Protect Our Waterways While You Boat: Free Pumpout Stations Throughout Fort Lauderdale
May 23, 2026
As a catamaran cruiser, chances are you’ll eventually find yourself passing through Fort Lauderdale — often referred to as the “Venice of America” and widely recognized as the “Yachting Capital of the World.” With its extensive canal system, world-class marinas, marine services, and convenient location, Fort Lauderdale is a favorite stop for boaters cruising the East Coast and the Bahamas. Whether you’re provisioning for your next adventure across the Gulf Stream, scheduling maintenance or upgrades with trusted marine craftsmen, waiting out passing weather systems, or preparing to sell your catamaran after years of memorable cruising, the city offers everything boaters need in one convenient destination.
While Fort Lauderdale offers many excellent marinas, extended stays can add up quickly, which is why many cruisers choose to spend a few nights anchored in areas such as Lake Sylvia or on nearby moorings. But then the headache of where do I go to empty our black and grey water tanks arises. One of the many perks available to cruisers in Fort Lauderdale is the City’s complimentary marine vessel sewage pump-out stations, making it easy for boaters to responsibly dispose of waste while helping protect the waterways we all enjoy.
Complimentary Pump-Out Locations
Self-Service Available 24/7
Cox’s Landing Boat Ramp — 1784 SE 15th Street
Smoker Park — 501 S. New River Drive
Assisted Service Available Daily | 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Marshall Point — 410 SW 4th Avenue
Cooley’s Landing Marina — 450 SW 7th Avenue
Every responsible action helps protect our waterways for future generations to enjoy. By using these free pump-out services, boaters can help support cleaner water, healthier marine habitats, and a stronger boating community throughout Fort Lauderdale.
For additional information about marina services and pump-out stations, visit the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks & Recreation page: City of Fort Lauderdale Marina Programs
Fort Lauderdale is also an ideal place to safely leave your vessel while traveling. With easy access to major transportation hubs including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA), and the high-speed Brightline rail service connecting South Florida to Orlando and beyond. Boat owners can conveniently fly or travel domestically while keeping their vessel secure at a nearby marina. It’s one of the many reasons so many cruisers choose Fort Lauderdale as both a stopover and a seasonal home base during their boating journey.
If you’re traveling to the Fort Lauderdale area and have questions about which marinas to use, what boat yards can haul your catamaran, or who to contact for upgrades such as lithium battery installations, feel free to reach out to us. We’re locally based in the heart of Fort Lauderdale and proudly consider this community our home waters. Our goal is to help past, present, and future clients enjoy the best catamaran experience possible — whether you’re just passing through, preparing for a Bahamas crossing, or planning a longer stay in South Florida. Feel free to email or call us if you’ll be in town:
