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Miami Boat Tours & Yacht Charters

Biscayne Bay cruises past Millionaire's Row and Star Island, private captained yachts, sandbar trips and sunset sails from Miami.

How to choose a boat tour in Miami

Shared cruise or private boat?

The cheapest way onto the water is a shared sightseeing cruise from Bayside Marketplace downtown: about 90 minutes on Biscayne Bay past the cruise port, Fisher Island and the mansions of Star Island and Millionaire's Row, with a guide on the microphone pointing out whose house is whose. Sunset and champagne cruises follow a similar route in the evening, and party boats add music and an open bar.

A private boat with a captain is booked for your group alone, usually for two to six hours and up to 12 or 13 guests. You choose the plan: the skyline and celebrity homes, a swim at a sandbar, lunch on board or the sunset over Brickell. The price is for the whole boat, so for a group of six or more it often costs less per person than you would expect.

Sandbars, islands and water toys

The Haulover sandbar in the north of the bay and the Nixon sandbar off Key Biscayne are shallow banks where boats anchor and guests stand waist-deep in clear water — busiest at weekends, when they turn into a floating party. Raccoon Island trips are quieter, with a walk on the island, birds and a swim.

Many yachts come with jet skis, a banana boat, paddleboards or a floating mat, sometimes included and sometimes at extra cost. Read what the price covers: fuel, the captain, drinks, ice and water toys vary from one boat to the next, and the captain's tip (15–20% is customary) is rarely included.

When to go and what to bring

Mornings usually have the calmest water. In summer, afternoon thunderstorms build quickly, so captains may shorten or move a trip; most tours offer a new date or a refund when the weather cancels them. From November to April the bay is at its best and boats book out at weekends and around the holidays.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a towel and a swimsuit under your clothes, and check the marina — boats leave from Miami Beach, Bayside, the Miami River and Haulover. The list is ranked by reviews, so the boats with the most consistently good ratings come first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a private boat in Miami?

A small private boat with a captain starts at around $175–250 for two to four hours, for the whole group. Larger yachts of 45–70 feet with a crew and jet skis cost from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the size, the length of the trip and the day.

Do I need a boating licence to rent a yacht?

No — every boat in this list comes with a licensed captain who drives it, so you can relax, swim and drink on board. Driving a jet ski yourself is different: see the water sports page.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

On most private charters, yes: you can bring snacks, drinks and a cake for a celebration, often with ice and a cooler provided. Glass bottles are usually not allowed. Shared cruises sell drinks on board instead.

Which boat tour shows the celebrity homes?

The shared Millionaire's Row and Star Island cruises from Bayside Marketplace are built around them, with commentary about the owners. Most private boats will also pass Star Island on request.