Best Miami Boat Tours for Sightseeing, Experiences & More {2025}

1. Miami Millionaire’s Row Cruise

Best for: Celebrity home spotting and Miami history 

Duration: 90 minutes 

Price Range: $30-45 per adult, $20-30 per child

Board this double-decker boat and see the sights from the water in the best way. The open-air top level is the easiest way to see the beautiful mansions and bask in the sunshine, while the lower level may be easier for families with young kids while still offering views from a different perspective. 

The Millionaire’s Row Cruise is perhaps Miami’s most popular boat tour, and for good reason! This narrated sightseeing cruise takes you past the opulent mansions of Star Island, Fisher Island, and other exclusive neighborhoods where celebrities and the ultra-wealthy make their homes.

As you cruise through Biscayne Bay, knowledgeable guides point out the homes of famous residents (past and present) while sharing fascinating stories about Miami’s development. Kids especially love playing “spot the mansion” and hearing about which movie stars and athletes might be living behind those grand gates.

Family Tip: Book an afternoon cruise rather than sunset if traveling with young children. The daytime visibility is better for mansion-spotting, and the temperatures are more comfortable for little ones.

2. Everglades Airboat Adventure

Best for: Wildlife encounters and natural history 

Duration: Half-day (includes transportation from Miami) 

Price Range: $50-90 per adult, $40-60 per child

While technically just outside Miami, no water tour list would be complete without mentioning the exhilarating airboat rides through the Everglades National Park. These high-speed adventures take you gliding across the “River of Grass” to spot alligators, turtles, and exotic birds in their natural habitat.

We have done multiple airboat tours and they are always a great time! The tour guides truly love their job bopping along the water and pointing out wildlife along the way. I highly recommend for the entire family!

Most tours include transportation from Miami hotels, making this an easy day trip. The knowledgeable naturalists who guide these tours provide fascinating insights into the unique ecosystem of the Everglades, making this both entertaining and educational for children.

Family Tip: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and hearing protection for young children (the airboats are loud!). Many tour operators provide the latter, but it’s always good to be prepared.

3. Miami Pirate Adventure Cruise

Best for: Families with children aged 3-10 

Duration: 90 minutes 

Price Range: $40-50 per person

For families with younger children, the Pirate Adventure Cruise offers an interactive experience that combines sightseeing with imaginative play. Kids get to dress up as pirates, participate in a treasure hunt, face painting, and even engage in water cannon battles with “enemy pirates” on another boat.

This is another cruise we often do when visiting waterfront cities and it’s always a unique experience for kids! The storyline is different in each location and the “pirates” onboard are always so much fun. 

While the little ones are entertained by the pirate shenanigans, parents can enjoy beautiful views of the Miami coastline and Biscayne Bay. The cruise includes narration about landmarks you pass, but the focus is definitely on the pirate-themed fun.

Family Tip: Bring a change of clothes for the kids—they might get wet during the water cannon battles!

4. Miami Sailing Adventures Catamaran Tour

Best for: Relaxed sightseeing and swimming 

Duration: 3.5 hours 

Price Range: $75-95 per adult, $50-70 per child

For a more leisurely water experience, book a catamaran sailing tour of Biscayne Bay. These spacious boats provide comfortable seating, shade options, and often include banana boating or tubing, swimming at secluded sandbars and free drinks.

What makes these tours special is the peaceful nature of sailing – without noisy engines, you’re more likely to spot dolphins playing in the wake. You will sail by Bayside Marketplace, Miami Beach, and other iconic sights in South Florida, then relax on floating mats in the water, while sipping on a glass of wine. If you are brave enough, you can even hop on a water tube or banana boat and make unforgettable memories with your family. 

Family Tip: These longer tours typically include light refreshments, but bring additional snacks and water, especially for children. Also pack towels, swimwear, and reef-safe sunscreen if swimming is planned.

5. Miami Speedboat Adventure

Best for: Thrill-seeking families with older children 

Duration: 45 minutes 

Price Range: $45-60 per person

If your family craves excitement, the Miami Speedboat Adventure delivers with high-speed thrills combined with sightseeing. These tours use smaller, faster boats that zip across Biscayne Bay, performing exhilarating maneuvers while pausing at key landmarks for photos and information.

The tour covers similar sights as the Millionaire’s Row cruise but with added adrenaline. You’ll see Fisher Island, Star Island, and the Port of Miami while enjoying music and commentary from entertaining guides.

Family Tip: This tour is best for families with children aged 8 and up. Height restrictions apply (usually around 40 inches minimum), and pregnant women or people with back problems should choose a gentler tour option.

6. Miami Sunset Sail 

Best for: A calmer experience, perfect for a special occasion and spectacular views.  

Duration: 90-minute boat tour

Price Range: $89 per adult, $49 per child

If you are looking for a fully relaxing experience on the water, this is the perfect cruise for you. See the beauty of Miami on this sightseeing tour, while sipping a complimentary glass of wine, and taking in the full experience. 

This sunset cruise is a great experience for everyone, from solo travelers to families or couples and groups. The local guide will give details along the way, but will not take away from the tranquility of the overall experience. 

Tip: You are not allowed to bring additional alcoholic drinks on board, but snacks are welcome. I highly recommend this tour- it’s highly ranked as one of the best Miami boat tours!

Family Tip: If traveling with kids, bring snacks and activities for the boat ride, as it can take a few hours each way. Check if your tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off for added convenience.

Family Tip: If renting without a captain, ensure someone in your group has a valid boating license if required. For young kids, ask about life jacket availability before booking.

Best Time to Go

Miami’s boat tours operate year-round thanks to the city’s tropical climate. However, some seasons offer advantages:

• Winter (November-February): Perfect weather with temperatures in the 70s-80s°F and low humidity. This is peak tourist season, so book in advance.
• Spring (March-May): Still excellent weather with slightly fewer crowds than winter.
• Summer (June-September): Hot and humid with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Many tours offer discounted rates during this slower season.
• Fall (October-November): Hurricane season is winding down, crowds are thin, and the weather starts to improve.

What to Bring

No matter which boat tour you choose, don’t forget these essentials:

• Sunscreen (reef-safe if swimming)
• Sunglasses and hats
• Light jacket or sweater (for air-conditioned boats or evening cruises)
• Camera or smartphone for photos
• Motion sickness medication if prone to seasickness
• Reusable water bottle

Booking Tips

• Book online in advance, especially during peak winter and spring seasons
• Pay attention to weather conditions and understand the terms for a full refund if the tour does get cancelled 
• Look for family packages that can save money when booking for 4+ people
• Check if hotel pickup is included or available as an add-on
• Read the fine print about minimum ages and height requirements
• Consider private tours if you have a larger family group (often more economical per person with 6+ people)

Choosing the Best Miami Boat Tour for You

With so many options available, how do you decide which best Miami boat tour suits your needs? Here are some key factors to consider:

• Budget: Sightseeing cruises are generally more affordable, while private charters offer luxury experiences at a higher price point.
• Group Size: Larger groups may prefer a private boat rental, and couples might enjoy a sunset cruise, while families could prefer a Pirate Adventure. 
• Experience Type: Looking for adventure? Opt for a speedboat tour. Want to relax? A Miami sunset cruise on a catamaran might be perfect. Want a full day on the water? Look into a private boat tour or a boat trip to Key West. 
• Departure Location: Most tours leave from Downtown Miami or the Port of Miami, so consider convenience when booking.