The Magic City is surrounded by water, from the bay to the sea, and there are stunning views everywhere you look. Therefore, the city is best enjoyed on a boat. Touring Miami's coast will let you appreciate the city's iconic skyline, its beautiful islands filled with fabulous mansions, and overall what the city has to offer. You will encounter wildlife like dolphins, and if you venture farther into the sea, you will find iconic landmarks like Stilsville. This goes to show that even if you are not into Miami's fabulous party scene, you can still have fun and hop on a boat to enjoy the 305. Below find the 8 best boat tours in Miami so you can also enjoy waterfront living.
See Also: Miami's New Speakeasy Transports Guests Back To The Roaring '20s
View this post on Instagram
1661 James Ave / Website
The best way to get a feel for South Beach is to take one of the Duck Tours, which, like the animals, they are named after, travel both on land and water. During the three-hour journey, guests will spend most of the time driving through South Beach and the Art Deco District. After that, the vessel will move forward and enter Biscayne Bay. Along the way, a wisecracking guide will provide guests with the lowdown on various topics, such as Fisher Island and Millionaire's Row information. However, passengers can bring their small alcoholic beverages on board, even though the vessel does not offer or allow food consumption.
View this post on Instagram
401 Biscayne Blvd / Website
If your like speed, this jet boat tour is for you. During 45 minutes, enjoy breathtaking coastal cruising interspersed with pure adrenaline-pumping action as you zip, spin, and drift across the azure waters of the coast. You will be able to see the skyline, pass by a string of islands that you have only seen from the highway up until this point, and return to the coast in less time than it would take you to drive across the causeway in a vehicle. Undoubtedly one of the most exciting activities in the Magic City.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple Stops / Website
The so-called Venice of America can be navigated with relative ease using the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, which is not only a fun way to see the city but also a practical method of transportation. For a fun route, hop on at Oakland Park Boulevard and work your way to the historic Las Olas Boulevard, bar-hopping at waterfront eateries along the way. Your driver will point out interesting things as you go by them, such as the Stranahan House, which is the oldest building in Broward County that is still standing, or Margaritaville, which is Jimmy Buffet's resort that is themed after alcoholic beverages. Due to the fact that you are in Fort Lauderdale, the boats have liquor licenses and will sell you an ice-cold beer at a reasonable price while you are out on the water. An iconic destination you can't miss if you are in South Florida.
View this post on Instagram
555 NE 15th St #18c / Website
Stiltsville is a curious yet iconic Miami landmark consisting of brightly colored buildings constructed in the 1920s and 1930s in the shallows on the northern end of Biscayne National Park. Definitely, not the type of activity you would expect to do in Miami, but you will have the opportunity to get a rare up-close view of the area. You will appreciate the stunning views and authentic stories about the history and culture of the area by your captain, who is also a spirited local guide and has been a longtime resident of Miami. This tour is available as part of a daily sightseeing tour of Biscayne Bay that lasts for two hours or as a private tour that can be customized to your liking. While you are out there, there is a possibility that you will see some dolphins and incredible wildlife.
View this post on Instagram
401 Biscayne Blvd / Website
By taking a ride on this party cruise that departs from Downtown Miami, you can avoid the typical hassles associated with a night out on South Beach and instead enjoy a live DJ, a cash bar, snacks to purchase, and plenty of neon lights. On this 80-minute cruise that passes by Biscayne Bay and the Venetian Islands, you will enjoy the beauty of Miami from the water, and the city has plenty of photo op opportunities. And don't forget to showcase your dance skills!
View this post on Instagram
801 Seabreeze Blvd / Website
When you sail the Black Skull Flag-Decorated Bluefoot in search of sunken treasure, you will have the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a real-life pirate in the comfort of South Florida. Adult pirates are invited to hang out at the stern of the ship with the captain, who is a treasure trove of colorful stories about all of the mega-yachts and mansions along the shore. While a fun treasure hunt entertains the children, the adults will have the opportunity to participate. If they are of legal drinking age, they are encouraged to bring some of their favorite drinks to the ship. An exciting activity that will leave you with everlasting fun memories.
View this post on Instagram
401 Biscayne Blvd / Website
As you cruise along Biscayne Bay, you will see the extravagant mansions that make "Millionaire's Row," as well as the Port of Miami, Miami Beach, and Fisher Island. Miami is known for its celebrities and their fabulous mega mansions, so this 90-minute narrated sightseeing tour available in both English and Spanish is perfect to delight you. The tour features indoor seating that is air-conditioned as well as outdoor seating that is covered by an awning. There is a selection of food, drinks, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase. An activity you cannot miss when you are in the Magic City.
View this post on Instagram
401 Biscayne Blvd / Website
During the course of this two-hour boat tour, you will have the opportunity to take a leisurely tour around Biscayne Bay. While listening to the commentary provided by the boat's bilingual guide, you won't only be able to see the skyline of Miami; you'll also be able to see the Venetian Islands and Star Island. The engaging commentary offered by the onboard guide has been praised by reviewers as one of the reasons why this excursion is so enjoyable. In addition to that, they rave about the picture-perfect scenery. Daily cruises are available at multiple times throughout the day. Adult tickets start at 30 dollars, and tickets for children ages 4 to 12 cost 20 dollars each. The cost to ride is $5 for infants and children up to age 3. In addition to their other offerings, Miami Aqua Tours runs a nightly skyline cruise that comes complete with a live DJ.
Photography by: Courtesy Sylvain Sonnet/Getty, Glowimages/Getty,
