By Jan Engoren
If you’re craving time on the water—whether that means chasing a little adventure, unwinding in the breeze, or watching the sun dip into Biscayne Bay—we’ve rounded up some boat tours in Miami worth adding to your list.
For a magical night on the water, a new sunset cruise on a 50 foot yacht is offered with catering by Seaspice and the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station Full Moon Cruise offers a front‑row seat to a glowing moonrise and a chance to spot the Bay’s resident seabirds as daylight fades. Prefer fins over feathers? Captain Jimmy’s Tarpon Feeding Experience lets you get up close with the massive 300‑pound Silver Kings. And if your ideal outing comes with a jolt of adrenaline, Thriller Speedboat Tours will have you skimming across the water at 40 mph while appreciating Miami’s skyline from a whole new angle.
All Aboard!
Moet Pardo Sea Experience by Yacht
Seaspice on the Miami River in a collaboration with Pardo Yachts has just introduced the Moët Pardo Sea Experience. Available by reservation, the experience offers private excursions aboard the Pardo 50 foot yacht, allowing guests to arrive by water, entertain clients, celebrate special occasions, or enjoy a private cruise through Miami’s waterways while experiencing Seaspice hospitality. There are day and sunset cruises of three hours for up to 12 people or the ultimate experience of four hours with optional visits to Fisher Island, Star Island, marine stadium and pickup at Seaspice or at the Marina. Additional hours are available. Optional catering is by Seaspice. A Bottle of champagne is included. For special occasions, floral decoration, photography including with drones, and other embellishments are offered. For more information, click here.
Island Queen Cruises: From Millionaire’s Row to the Everglades
All aboard! Known for their friendly and knowledgeable staff and offering a variety of specialty and sightseeing tours, including the Millionaire’s Row Cruise, the Everglades Experience, and an Evening Tour of South Beach from the water, the Island Queen has something for every taste.
The company is known for providing “luxury on the water” – its luxury yacht accommodations, including their double decker yachts with climate controlled indoor and outdoor seating, a cash bar offering cocktails and snacks.
Enjoy gorgeous views of Miami and relax in on the main level or on an open-air top-level on a 90-minute boat tour.
On the fully-narrated bilingual sightseeing tour, you will see views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami Skyline, the Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach and Millionaire’s Row.
Soft drinks, cocktails, and light snacks are available for purchase.
For the more adventurous, or first-time visitors to Miami, sign-up for their Everglades Tour, which will take you by bus to the Everglades Holiday Park, a 50-minute drive.
Experience the “River of Grass,” on a guided airboat (bring earplugs!) and be prepared to see Florida wildlife, including turtles, birds and of course, alligators. Don’t miss the wildlife show where experts handle the wildlife using traditional Seminole Indian techniques.
Visit https://islandqueencruise.com. Tel: 305-379-5119.
Pelican Harbor Seabird Station Seabird Cruises
What better way to see Miami than on a Miami boat tour in Biscayne Bay under a full moon by keepers on South Florida wildlife? Seabird Cruises, sponsored by Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, offers monthly two-hour full moon sunset cruises of Biscayne Bay.
The Station was founded in 1980 to care for injured brown pelicans and has grown into an internationally recognized center for seabird rehabilitation.
Enjoy a beautiful sunset birding cruise of Biscayne Bay and scan the mangrove shoreline of the Crandon rookery for brown pelicans, frigate birds, and more than 30 other species of birds. Take in the beauty of the Miami skyline from the water at night on their “Explorer.”
Tickets are $60 each and must be booked in advance via the link below. The trip always sells out, so no-shows or last-minute cancellations are non-refundable and non-transferable. Private tours also available.
Tours depart from Crandon Park Marina, 4000 Crandon Blvd., Miami, FL, 33138. Tel: (305) 751-9840. Visit https://www.pelicanharbor.org/
Thriller Speedboat Tours
Departing from Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami, this Miami Boat tour provides a sightseeing experience à la Miami Vice. See celebrity mansions on Star Island, Fisher Island, Miami Beach and the Art Deco district of South Beach.
Not for the faint of heart – boats go up to 40 mph, depending on weather conditions and depart daily from 10am until sunset every hour and a half during the weekdays, and every ½ hour during weekends, holidays, and weekdays throughout the summer.
Why fight the crowds on July 4th? Hop on a special tour and get unobstructed views of the USA’s 250th Birthday Celebration fireworks show from the best viewing spot on Biscayne Bay.
Visit ThrillerMiami.com. Tel: 305-371-3278.
More Boat Tours in Miami
Fiesta Cruises: Captain Jimmy’s Tarpon Feeding Experience
With two boats to their name, Captain Jimmy Lewis and his wife, Holly, operate their vessels out of Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami.
In business since 1995, their boats are U.S. Coast Guard inspected passenger vessels and are inspected annually. Equipped with snack bars, you can sip on a frozen pina colada, cold beer or soft-drinks and enjoy a hotdog, slice of pizza or munch on some popcorn.
