A stay in a hotel and vacation apartment in Miami is never complete without engaging in any water activity — be it swimming in Lummus Park Beach or diving in Grove Scuba. After all, Florida is popular for its white sandy beaches and relatively warmer weather compared to other American states. You mustn’t miss out on the cool summer breeze here! But you don’t necessarily have to physically exhaust yourself to get the most fun out of your stay. Several cruises are available to satisfy your much-needed “vitamin sea” — from relaxing half-day journeys around the bay to an extensive full-day tour inclusive of swimming in the Bahamas or a safari animal exhibition. Some of these excursions also offer pickups from your family resort accommodation - a plus for convenience. If you have at least a few hours to spare, choose from these best day cruises in Miami, Florida.
1. Enjoy scenic sights away from the crowds on a private cruise (from USD 95.0)
Ever wondered what it’s like to spend a few hours cruising away from all the noise and swarm of crowds? This private boat ride experience in Miami can answer it for you! Skip the long lines and hop on an exciting cruise across Biscayne Bay with the company of your loved ones.
You will love the sights of Miami’s scenic districts as you traverse across the waters with an experienced captain. From the impressive mansions that line up Millionaire’s Row to the breathtaking skyline of Downtown Miami, there’s much to see. For a better experience, book the last trip and enjoy the best of the city during sunset.
Miami Private Boat Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
2. Indulge in some educational sightseeing around the bay (from USD 69.0)
This package is comprehensive enough to include a city tour by a coach, a boat ride around the 35-mile-long (56-kilometer-long) Biscayne Bay, and an engaging airboat tour through the Everglades Safari. For only under 100 USD, you experience quite an enriching and rewarding Miami vacation. You will enjoy both the captivating sun-lit city skyline and the unique wilderness landscape in a day. This nine-hour journey is narrated by an expert guide so overall, the tour is a timely opportunity not only for sightseeing but also for learning.
Miami Tour with Biscayne Bay Cruise, Everglades Airboat Ride
Duration: 9 hours
3. Spot an alligator while on vacation (from USD 83.0)
During summer, grabbing a deal for tours might be challenging. It’s great knowing that several combo packages are offered by other operators. Usually, in addition to navigating through the crystal-clear waters of Biscayne Bay, cruises feature a narrated tour into the nearby Florida Everglades, which is a wetland with mangrove forests, sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods. The entire Everglades ecosystem has been put under UNESCO protection as it is home to endangered animal species — including the leatherback turtle. This particular tour includes an alligator show and a brief walk through the jungle. If you haven’t seen an alligator in your lifetime, you may want to try it on your next Miami visit.
Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure plus Miami Biscayne Bay Cruise
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
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4. Embark on a cruise along Millionaire's Row (from USD 35.0)
This cruise along Millionaire’s Row is perfect for anyone wanting to end the day right. The vessel itself is modern and comfortable, and also complete with cash bars and bathrooms. The trip allows you to leisurely traverse through Biscayne Bay — particularly along the bayside areas where the skyline looks pretty neat.
You’ll pass by the Port of Miami, where you can spot several impressive buildings, marinas, and even large cruise boats. This boat tour in Miami also crosses through celebrity homes and mansions that line up Millionaire’s Row, where you can get inspired by how they have been built. If you are more into architecture than wild treks, then this relaxing 90-minute tour is for you.
Miami Biscayne Bay Cruise to Millionaire’s Row
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Miami Tour Guide
Alexander Gorn
I was born in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, in the Soviet Union, and left for the USA when I was 23 years old, just out of college. Leningrad was and still is a city with great cultural traditions. I fell in love with its world-famous museums, art galleries, theaters, and other attractions. I have been guiding tours for most of my life and began while still in high school. During the summer... Read more
Tours by Alexander
5. Set sail on a pirate ship (from USD 30.0)
Do you wanna explore the breathtaking Miami waterfront on a one-of-a kind experience? Book this affordable trip with your family to experience being on a pirate ship for 80 minutes.
As you have plenty of fun aboard this cruise, you’ll not only capture mesmerizing views of the sun-splashed skyline from the deck, but also enjoy binge-eating and drinking all the way through. Food and drinks are available for purchase but the live entertainment is absolutely free for all pirate guests on board.
