Miami Boat Tours and Sightseeing Cruises

Updated: Juni 13, 2023

This post covers the best boat tour and cruise discounts available in the Miami area, South Florida.

We include details about how to save money on a variety of sightseeing cruises, speedboat rides, sailing adventures, and kayak tours.


Überblick

Boat tours and boat cruises in Miami provide a fantastic opportunity to explore the city's coastline and enjoy the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Sightseeing tours offer panoramic views of Miami, showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Art Deco district of South Beach, Star Island, Fisher Island, Port of Miami and the towering Downtown Miami Skyline.

Some tours take you to the stunning Biscayne Bay, where you can admire the vibrant marine life and discover picturesque islands like the famous Key Biscayne.

For those seeking adventure, speedboat tours offer thrilling experiences with high-speed rides and exhilarating maneuvers.

Sunset cruises provide a romantic setting to witness the breathtaking colors of the evening sky while enjoying a leisurely voyage.

You can also take one of the best Miami celebrity boat tours which showcases the celebrity mansions along the Millionaire's row.

And with the plethora of options to chose form, there are a lot of different ways to save money on boat tours and cruises in the Miami area.

One of the most common options is to use a discount site like Groupon or LivingSocial, as they often provide deals of up to 60% off ticket prices and they also frequently offer coupon codes for an extra 10% - 20% off.

The next best way to save a lot of money is by using a Miami tourist pass. There are several cruises and boat tours included on the various tourist passes available in this city.


MIAMI SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

This section will cover some of the best sightseeing cruises available in Miami. These services typically travel around the area and provide excellent views of the city.

We will cover prices, the length of each cruise, and details about what you can expect while on the boat.

Depending on which company you choose, you can expect the following types of discounts on sightseeing boat tours and cruises.

  • Kids under 3 are free.
  • Save on Children's tickets.
  • Included with Combo Tickets.
  • Use a Discount Site.
  • Book on their website.
  • Use a Tourist Pass.

The best ways to save money on these boat tours and cruises are by either using a tourist pass or a discount site. You could save more than 50% off regular ticket prices.


Island Queen Cruises

This might be one of the more prolific cruise companies in all of Miami.

They offer several different services, but their most popular options are the Bayside Blaster, Millionaire’s Row sightseeing cruise, and a dance cruise.

This is an excellent example of a tour company that does it all while managing to keep their prices low and affordable.

Each of their major cruises is less than $30 per person!


Ticket Prices

  • The Original Millionaire’s Row Cruise
  • Bayside Blaster Cruise
    • $28/Adults | $20/Children
    • Free for kids 3 and under
    • Duration: 1 ½ hour
    • Availability: Weekends
    • Hours: 11:30 am - 5:30 pm
    • Purchase tickets or learn more.
    • Not currently available.
  • Miami Dance Cruise
    • $10 per person
    • Duration: 1 hour
    • Availability: Fri - Sun
    • Hours: 9 pm
    • Not currently available.

Island Queen cruises routinely receive ratings of at least 4 out of 5 stars (read reviews here).

Most people were very pleased with their outing, suggesting the staff is both helpful and knowledgeable.

Even those who were not very impressed noted that these cruises are a great photo opportunity.


Ermäßigungen

  • Kids under 3 are free.
  • Save $8 on Children's tickets.
  • Included with Big Bus Tours Combo Tickets.
  • Book on their website to save $2 on the Dance Cruise.
  • Book on their website to save $5 on Bayside Blaster or Millionaire's Row.
  • Use a Discount Site.

The best deal on Island Queen Cruises will most likely be through discount sites, as they have at times offered discounts of up to 60% off tickets.

Combined with the coupon codes frequently offered by these sites which provide an additional 10% - 20% off on average, you could pay less than $10 for a cruise!


Fiesta Cruises

Offering a variety of cruises every week, Fiesta Cruises provides sightseeing tours of Millionaire’s Row and the Miami Skyline.

Whether you want to see the homes of the rich and famous, or you’re more interested in discovering the vibrant artistic and cultural sites in the city, these cruises are sure to please.

You can choose from a celebrity homes cruise or a sightseeing cruise that includes free snacks.


Ticket Prices

  • Celebrity Homes Cruise
    • $34 per person
    • Free for kids 3 and under
    • Duration: 1 ½ hours
    • Availability: Daily
    • Weekday Hours: 12:30 pm
    • Saturday Hours: 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm
    • Sunday Hours: 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm
    • Purchase tickets or learn more.
  • Miami Sights & Bites Cruise

Fiesta Cruises has a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor, so it’s safe to say that most people enjoyed their trip.

Thankfully, most of the negative reviews appear to have nothing to do with these particular tours, so it’s safe to say that most guests enjoyed their trip.


Ermäßigungen

Much like their competitors, this company also frequently offers great deals on discount sites, and you can save even more money using their coupon codes.

That said, if you're planning to take the Celebrity Homes Cruise, using a tourist pass will at least ensure that you can save 50% or more on tickets.


