Top Miami Day Cruises

There are lots of ways to cruise the day away in Miami. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best experiences available right now:

• Speedboat Sightseeing Tour of Miami
• Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise
• Pirates Adventures Sightseeing Tour from Miami
• Sail Biscayne Bay: An Intimate Eco-Adventure
• Miami's Best Private Boat Charter with a Captain

Yes, a day cruise in Miami is worth it. It’s one of the best ways to see the Miami skyline, celebrity mansions, Miami Beach, and much more. There’s a huge variety of cruises for you, including family-friendly options, private charters, eco-tours, and boozy party boats, so you can see Biscayne Bay your way.

It depends. Short, shared cruises cost as low as US$20 per person, while private, all-inclusive rides can cost upward of US$400. Many cruises have beverages and snacks, so bring cash if drinks and food aren’t included.

The shortest Miami day cruises can be as short as 45 minutes, which gives you enough time to see coastal highlights without taking up too much of your day. The longest cruises on the sparkling Biscayne Bay can last up to four hours for a half-day. Most tours land somewhere in between.

Yes, there are day cruises from Miami to the Bahamas. Most go to Bimini, the closest Bahamian island to Miami, roughly four hours away. Remember that you’ll only have a few hours on the island and will spend most of the day in transit, but for many travelers, the trip is still worth it—just don’t forget your passport.

You can take a day cruise from Miami to Bimini, the closest Bahamian island. The trip takes about four hours, making it a long but popular excursion. For more time in the Bahamas, consider spending the night in Bimini and returning to Miami the next day.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Miami aside from day cruises. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Jet Ski Rentals

• Sunset Cruises

• Airboat Tours

• Snorkeling

• Bike Rentals

Miami day cruise prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Biscayne Bay Millionaire's Row Boat Tour

• Miami Pirate Boat Tour: Skyline & Millionaire's Homes

• Miami Skyline 75-Minute Luxury Cruise of Millionaire's Homes

• Official Miami Millionaires Sightseeing Cruise

Review what’s included before booking a Miami day cruise—some tours serve meals and beverages, while others provide round-trip transportation from your accommodation. Choose between private tours that may offer customizable itineraries or small-group tours. Some cruises are more informative, while others have live music and more of a party vibe. Consider tour length, as some excursions last all day.

Plan to arrive with plenty of time before departure for a relaxed start to your Miami day cruise. Wear a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, but bring a light layer in case it gets cooler out on the water. Check what is provided by your tour and bring plenty of water if refreshments aren’t offered. Consider taking preventative medication if you’ve suffered from seasickness in the past, and pack your camera or charge your phone to take plenty of photos.

Miami boasts good weather year-round, but the best time for a day cruise is during the dry season from December through May—you’ll hopefully avoid rain showers, and the hot, muggy summer weather. The seas are typically calmer during these months, especially in the morning.