Biscayne Bay Pirates-Themed Sightseeing Cruise from Miami
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
6. Indulge in a luxury two-hour boat ride (from USD 499.0)
At least once in your lifetime, treat yourself to a nice, leisurely ride around the Miami Beach area. For two unforgettable hours, you get to enjoy the warmth of the Miami sun, the colorful waterfront sights, and the delightful taste of included refreshments. The boat picks you up and drops you off at Grand Doubletree, Bayshore. Although a little expensive compared to group tours, this premium private tour is more convenient, relaxing, and intimate. It takes you to South Beach, Biscayne Bay, and Star Island. You may even get to set foot on the beautiful, uninhabited Picnic Island. Take your date or your entire family with you on this lovely getaway.
Stunning 2 hours Boat Tour With Amazing Views Of Miami
Duration: 2 hours
7. Enjoy a guided tour on a budget (from USD 21.0)
Miami boat rides do not have to leave big holes in your pockets. This guided tour is priced at approximately 20 USD for an hour and a half of cruising through the breathtaking Miami Bay. You will love how informative the guide is. Here, you will not only delight your eyes but also empower your mind. If sitting in an open-air space under the (sometimes) scorching Miami heat does not exactly suit you well, you can sit in a controlled room environment on the boat’s lower floor. Yes, the boat is an awesome double-decker offering you a better view of the surroundings. At Bayside Marketplace — the pick-up and drop-off point — you can further maximize the value of this trip by tasting local delicacies.
Miami Boat Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
8. Explore a man-made island on a double-decker boat (from USD 23.0)
There are many interesting places around Biscayne Bay — including Star Island that is a man-made island inhabited by famous personalities and is open for public viewing. Among the celebrity houses on the island are Shaquille O'Neal and Don Johnson’s lovely residences. Joining the list of fancy mansions for your sightseeing pleasure are the houses in the Millionaire’s Row which all look ethereally beautiful from a double-decker boat. For an affordable price, you can enjoy all these pleasant and inspiring sights by joining the tour.
Miami Boat Tour of Millionaire's Row & Star Island
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
9. Join a 90-minute sightseeing spree with your kids (from USD 18.0)
Are you bringing your kids to your next Miami vacation? You don’t need to worry about leaving them in a hotel as this cruise is labeled kid-friendly. The railings on the upper deck are closed-in for better security. This 90-minute sightseeing tour takes you around the bay under the care of an informative guide. Your family will ultimately enjoy the information being shared just as they appreciate the downtown skyline view from the boat. The tour runs from 11:30 in the morning, but you can catch the later schedule at 4:30 in the evening to catch the golden hour.
Miami Beach Sightseeing Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
10. Witness a wild animal show and drive through a tropical wetland on an air boat (from USD 84.0)
This adventure tour and boat cruise in Everglades and Star Island is a must-grab activity when in Miami. This tour is slightly longer than other wilderness packages. You will be exploring places on an air boat which adds to the depth of this immersive experience. You can even feel the water splashing as you navigate through Miami’s waters. The trip also includes an animal show at the Safari Park, one of the top five destinations in Miami. Don’t worry, as this trip is safe and not as exhausting as it appears. Upon return, you’ll be riding in a comfortable tourist boat as you enjoy the sight of Miami mansions.
Do the Everglades Adventure Tour and Star Island Boat Cruise (Combo)
Duration: 7 hours 15 minutes
11. Enjoy a nice warm swim at the Bahamas (from USD 200.0)
Bimini Day Cruise takes you to the Bahamas Island, which is pretty much every sea wanderer’s dream. You will be conveniently picked up from your hotel and transported in an air-conditioned ferry to Bimini Big Game Resort and Marina, where you are free to do whatever you want. You can take a nice long swim, read a book by the shore, or engage in some watersports. This journey is relatively longer but also more flexible. It will allow you to savor the beauty of the Miami views better — including South Beach and Fort Lauderdale. So, be prepared to wake up at 5am when you book this tour.
Bimini Day Cruise with pick-up & Hilton beach day pass
Duration: 18 hours
Tour Miami on a splendid day cruise
Miami, Florida is to be experienced on a boat, not just on the coach. Its warm weather, rich aquatic preserve, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters are too beautiful to be left undiscovered. Given the available choices for both group and private tours, from short cruises in Miami to full-day trips, there is certainly one that suits your budget needs and personal interests. Try any of the above best day cruises on your next visit to this city.
Frequently asked questions about the best day cruises in Miami
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