OUR PICKS · MIAMI
Star Island mansions, the port and the skyline from the water. The 11 below range from a 90-minute narrated loop to a boat with a bar, priced per head and clear about what the commentary is worth.
Board Bayride Tours at Bayside Marketplace for a 90-minute Biscayne Bay cruise past Miami’s islands, skyline, port, and millionaire homes. Guides such as Ricky, Marlon, Nancy, and Veronica add humor and facts in English and Spanish. Choose the cool main deck or breezy upper deck.
“My daughter and I loved being on the water and viewing the homes of the famous Miami residents”
You’ll tour Miami Beach, South Beach, Little Havana, Wynwood, and Downtown by double-decker bus, cruise Biscayne Bay past Millionaire’s Row, then ride an airboat through the Everglades. Captain Jack has been praised for his Everglades commentary, but expect a long, tightly scheduled day with shared transport.
“The location where tour starts is an unorganized mess! No one is really in charge. They’d rather be snacking on food and talking! They never clearly explained how we were doing all three tours. It was piecemeal information and all tours started late. We did not see any alligators on Everglades ride except the caged ones! Bus tour was hard to understand guide as she had three different languages she was using and had a strong accent herself. Besides having 30 kids on bus yelling and screaming to people on the street! Boat tour was ok but didn’t show much! Boat was playing rap music so loud!! Get a different…”
Set out from Bayside Marketplace for an approximately 80-minute Biscayne Bay cruise with bilingual commentary, music, skyline views, and a look at mansions on Star Island, Fisher Island, and the Venetian Islands. Drinks and snacks are sold on board, and seating is first come, first served.
“Tour was ok. Nothing special but as advertised they show you the homes of the stars. Was busy so book early for it”
Spend 90 minutes on Biscayne Bay aboard a sightseeing boat from Bayside Marketplace. You’ll pass downtown Miami, the Port of Miami, Millionaire’s Row, and Star Island. A full cash bar is available, but arrive early if you want an outdoor seat and clear photo views.
“Prior to booking, I read some previous reviews and felt like they were harsh. The tour guide was friendly and informative. It was a beautiful, easy trip, and our drink from the bar was yummy.”
Cruise Biscayne Bay from Bayside Marketplace on a shaded catamaran with views of Star Island, Fisher Island, South Beach, and Miami’s skyline. Expect a laid-back ride with English and Spanish crew, optional South Beach drop-off, and drinks for sale. Commentary can vary by captain.
“It was excellent. If you do nothing else in Miami just do this. Great value for money.”
Start near downtown Miami for a guided Everglades airboat ride, wildlife exhibit, and alligator show, then return for a narrated Biscayne Bay cruise past Fisher Island, Miami Beach, the Port of Miami, and Millionaire’s Row. Expect shared transport and a busy, highly scheduled day.
“Uncomplicated booking via Viator. Pick-up location well marked. Ride in an older bus, but okay. Good information about destination, meeting point etc. Stay in the Everglades was fantastic, great boat guide with lots of information and great enthusiasm for his job. Alligator show was so-so, the animal husbandry of the various animals in the mini zoo not worth supporting. Photo with baby alligator with taped snout was offered - terrible! The return journey was pleasant. Unfortunately, we were the last ones on the boat (although we went straight away) and therefore didn't have a seat on the upper deck. What a pity! Nice boat trip, a little less talking from…”
Cruise Biscayne Bay for 90 minutes on a two-level boat with open-air decks, skyline views, and stops near Star Island, Fisher Island, and the Venetian Islands. English and Spanish guides such as Lina and Javier share local stories. Drinks, snacks, and an optional open bar are available for purchase.
“We enjoyed the tour very much, the tour guide was excellent speaking clearly in both English and Spanish. We have beautiful pictures of the water and the harbor, the beautiful mansions and the sunset.”
Spend four hours with Soflo Water Adventures aboard Cataria, cruising Biscayne Bay, visiting Bird Island and Indian Creek Island, then kayaking mangrove tunnels toward Raccoon Island. Guides such as Sean, Adam, Oscar, and CJ help first-time paddlers, while the boat offers shade, drinks, fruit, and a relaxed alternative to kayaking.
“Had such a great experience. Andy, Tany and Carlos were really lovely. Thanks!”
Set out at 4:30 pm from Miami on a 24-foot boat for a two-hour cruise along the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. You’ll see skyline views, tropical islands, and waterfront homes, with music, a cooler, and ice available. The boat holds six people, and fuel is included.
“The boat ride was relaxing and a perfect experience for my 3 girlfriends and I! We loved that it was just us and it wasn’t shared.”
Cruise from Bayside Marketplace toward Miami Beach as the sun drops behind Miami’s skyline. You’ll pass the Port of Miami, Venetian Islands, Fisher Island, Star Island, celebrity homes, and large yachts. English and Spanish commentary is provided, with drinks sold aboard.
“activity was overall a good experience being new to Miami. Very beautiful. Was confusing locating the cruise. I personally did not see the company name. Very close to another sunset cruise”
Cruise Biscayne Bay from downtown Miami on a two-level yacht with indoor air conditioning, open windows, and outdoor seating. You will pass PortMiami, Miami Beach, South Beach, Star Island, Palm Island, Hibiscus Island, and Millionaire Homes. Guides such as Samuel add music, jokes, and local color.
“Buying and registering was easy and smooth. Great tour 100% recommended , good installation, the tour guide was very knowledgeable”
An hour around a harbour, a full day with a swim stop, or a cabin and a sunrise.
