Cruising for a Taxi

Shout "Taxi! Taxi!" in Fort Lauderdale, and look for your ship to come in.

Actually, you'll be catching what's also called a water bus, as the original fleet of tiny water taxis has been replaced by vessels accommodating up to 70 passengers. Either way, they're floating cabs, and a great way to get around.

For sightseeing, the water-taxi-cum-bus can pick you up at any of several docks along the Intracoastal Waterway or New River, and you can stop off at attractions like the Performing Arts Center, the Museum of Discovery & Science, Stranahan House, or the Gallery at Beach Place. For lunch, sail away to restaurants on Las Olas Boulevard or Las Olas Riverfront. As the sun disappears, water taxis are a superb way to head out for dinner or bar-hop, letting your pilot play the sober role of designated driver.

The water-transport venture was started by Bob Bekoff, a longtime Broward resident and outspoken tourism promoter, who decided to combine the need for transportation with one of the area's most captivating features: waterways that make Fort Lauderdale the Venice of America.

Ride all you want with a day pass, purchased onboard or at a kiosk at the Gallery at Beach Place, 10:30 am-12:30 am, for $13. Family all-day passes for two adults and up to four youths are $48, and after 7 pm passes are $7. Annual passes are $180. A dozen or so scheduled stops include Bahia Mar, Gallery at Beach Place, Galleria Mall, Seville Street, Pier 66, Convention Center, and Downtowner Saloon. The winter season South Beach Express, a socko day-trip to the Art Deco District of Miami Beach ($35), leaves Fort Lauderdale around 9 am, returning to Fort Lauderdale about four hours after arrival in the Miami area at around noon, with the length of the boat ride each way depending on weather conditions, tides, and other variables. For family reunions and such, group tours like the Sunset Cruise, or Mansions and Marinas are on tap. To get around town by boat, contact Water Bus (954/467-6677. www.watertaxi.com).