded residential towers and a series of resort residences along the waterfront.
Phase one calls for two 23 story condominium towers with roughly 160 residences, each accessed via private elevator foyers and wrapped in glass terraces that capture panoramic views across the Intracoastal, Atlantic Ocean and city skyline. Architecture by Arquitectonica and interiors by Tara Bernerd & Partners bring a cosmopolitan sensibility to Fort Lauderdale, fusing the polished language of international hospitality with relaxed South Florida light and textures.
For yacht owners, however, the true luxury is dockside. Bahia Mar's existing marina will be comprehensively upgraded into an exclusive facility capable of hosting yachts up to approximately 350 feet, with wide promenades, new piers and shoreside programming that make it easy to move between boat, residence and the surrounding dining and retail. Owners can host a cocktail party on board, step ashore for a chef driven dinner and then ride a private lift home, all without ever leaving the property.
As part of the wider vision, a generous waterfront promenade, landscaped park space and a private beach club will transform the site into Fort Lauderdale's own mini Monaco, balancing public energy with resident privacy. Concierge and butler style services consistent with the brand will extend to marina life, from provisioning and chef arrangements to coordination with crew. For buyers who want the security and recognition of a global luxury flag combined with a true megayacht capable harbor, St. Regis® Residences Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale will be an anchor project.
Riva Residenze, Sixth&Rio And 3000 Waterside: Tailored Waterfront Homes For Every Yacht
Where Pier Sixty-Six and Bahia Mar operate at resort scale, Riva Residenze Fort Lauderdale takes a distinctly boutique approach. Billed as the world's first yacht branded residential tower, the 20 story building is being developed in collaboration with iconic Italian boatbuilder Riva, whose polished mahogany runabouts became mid century symbols of La Dolce Vita. Arquitectonica's architecture evokes the profile of a contemporary yacht, while Riva's own interior designer Giuseppina Arena is crafting residences with marine grade craftsmanship, rich woods and meticulous metalwork.
Situated on Harbor Drive in the Marina District, Riva Residenze occupies approximately 200 feet of waterfront and will offer a private marina with seven slips reserved exclusively for residents, including one dedicated for day use arrivals and departures. The docks are tailored to yachts in roughly the 60 to 65 foot range, ideal for an owner who prefers to cruise under their own command rather than rely on a full time crew. Above, a surf lounge for water toys and a dramatic rooftop Sky Deck with a pool inspired by Riva's 54 Metri beach club create a continuous relationship between life on the water and life at home.
Further inland along the New River, Sixth & Rio Fort Lauderdale offers an entirely different mood. This eight story, 94 residence building by OceanLand Investments sits between the river's gentle curve and the greenery of Smoker Family Park in historic Rio Vista. Here the emphasis is on quiet, park side living with unobstructed river views, yet the Riverwalk, Las Olas Boulevard and the downtown core are a short stroll or water taxi ride away. Residences with floor to ceiling glass, generous terraces and high specification finishes are designed for owners who want a sophisticated city home that still feels intimately connected to the water.
Sixth&Rio does not include its own marina, which will appeal to yacht owners who prefer to keep a larger vessel berthed at a dedicated marina nearby while using a smaller tender or the public Water Trolley to reach home. A rooftop sky terrace with an infinity edge pool, cabanas and skyline views, along with a clubroom, wine bar and speakeasy style lounge, creates a resort atmosphere without the crowds. For many buyers this is the sweet spot between urban energy and riverside calm.
On the city's north side, 3000 Waterside targets boaters who value a quieter Intracoastal address in an established residential neighborhood. Planned as a 19 story, approximately 129 residence tower at 3000 East Oakland Park Boulevard, the project by Claridge Homes pairs a sinuous glass facade by FSMY Architects + Planners with a waterfront amenity deck, spa and on site restaurant. Balconies are oriented to capture the constant parade of vessels moving along the Intracoastal and toward nearby inlets.
