Biscayne bay: Tours and Guided Visits

Biscayne Bay is a beautiful tropical paradise just a short ride away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Miami. This shallow, sub-tropical estuary is a designated aquatic park and conservation area. Freshwater from the mainland mixes with salt water from the sea, creating a nursery for marine life. Biscayne Bay is full of diverse marine life, including fish, crustaceans, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and various bird species.

Biscayne Bay tours allow you to see the beautiful contrast the area sets to Miami's concrete jungle, as it is surrounded by lush green vegetation and mangroves, making it the ideal place to soak up nature's beauty. You can enjoy a refreshing swim, explore the many islands, take a cruise and also check out celebrity homes from the water.

Here are some useful tips and tricks about Biscayne Bay, one of the most vibrant sightseeing tours in Miami.

Where is Biscayne Bay exactly?

Biscayne Bay is situated within the Miami metropolitan area on Florida's southeast coast. Miami borders Biscayne Bay to the northwest, Miami Beach and some islands are on the northeast side. The northern parts of the Florida Keys line the eastern portion of the Bay.

Biscayne Bay is easily accessed from downtown Miami as it is a 20-minute drive or direct bus ride on the Line 26 Bus. There are several ways to get to Biscayne Bay, but one of the most accessible options is to go via Biscayne Blvd and NE 79th St.

You can also use the convenient Miami City Trolley Service, which will take you to Biscayne Bay. This free-to-use trolley service runs every day from  8 AM to 11 PM at 20-minute intervals.

What are the best things to do in Biscayne Bay?

Biscayne Bay is a captivating, family-friendly destination, offering plenty of recreational activities, top-class hotels, five-star resorts and fabulous restaurants. There is so much to see and do, but one of the best ways to discover Biscayne Bay's many charms is to get on the water.

Go sailing

Whether you’re after a sunset or night cruise or a leisurely sail around the Bay, you're spoilt for choice in Biscayne Bay. A boat tour is a great way to see more of the Bay and surrounding areas. Biscayne Bay also supports an enormous variety of marine wildlife, so be on the lookout for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and many bird species. Put on your sun hat, grab your sunglasses, and enjoy the ride.

Eye from the sky

Enjoy the best of Biscayne Bay by taking to the sky and then landing in the tropical waters with a parasailing experience. Get a bird's eye view of Biscayne Bay and Miami as you soar some 120 meters high. Soak up the Bay's beauty from the air and then from below. This adrenaline-pumping experience will ensure you make unforgettable memories.

Water sports

You can be as adventurous or laid back as you like. The inviting, vibrant blue waters are perfect for cooling down, and you can also go snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or fishing charters.

For a faster-paced adventure, hop on a jet ski or a speed boat ride. Whatever your choice of adventure, you're sure to find it in Biscayne Bay. Revive your spirits, melt away your worries and enjoy a refreshing swim.

What are the most popular tours to visit Biscayne Bay?

Sunset Cruise through Biscayne Bay and South Beach

This 1.5-hour cruise is a great way to relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. The cruise will pass by Star Island and South Beach, so you'll be able to see plenty of the sights. The onboard guide will keep you entertained with witty English or Spanish commentary and point out the houses belonging to celebrities.

Live your best life on a luxury yacht with an open window and a shaded deck. Watch a  glorious sunset from the water and enjoy the incredible city skyline views.

This cruise offers a  range of departure times starting at 5:30 PM and ending at 8 PM. Ensure you arrive early, as check-in closes 15 minutes before departure, and the traffic is heavy.

Full-day Biscayne Bay Cruise, with City Tour and Everglades Airboat Ride

Take in more of Miami's beautiful sights with this full-day combination tour. The tour starts at 9 AM  and offers three diverse tours in one enticing package. It begins with a hop-on hop-off bus ride through Miami and South Beach and a pass by the Art Deco District.

Then, get on the water for a 4-hour Everglades National Park airboat tour. Afterward, you'll head to the Bayside Market Place for a delicious lunch. After lunch, get ready for an exciting 90-minute airboat ride through Biscayne Bay.

