I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you compare the best boat tours in Miami.
We’ll start with my Top 3 Picks, followed by other options you should consider when planning your visit to Miami.
I chose my top 3 boat tours based on low price and popularity. However, there are private motorboat and sailboat cruises on this list that are great if you prefer smaller groups.
Click the number for more details or the activity to compare the offer.
| # | Activity Type | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30 | 1 hour 30 min | |
| 2 | Miami Sightseeing Speedboat Tour | $45 | 45 min |
| 3 | Biscayne Bay & South Beach Cruise | $30 | 1 hour 20 min |
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1 – Millionaire’s Homes & Venetian Islands Boat Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.2/5 (2235 reviews)
“We really liked everything: The trip, The PIRATE, his comments, The chosen route. We had a great time!” Jose, Getyourguide
Join Miami Boat Cruises on one of the most popular ways to see the city skyline and gawk at the extravagant homes of the countless celebrities who call Miami their home.
From Star Island to South Beach, you’ll pass by many tourist attractions in Miami.
This double-decker yacht has a bar serving drinks and snacks, plus an indoor area with air-conditioning in case you need a break from the tropical weather.
Catch one of the boat tours departing hourly from Bayside Marketplace in Biscayne Bay.
My review
This is one of the best deals available for a sightseeing boat tour in Miami.
The boat has two levels. The top level is shaded and the bottom level has air conditioning, so you don’t need to worry about baking under that tropical sun. Your only worry will be deciding which iced drink to sip while enjoying the views of the one-and-only Miami skyline.
2 – Miami Sightseeing Speedboat Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (975 reviews)
“It was well organised, and a great boat trip. The captain aimed for the waves left by other boats which was fun. The corny jokes and humour were good too. The boat goes quite fast but you feel safe in your seat, we did slide around a bit which was also fun.” Beccy, Getyourguide
Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures boasts of providing the only speedboat tours in Miami.
If you’re looking to feel an adrenaline rush while sightseeing along the Miami shoreline, this is the boat tour for you!
No matter what day of the year you’re in Miami, you can take a speedboat tour. They operate 365 days a year from 11 AM to sunset (the last tour departs at 5:30 PM).
Get ready for a thrill and book your speedboat adventure today!
My review
If you’re traveling with children (or children at heart!) who would get bored on a slow-paced boat tour, this is a great way to ensure everyone has a blast zipping around the seaside of Miami.
Some of the seats are guaranteed splash zones, so if you want to avoid getting wet, check with your guide before boarding.
3 – Biscayne Bay and South Beach Cruise
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (1004 reviews)
“Our tour guide was the absolute best, she was exciting, entertaining and vibrant along with informational. My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves; I highly recommend this tour to everyone.” Sherry, Viator
Enjoy a sightseeing boat cruise of Biscayne Bay and South Beach with Miami Aqua Tours.
They boast one of the best discounts on child tickets, so if you’re traveling with little ones, this boat tour is a great way to save some money (which could be better spent on ice cream, but only if they behaved, of course).
There are plenty of big sights to see on this tour for both big and little ones. From the shaded upper deck of the Island Princess, you’ll be able to spot mansions of the rich and famous and maybe even some dolphins and manatees.
My review
As opposed to other similar Biscayne Bay tours in Miami, this one features a live tour guide instead of pre-recorded commentary on a headset. That in itself is one of the reasons this tour is so highly rated, making it one of the best values for money for a Miami boat cruise.
4 – Private Speed Boat Tour of Star Island
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (401 reviews)
“We had a great tour with Mike. He is very knowledgeable, safe and a great tour guide! Would highly recommend this boat tour.” Peter, Viator
Hop aboard with SpeedBoat Tours and Captain Mike on your very own 21-foot speedboat, reserved for your private group of up to six people.
You’ll zoom along the Miami shoreline and see all the must-see spots along Biscayne Bay and Star Island.
On this private boat tour in Miami, you can customize the experience and spend more time checking out the homes of your favorite celebrities or trying to catch a glimpse of local marine life, such as dolphins and manatees.
My review
If you’re looking to get out on the water with only your friends and family, this is the tour for you.
Your guide will be able to personalize the tour to meet your needs and interests, so there’s no way you’ll get lost in the crowd. This is one of the best ways to explore the Miami shoreline.
5 – Private Sail Boat Tour in Biscayne Bay
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (373 reviews)
“I reserved this adventure as a birthday suprise to my fiancé and we had a blast! David was super nice, gave us some amazing information about the area, let us drive the hobby cat, and stop at a gorgeous little island for the view. There were drinks and snacks available too. All in all, an excellent experience! Highly recommend!” Ana Catharina, Viator
For a more relaxed and eco-friendly boat tour around the Miami coastline, look no further than this private sailing adventure in Biscayne Bay. Instead of the roar of engines, you can hear the gentle lapping of the waves as you sail around islands and stop at mangroves.
Manatees and dolphins are much more likely to approach your sailboat, as they don’t need to escape the noise and threat of a propeller blade. You’ll have a chance to join them in the water by snorkeling for a while or even stepping out onto a sandbar.
