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 to choose from too, including family-friendly options, private charters, eco-tours, and boozy party boats, so you can see Biscayne Bay your way.

The shortest Miami day cruises (often on speedboats) can be as short as one hour, 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 upward of four hours for a full-day excursion. Most tours land somewhere in between.

It depends. Short, shared cruises cost as little as US$20 per person, while private, all-inclusive rides can cost upward of US$400. Many cruises have beverages and snacks available—bring cash to buy them onboard if complimentary drinks and food aren’t included in your tour package.

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

The majority of Miami day cruises depart from Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami, which is easily accessible and has plenty of nearby parking if you’re driving yourself there. However, some Miami day cruises will depart from other marinas, particularly if you’ve booked a private charter or specialty tour. Be sure to check your listing’s departure information before booking, as very few include round-trip transportation.

Miami day cruises depart from downtown Miami and head right across Biscayne Bay, meaning that you’ll see highlights such as the Miami skyline, Miami Beach, and Millionaire’s Row on most excursions. Some tours may even pass by Star Island and Fisher Island, which is where you can see some celebrity homes.

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.

Sunset is without a doubt one of the most popular times to get on the water, especially for quick speedboat rides or dinner cruises—the light tends to be great for photos, too. However, for Miami day cruises, early morning is the ideal time to get out, especially if you’ve opted for a longer tour, such as one that heads over to Bimini in the Bahamas. Temps are usually cooler, and the seas are calmer in the morning—however, whatever the time of day you choose, you should aim to sail during Miami’s dry season (December to May) to avoid rain and high humidity.

Yes, plenty of Miami day cruises are family-friendly, especially those explicitly aimed at keeping younger guests entertained—think: pirate boat cruises and narrated sightseeing tours. However, not all operators let little ones ride for free; check the listing in advance to find out any reduced rate information or applicable age policies.

Yes, absolutely. Miami is a popular spot to hire out private charters and yachts, especially for large groups or special celebrations. These often come complete with a dedicated captain and crew, as well as a customizable itinerary. However, naturally, they also have an associated higher price point—expect to spend around US$200 or more per group for a private charter.

Yes, plenty of Miami day cruises will operate come rain or shine, regardless of whether they have covered or open-air seating, so factor that into your packing plans if you’re visiting during a period with a high chance of rain. However, if the weather conditions get particularly bad, some operators will cancel and let you rebook for free at a later date. If you want to cancel your booking, you’ll have to do so in advance—check the operator’s cancellation policy for more information.

Yes, definitely. Miami day cruises fill up fast—especially the most popular options, as well as sunset and party cruises—particularly during holidays, weekends, or peak season. If you reserve early, you can secure your preferred dates, times, and cruise options. Plus, plenty of operators let you rearrange or cancel as long as you do so in advance, so booking early is pretty risk-free.

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. Some cruises are also more informative, geared towards sightseeing, while others have live music and more of a party vibe. Finally, consider tour length, as some excursions do 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’s provided by your tour operator and bring plenty of water if refreshments aren’t included. Finally, 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.