Enjoy cruising the Bay and a tour through Millionaire's Row, where you can see the fabulous homes of the rich and famous. The excursion also passes the Biscayne National Park.

Then, get on the bus for the final leg of the city tour. You'll first head to Wynwood Walls, Miami’s original street art museum. An excursion through Little Havana completes the last portion of the Miami City Tour.

Biscayne Bay Parasailing Experience

Take your Biscayne Bay experience to the next level with an unforgettable parasailing adventure.

This thrilling excursion starts with a safety briefing before you get kitted out with all the necessary equipment. Get ready to skim over the water with an exciting 1-hour speed boat ride through the marina and out into the Bay. Once you're in the Bay, the crew will inflate the chute and send you out from the back of the boat for the parasailing.

Soak up some incredible views as you'll get up to 120 meters in the sky. You will revel in the 7 to 10 minutes of flight time. You can then land back in the boat, but what better way to celebrate your adventure than with a dip in the cool tropical water?

Private Sailing Adventure in Biscayne Bay

Revel in picturesque views with a  private sailing adventure in Biscayne Bay. Enjoy an authentic sailing experience on a boat powered only by wind. Ride along the coastline, checking out sandbars, mangroves, and islets along the way. This smaller boat can also access more parts of Biscayne Bay, making you more likely to see starfish, dolphins, and manatees.

Savor every minute of your Biscayne Bay adventure as you look for diverse wildlife and enjoy a refreshing swim. Snorkeling is also offered as an optional activity.

This 3.5-hour-long tour is a social impact experience by the Florida Ocean Clean-up Society. This excursion takes 10 travelers, with a maximum of 5 people per boat.

What are the prices of Biscayne Bay tours?

A sunset cruise through Biscayne Bay and South Beach costs US$40 per person. You can also upgrade the experience to include a hop-on, hop-off bus ticket for US$80 per person.

A combination Biscayne Bay cruise, with a city tour and an Everglades airboat ride, costs US$70 per person. This activity can accommodate up to 80 travelers. Food or beverages are not included.

Parasailing in Biscayne Bay starts from US$90 per adult, excluding extra fuel fees; you’ll have to pay an additional US$50 when you check in for the tour to cover this cost.. Alternatively, opt for the full payment option of US$160 per person when booking the excursion. This tour is unsuitable for children under 5 years of age or people weighing over 115 kilograms.

A private sailing adventure in Biscayne Bay starts at US$120 for seniors aged between 66 and 85 and those aged 5 to 17. Children between the ages of 2 and 4 are charged US$110. Adults will pay US$130 per person, but prices vary according to the group size. Life vests, dry bags, and some snacks, including fruits and water, are included.

Where do Biscayne Bay tours start?

All Biscayne Bay tours have various starting points depending on the type of tour chosen. The meeting points are set in easy-to-find locations close to where the tour begins; for example, the meeting point for the sunset cruise is at the  Bayside Marketplace, which is close to the Miami port.

If you are unsure where to meet, you can email the tour operator for more details.

Are Biscayne Bay tours wheelchair friendly?

Some but not all Biscayne Bay tours are wheelchair friendly. If you are a wheelchair user, opt for tours in bigger boats as they are more likely to be wheelchair accessible.

If you aren't certain, contact the service provider to double-check if this tour is wheelchair friendly.

What time of year should you visit Biscayne Bay?

You should visit Biscayne Bay in the dry season, from November through April, for less rain, lower humidity and comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor activities like boating and snorkeling.

However, this is also peak tourist season, especially around winter holidays and spring break, so expect larger crowds. If you're interested in wildlife, such as manatee viewing or bird watching, consider timing your visit with their seasonal patterns, like the cooler months for manatees or migration seasons for birds.

While the wet season from May through October offers warmer and more humid conditions with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, it's still suitable for water-based activities, albeit with a higher chance of rain.

Travel tips

• Explore Biscayne National Park. Don't miss visiting this national park, which offers unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife.
• Be Prepared for Mosquitoes. In certain areas and seasons, mosquitoes can be prevalent; bring insect repellent.
• Explore the Coral Reefs. The bay is home to stunning coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling or diving.