My review
This is certainly one of the most eco-friendly boat tours in Miami, as you’ll be propelled solely by wind power. Besides having a clean conscience, you’re also guaranteed to have a marvelous time, whether you choose to sail in the morning or the afternoon.
6 – Private 25-Foot Monterrey M225 Charter
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (345 reviews)
“Up close and personal! Beautiful view from the Miami waterways! Our friends were in town and wanted to see Miami! This was a really great way to show them our beautiful Magic City! Our captain Luca was attentive and accommodating! Check time for sunset and plan around it!” Myriam, Viator
Hop aboard a 25-foot Monterrey M225 motorboat for one of the smoothest and classiest rides along the Rickenbacker Causeway. Admire the Miami skyline during the day, at night or at sunset.
BoatMiamiBoat runs this popular boat tour and even throws in a bottle of Champagne for an unforgettable toast.
In addition to the expected flexibility of a private tour, you can also choose from three durations. Your group of up to 8 passengers can enjoy a short coastal cruise of 1 to 2 hours or a longer one of 3 hours.
My review
Most boat tours only travel during the day, at sunset or at night, but this is one of the few where you can cruise on the Miami waterways at night.
This allows you to see the skyscrapers of the Brickell district in downtown Miami in their full glory.
Such a glittery sight certainly deserves a toast of bubbly Champagne, which your guide will happily provide.
7 – Rent your own motor boat for up to 8 hours
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (172 reviews)
“Overall experience was amazing, my wife and I had a blast. The boat was very clean and had plenty of space. There was a little island we visited by docking on the beach. The price was reasonable for all that we got. We will definitely book again when we are back in Miami. Highly recommend!” Ali, Viator
If you prefer to captain your own ship and explore Biscayne Bay your way, why not skip the middleman and rent a motor boat to pilot around the Miami shoreline on your own?
Your group of up to 8 people can plan your own itinerary on the water.
Are you planning to snorkel or enjoy a bottle of sparkling wine? If so, you can conveniently add these extras to your boat rental, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own goggles and fins.
My review
Not everyone is cut out to be a boat captain, but if you’re feeling up to the task, this boat tour is a great way to save some money while ensuring complete freedom to do whatever you want while on the water (within reason and the local laws, of course!).
8 – All-Inclusive Booze Cruise Party Boat
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (205 reviews)
“Had a blast will definitely return!!! Price was decent and we danced the whole time! Good music selection as well!” Jameka, Viator
Get ready for an all-inclusive booze cruise with The Miami Experience Boat Party.
All-inclusive means that there will be an open bar providing unlimited mixed drinks, beer and wine for the duration of the boat party.
This party boat also features a live DJ playing a mix of hip-hop, trap, Latin and Top 40 hits.
No matter your preference, you can get your groove on and maybe even take part in a twerking contest.
My review
If you’re in a party mood, it’s hard to beat unlimited drinks with a live DJ on a boat with views of the Miami skyline for just a little over a hundred bucks.
This booze cruise experience is only for fun lovers 21 years old and above, so it’s one of the only book tours without children onboard.
9 – Jet Ski & Boat Tour Combo Deal
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (147 reviews)
“I recently had the pleasure of experiencing an unforgettable jet ski adventure in Miami’s Biscayne Bay, and it was nothing short of exhilarating! The opportunity to glide over the waves or kick it into high gear with a full-throttle ride made for an adrenaline-packed day under the shining sun.” Maria, GetYourGuide
Take a boat tour to Biscayne Bay and then hop on a speed boat and then a jet ski with Big Dave Tours, one of the only operators offering this special combo deal.
You’ll be dropped off past Picnic Island, where you can zoom around on your jet ski while your guide snaps photos.
Snacks and bottled water are included, so there’s no need to worry about getting hungry or thirsty during your trip.
Your only concern will be if you’re brave enough to take your jet ski to top speed.
My review
This boat tour and jet ski combo deal is a great opportunity to ride jet skis further away from the shore, where you’re less likely to deal with others on the water, like surfers, paragliders, and paddleboarders.
If you’ve always wanted to test out your jet ski driving skills, this is your chance!
10 – Deep Sea Fishing Charter with Captain Mark the Shark
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (168 reviews)
“Great communication right from the initial booking. Mark and his crew were very accommodating, fun and helpful. Most importantly the entire family had fun AND we caught a sailfish! Thank you.” Matthew, Viator
Join record-holding fisherman Captain Mark the Shark on a deep-sea fishing exhibition in the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re hoping to reel in grouper, sailfish, barracuda, tiger sharks, or other large species, Captain Mark knows just where to go.
This private fishing boat charter can accommodate up to eight passengers. It also includes underwater video footage of you reeling in your fish and a framed photo of your biggest catch. This is your chance to fulfill your fishing dreams in the Gulf of Mexico.
My review
Captain Mark the Shark is an expert fisherman and offers one of the best opportunities for big game fishing off the Miami coast. As this is a private fishing boat charter, you’ll be able to go after the fish you’re most interested in catching, from sharks to sailfish.