With a variety of expeditions – from a three-hour tour of Biscayne Bay and Stiltsville, to a Sunset and Cocktail Cruise to a cruise around Palm, Star, and Hibiscus Islands, past the end of South Beach and Fisher Island, then down around the Port of Miami and along Miami’s shoreline, all while taking in the many celebrity homes on view.
Billed as a way to relax after a hard week, the two-hour cruise features an open bar, relaxing music, the soft Miami breeze and sunset and the lights of the city.
If you are in the mood to party hearty, never fear – Fiesta also offers a 90-minute Party Cruise for those who love the nightlife and want to experience it on the water.
Dance to the sounds of D.J.s, enjoy a cocktail and party til the sun comes up!
Not to be missed: Captain Jimmy’s Tarpon Feeding Experience. This is an opportunity to hand feed tarpon fish, known as the Silver King, weighing up to 300-lbs. A life-long fisherman, Captain Jimmy grew up in fishing in Florida and wanted to share his love of the water and fishing with the public. He designed an area in Biscayne Bay that would let people get up close and personal to the tarpon, but be safe enough for children. Prices: $12 for a 5-piece minnow’s bucket; $20 for a 10-piece snapper’s bucket and $28 for a 15-piece grouper’s bucket. Or, get the full tarpon experience, including a 30-minute guided tarpon encounter and a 20-piece bucket for $49. Reservations required.
Sunset cruise prices begin at $69 for adults and $44 for children 4-11. Free for kids 3 and under.
The Party Cruise begins at $28 for adults, $20 for children 4-11. Free for kids 3 and under.
Snacks, beer, wine, and frozen drinks available for purchase.
Visit https://fiestacruises.com. Tel: (305) 371-3033.
Ocean Force Adventures: Committed to Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Tourism
Ocean Force Adventure tours are designed for travelers looking for a unique, engaging and authentic experience. Specializing in small group and private tours, you will experience a personal and intimate adventure under the auspices of experienced, professional and personable guides with knowledge of Miami’s history, culture and marine life.
Their niche in boat tours in Miami — a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism, Ocean Force Adventures is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and marine life of Biscayne Bay. Vessels are equipped with efficient equipment and ultra-low emission outboard engines
Ocean Force Adventure also offers 2-hour Guided Walking Tours of downtown Miami and the Historic District. Explore the city’s hidden gems and learn about its history. Discover the stories of ancient Indian burial mounds, now overshadowed by towering high rises. Their guides will lead you through world-class art installations, the historic district and architectural jewels that narrate the story of Miami’s evolution. They will also customize a tour to fit your needs. Prices range from $45pp for a walking tour of Wynwood to $74pp for a food and walking tour of Little Havana. Call them at: (305) 563-4094.
Small Group (Shared) Biscayne Bay Tours ULTIMATE & Stiltsville Tour
$169 • All ages • Up to 6 People • 2 Hours • Reservations Required
Small Group (Shared) Biscayne Bay Speedboat Tour
$129 – All ages – 2 hours – Reservations Required
Visit https://oceanforceadventures.com. Tel: (305) 372-3388.
Miami Skyline Cruises – Skyline on the Bayride
Finishing up the options for boat tours in Miami –Known as the original Miami Skyline tour on Biscayne Bay. With views of millionaires’ homes on Hibiscus Island views of Palm Island, Sunset Island, Fischer Island, Star Island and the Venetian Islands, the tour provides a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
The Venetian Way, a causeway connecting Miami on the mainland and Miami Beach on a barrier island, is home to some of the city’s most luxurious Gothic and Venetian palazzo-style mansions.
Among the notable figures who have made their hoe on these islands are: Musician Lenny Kravitz, tennis star Anna Kournikova and film star, Antonio Banderas.
Check out the distinctive architectural styles of Star Island with its old English, colonial, and mix of distinctive cultural architectures, mirroring the area’s affluence and allure. Don’t miss the iconic landmarks that is Al Capone’s Mansion, also known as Villa Angela.
If you’re in the mood for something more romantic, why not try their 90-minute sunset cruise and catch the Miami sunset turning the sky into shades of pink, orange and red. A sunset cruise offers a romantic ambiance with live music and entertainment, making it a memorable evening on the water.
Cash bar and food and drinks available for purchase. Bilingual tour guides and custom designed tours upon request. Prices start at $27.99 for a 90-minute skyline tour.
Located at 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida 33132.
Purchase tickets in advance here: Sail Away in Style – The Ultimate Miami Boat Tour Adventure (miamiskylinecruises.com) Tel: (786) 714-1314. Email: Reservations@miamiskylinecruises.com.
Additionally, visit their sister site: MiamiSunsetBoatCruises.com for the 1.5 hour “Best of Both Worlds Boat Tour” – a tour of the Miami sunset with views of Star Island. Tickets $22.99 pp. Or, get on board for the 90-min. Miami Sunset Cruise with the original Mojito Bar on board staffed by licensed and professional bartenders. Tickets: $28.99 pp for 1.5 hours. Visit their website for updated sunset times. Tel: (786) 714-1314.
Want to rent your own boat? Click here for my picks of who to go to.
