Known for its art deco architecture, glitzy nightlife, Cuban culture and some of the best beaches in the U.S., Miami offers something for everyone. After you’ve explored the city’s land-based attractions, hop on a boat to experience its waterways.
Whether you’re zipping along Biscayne Bay in a speedboat or gliding through the glass-like water of the Everglades, there’s a boat trip you’ll want to take.
Sailing Adventure in Miami’s Biscayne Bay National Park
Price: From $129
Duration: 3.5 hours
According to reviewers, this private tour is a must-do while in Miami. During the approximately four-hour trip, you’ll sail around Biscayne Bay via a wind-powered boat passing sandbars, mangroves and islets along the way. You may even spot dolphins and manatees. In addition to the boat’s eco-conscious reliance on wind power, the vessel is also heralded for its ability to access parts of the bay that larger boats can’t reach. Tourgoers praise the friendly, engaging crew and report seeing plenty of dolphins.
Trips, which depart from Coconut Grove, are available Monday through Saturday.
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Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures
Price: Adults from $45; kids from $35
Duration: 45 minutes
This high-speed adventure takes passengers on a 45-minute ride around PortMiami and the Rickenbacker Causeway, Star Island and Biscayne Bay. The jet boats can reach speeds up to 40 mph, with the capability to do 180-degree spins and turns. Patrons say the tour is a great way to see the Miami skyline and beaches. They also enjoy the lively music, entertaining guides and accelerated spins.
Tours run several times daily. Children must be 3 years old to ride.
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Fiesta Cruises – Miami Celebrity Homes Tour
Price: Adults from $28; kids from $20
Duration: 1.5 hours
Marvel at celebrity homes and the opulent mansions used in popular TV shows and movies on this 90-minute tour from Fiesta Cruises. Tours, which sail around Palm, Star and Hibiscus islands as well as Miami’s shoreline, are narrated in both Spanish and English. Reviewers call this a fun activity with an entertaining, informative staff and great music. Many call this a must-do in Miami.
Cruises leave multiple times daily. The company also operates several other tours, including a sunset cruise.
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Island Queen Cruises & Tours – Millionaire’s Row Cruise
Price: Adults from $35; kids from $25
Duration: 1.5 hours
Glide along Biscayne Bay as you pass by the posh homes of “Millionaire’s Row,” the Port of Miami, Miami Beach and Fisher Island. The narrated sightseeing trip is bilingual and offers both air-conditioned indoor seating and outdoor seating with an awning. Snacks, beverages and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Most tour-takers enjoy their experience, calling it relaxing. Others say they had a difficult time hearing the commentary.
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Duck Tours South Beach
Price: Adults from $45; kids from $10
Duration: 1.5 hours
Board this semiaquatic vehicle for a 90-minute land and water tour that takes you past famous Miami landmarks in South Beach and the Art Deco Historic District. Then, the amphibious bus takes the plunge into Biscayne Bay where you’ll cruise by the homes of Star Island’s famous residents. Along the way, guides, who have theatrical backgrounds, provide entertaining and informative commentary. Tourgoers comment that the ride is entertaining and fun for the whole family. Some say they wish they had done the tour on their first day in Miami.
Tours depart multiple times daily.
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Miami Aqua Tours – Sightseeing Cruise
Price: Adults from $30; kids from $20
Duration: Roughly 1.5 hours
Enjoy a relaxing cruise around Biscayne Bay on this 80-minute boat tour. In addition to the Miami skyline, you’ll also spot the Venetian Islands and Star Island as you listen to commentary from the boat’s bilingual guide. Reviewers call this a great experience thanks to the interesting commentary provided by the onboard guide. They also gush about the photo-worthy views.
Cruises are offered daily multiple times a day. Miami Aqua Tours also operates a nightly skyline cruise complete with a live DJ, among other options.
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Wild Lime Adventures – One-Hour Air Boat Ride and Nature Walk With a Naturalist in Everglades National Park
Price: Adults from $169; kids from $139
Duration: 5.5 to 6 hours
If you’re looking for an immersion in nature during your Miami getaway, consider a swamp tour of the Everglades. Offered by Wild Lime Adventures, this tour includes an airboat ride and naturalist-led hike in Everglades National Park. During the hourlong airboat cruise, you’ll visit up to two Native American tree island villages to gain a better understanding of how the Miccosukee people, who lived in Florida before it became a state, survived in the Everglades.
You’ll then embark on a 90-minute hike with your naturalist guide to learn about the unique ecosystems within Everglades National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators and the Everglades snail kite, an endangered bird. Tourgoers describe the airboat ride as beautiful and report seeing a variety of alligators and birds. Others praise the company and the guides for their organization and attention to detail.
Ticket prices include pick up from your Miami hotel, snacks, water, soft drinks and fresh fruit. If you would prefer to meet at the departure location and do not need hotel pickup, you can take advantage of a discounted ticket price. Can’t get enough of the Everglades? Wild Lime Adventures also offers daylong tours of the national park.
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