11 – Private Snorkeling & Dolphin Watching Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (64 reviews)
“Captain Jack was the best. He made our entire experience. Awesome trip would do it again great with young kids too.” Kelsie, Viator
Let Dolphin Water Sport take you on an unforgettable private boat tour of Biscayne Bay.
Hop aboard their 22-foot Bayliner 2022, where you can blast your favorite tunes from its Bluetooth sound system while sipping on the chilled Champagne provided by your captain.
This is a great option for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
In addition to enjoying the sights on the water, snorkeling equipment is available if you want to take a dip and observe the local marine life.
My review
This private boat charter is one of your best options if you’re looking to spend just a couple of hours on the water.
Your captain will accommodate your requests so you can focus on the sights and activities that interest you most, whether that’s searching for dolphins or checking out your favorite celebrity’s million-dollar homes.
12 – Open-Top Bus Ride & Millionaire’s Row Boat Cruise
Rating: ⭐️ 4.1/5 (1887 reviews)
“This was self guided with a recording system. It was a pleasant diversion that my hubby and I enjoyed. We live here in Miami but like to see it like a tourist every once in a while. It was well priced.” Patricia, Getyourguide
Big Bus Tours Miami offers a great combo deal for exploring downtown Miami by land and sea.
First, you have an open-top bus ride that takes you through South Beach, Little Havana, Wynwood Walls, and other top Miami sights.
After your bus tour, get ready for a 90-minute boat tour operated by Island Queen Cruises to see the houses on Millionaire’s Row while enjoying their fully-stacked bar in either the outdoor upper deck or air-conditioned lower deck.
My review
This is one of the best bus and boat combo deals you can find.
I recommend downloading the Big Bus app after purchasing your voucher and making sure that you book the boat tour in advance.
Both tickets are flexible. You can board the bus within 14 days of the voucher date, and then you have 3 days after using your bus voucher to take a boat tour.
See also: Things to do in South Beach, Miami
13 – Panoramic Bus Tour, Bay Cruise & Everglades Air Boat Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 3.9/5 (1564 reviews)
“(…) The big bus tour is nice since you visit all the districts and learn more about the city and you can hop off where you want and hop in later. The bay cruise was incredible. It was our favorite part! We did it at 4pm, perfect to see the sunset.” Caro, Getyourguide
This is another excellent deal from Big Bus Tours that combines not two but three different activities in and around Miami.
Along with the city bus tour and boat cruise described in the entry above, you’ll also get a day trip to Everglades National Park with an airboat tour.
In addition to the 45-minute airboat tour, you’ll also enjoy an alligator and wildlife show featuring traditional techniques of the native Seminoles, who originally inhabited the region.
You might even have the chance to pose for a photo holding a baby alligator!
My review
Although this combo package requires some logistical planning to determine where to go and when, the effort is worth it, considering all you get for such a low price.
Be sure to download the Big Bus Tour app to make it easier to plan your trips and redeem your vouchers.
14 – Key West Day Trip from Miami with Snorkeling or Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (271 reviews)
“We saw dolphins swimming wild and free, we snorkeled in clear waters. Captain Lisa and her assistant were nice and knowledgeable and even offered us free drinks! It was a long bus ride back and forth but the views were amazing!” Alyssa, Getyourguide
Enjoy a day trip to Key West from Miami with US2U Tours.
You can choose from three different types of tours. The basic option gives you six hours of leisure time to explore Key West on your own.
The two premium Key West tour options include either a 3-hour snorkeling trip with an open bar or a 90-minute glass-bottom boat tour to admire the coral reefs from the safety and comfort of a seaworthy vessel.
My review
Nobody regrets taking a trip to Key West while in South Florida, and this tour is a convenient and cost-effective way to get there.
For much less money and effort than renting a car on your own, you can enjoy the scenic ride across the famous Seven-Mile Bridge for a laid-back day on what some people call Margaritaville.
15 – Everglades Day Trip from Miami with Airboat Ride & Nature Walk
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (290 reviews)
“Really liked this experience and the tour guide Ryan was very knowledgable about the history of Miami, Everglades National Park and wildlife. Got to see different birds, alligators, turtles and the airboat ride was fantastic!” Anita, Getyourguide
Join Wild Lime Adventures on a day trip to the Everglades from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
This is a more authentic experience to see wildlife in its natural habitat, not in cages or as part of some animal show.
An experienced naturalist guide will take you and a small group of a maximum of 12 people around Everglades National Park and Big Cypress Natural Preserve to appreciate the unique ecosystem of these wetlands.
My review
This is truly one of the best tours to the Everglades for nature lovers and those who want their trip to be as authentic and eco-friendly as possible.
In addition to the nature walk, you’ll visit a historic Miccosukee Indian village and take a one-hour airboat ride to see alligators up close.
How do you book boat tours in Miami?
Miami is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, and boat tours are one of the most popular activities, so there are plenty of options to choose from. We hope this article helps you narrow down the best Miami boat tour for you.
If you still haven’t decided, click the link below to explore TourScanner’s search engine on your own and find your next adventure!
When you’re ready to find other tours and travel activities, don’t hesitate to check out our post featuring fun and unusual things to do in Miami.
Happy boating!