What sets 3000 Waterside apart for yacht owners is its integrated private marina concept. Seven piers will extend into the waterway, creating 14 slips reserved primarily for residents, with one designated for water taxi service. For the limited number of owners who secure a deeded Boat-slip, the convenience is significant: you can step from your residence to your boat within minutes, then choose whether to head south toward Port Everglades Inlet or north toward Hillsboro Inlet, depending on your cruising plans. Set away from the hotel strip yet close to neighborhood dining, schools and shopping, 3000 Waterside is well suited to buyers who want a more residential rhythm without sacrificing direct access to the Intracoastal.
How To Choose The Right Waterfront Building For Your Yacht
Each of these five buildings presents a compelling pitch to yacht owners, but the ideal choice depends on your vessel, crew and lifestyle. Owners of very large yachts who treat the boat as a global flagship are likely to gravitate toward Pier Sixty-Six or St. Regis® Residences Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale, where slip lengths, depths and shipyard infrastructure support true superyacht operations. These settings also offer substantial hotel room inventories, making it easy to accommodate crew, charter guests or extended family during major events and refits.
Those drawn to design pedigree and brand storytelling may find a natural fit at Riva Residenze Fort Lauderdale, where the building itself feels like a yacht brought ashore. If you prefer to keep your primary vessel at a nearby private Marina while still living directly on the water, Sixth&Rio offers that blend of intimacy and access, with the added benefit of being able to commute by boat to downtown restaurants, offices and cultural venues. Meanwhile 3000 Waterside provides the rare chance to own both a contemporary Intracoastal residence and a private slip in a more residential context.
Beyond simple geography, buyers should also consider bridge clearances, channel depth, the distinction between deeded and leased slips, and how much time they realistically spend aboard each season. Families might prioritize proximity to schools and parks, while frequent international travelers will appreciate easy connections to private aviation at nearby airports. Working with a specialist advisor who understands both the real estate and yachting markets, such as the team at MILLION Luxury, can be invaluable in aligning a building's physical characteristics with your fleet strategy.
FAQs
What is the best Fort Lauderdale building if I own a very large yacht?
For yachts above roughly 150 feet, Pier Sixty-Six and The St. Regis Bahia Mar stand out, thanks to superyacht capable marinas, deep water access near the inlet and comprehensive shore side services. Your final choice will depend on whether you prefer a resort style environment or a more private residential setting within those properties.
How do water depth and bridge clearances affect which condo I should buy?
Depth at the dock, channel soundings and bridge heights can determine whether your yacht can safely reach a property in all tides and conditions. Buildings close to the inlet typically offer the easiest access for larger vessels, while riverfront sites may be better suited to smaller yachts and tenders. Reviewing these technical details with your captain and advisor before committing to a contract is essential.
Can I purchase a slip with my residence at these projects?
At Riva Residenze and 3000 Waterside, a limited number of resident only slips are expected to be available for purchase or long term control, creating a closer link between the residence and the dock. At Pier Sixty-Six and Bahia Mar, marina operations are likely to remain more flexible, with a mix of transient and seasonal options. Terms will vary by developer and over time, so it is important to confirm current availability and structures during negotiations.
Is a boutique building like Sixth&Rio practical if my primary yacht is kept at another marina?
For many owners the answer is yes. Sixth&Rio's position on the New River near water taxi stops makes it simple to tender in from a larger yacht berthed elsewhere, while still enjoying a quiet residential atmosphere day to day. This setup can be ideal if you divide time between multiple boats or travel frequently.
How can MILLION Luxury help me choose among these Fort Lauderdale properties?
Specialist advisors at MILLION Luxury track both the pre construction pipeline and marina landscape in detail, including slip sizes, water depths and expected operating models. To discuss how these buildings align with your current or future fleet, you can arrange a confidential consultation through MILLION Luxury.
Million Luxury
Million Luxury
Welcome to MILLION, an exclusive luxury real estate boutique nestled in the heart of South Florida’s most desirable locations. Specializing in high-end properties, we provide a sanctuary for discerning clients including top Fortune 500 executives, affluent families, celebrities, and professional athletes from across the globe. At MILLION, we understand the unique demands of our elite clientele and offer a seamless blend of confidentiality and personalized attention. Our commitment to privacy is unwavering; we ensure that every transaction and interaction is handled with the utmost discretion and according to stringent confidentiality protocols. Our concierge service embodies the pinnacle of white-glove care, offering tailored assistance that transcends traditional real estate support.