Bayride Tours

Most of the Miami boat tours you will find on this list focus on the Biscayne Bay area, traveling around the Miami beaches and mansions in South Beach.

Bayride Tours is no exception, but they offer a much more comfortable ride than you will find on a speedboat tour.

Clocking in at 90 minutes, this Miami boat tour is very informative and relaxing.

You can expect a full cash bar to be at your disposal, allowing you to enjoy your favorite cocktails and beers while exploring the beautiful sights and sounds of Miami.


Ticket Prices

  • Tickets: $26/Adults | $19/Children
  • Children under 3 ride for free
  • Duration: 1 ½ hours
  • Availability: Daily
  • Hours: 11:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Purchase tickets or learn more.

This service currently enjoys a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars (read reviews here). Only a few people have had any problems with Bayride Tours.

For the most part, many of the guests who take advantage of this Miami boat tour have an excellent time.

Some reviewers say that this is a great option for families, while others absolutely loved the views of the city.


Ermäßigungen

  • Free for kids under 3.
  • $7 off children's tickets.
  • Use a Discount Site.

Without question, you'll get the best deal on Bayride Cruises using a discount site.

Not only do they provide very low prices, but they also frequently offer additional coupon codes for an extra 10% - 20% off.


SPEEDBOATS

There are many ways to discover Miami, but speedboat tours are definitely one of the most exciting options.

This section will cover each speedy cruise available in the city, as well as ticket prices, the length of each cruise, and what you can expect.

If you're looking to save money on this activity, you can expect to find the following discounts from these companies:

  • Save money on children's tickets.
  • Use a Tourist Pass.
  • Use a discount site.
  • Book through their website.
  • Group discounts.

Once again, tourist passes and discount sites are the best ways to get a good deal on tickets for Speed Boat tours. You can expect to save up to 50% off normal ticket prices.


Jet Boat Miami

This company places an emphasis on having fun. They tour all around the Miami beach, even taking you near the homes of the rich and famous.

But you can also expect to spend a lot of time going fast out on the ocean.

This is more like an amusement park ride than an informative tour, but you’ll probably have a great time no matter what.

When it comes to this service, in particular, you should expect to get wet, because your captain is going to be pulling off a lot of exciting tricks.


Ticket Prices

This speedboat tour currently enjoys a 4 ½ out of 5-star rating (read reviews here). Most customers report that this service is very fun and the tour guides are excellent.

The only complaint anyone seems to have is that these boats go pretty darn fast, and it can be a bit too jarring for some riders.


Ermäßigungen

  • $14 off tickets for children.
  • Use a Discount Site.

The two best options for saving money on tickets are either using a tourist pass or using a discount site.

While the tourist pass could save you 50% or more on tickets, discount sites often provide additional coupon codes you can use to save an extra 10% - 20% off, which could bring the price even lower than other deals available.


Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures

Some Miami boat tours are more of a thrill ride than others. Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures offers a speedy trip around the city that is both fun and informative.

These speed boats boast a 2200 watt sound system that pumps music while your captain is jumping the waves and pulling off tricks.

When you arrive at each destination, things wind down for a bit so that your tour guide can discuss some of the sights and sounds of Miami's South Beach.


Ticket Prices

Much like their competitors, Thriller Miami has a 4 ½ out of 5-star rating (read reviews here).

Some customers said they would take the tour twice if they could, while others described it as the best boat ride they had ever taken!

If you can believe it, the only negative reviews stated that the boat wasn’t as fast as they expected.

Most people seem to think it’s pretty darn speedy, so this is probably an outlier.


Ermäßigungen

  • $14 off tickets for children.
  • Included with Miami Sightseeing Pass.
  • Book the first tour of the day through their website and save $10 per ticket.

Without question, the best deal on the Thriller Miami Speedboat tour comes from the Miami Sightseeing Pass.

This tourist pass could save you up to 50% or more on every activity and attraction included.


Speedboat Tours of Miami

If you’re looking for a more personal speedboat tour, this is an excellent option.

While other tours are designed to entertain dozens, Speedboat Tours of Miami provides a more personal approach where seating is limited.

You’ll have to pay a premium for this personalized experience, but considering that the tour lasts about twice as long as other options, it’s well worth the price.

Learn a lot about the Miami area from a local tour guide while you’re having fun out on the ocean in a small, quick speed boat.


Ticket Prices

  • $139/Adults | $49/Children
  • Duration: 1 ½ hours
  • Availability: Daily
  • Hours: 12 pm & 2 pm
  • Not Currently Available as of Nov 2022.

Speedboat Tours of Miami currently has a 4 ½ out of 5-star rating.

Most customers are very impressed with their outing, indicating that their guide provides a lot of information about the area.

There haven’t been many complaints, but those who did have an issue with this service suggested that this is more about the tour than the ride; if you’re interested in a thrilling experience, consider another option instead.


Ermäßigungen

The only deal available for this service is $90 off for children's tickets. If you're coming with children, this could be a good way to save money.


Ocean Force Adventures

There are typically two types of speedboat tours in Miami; the first type is going to be more of a ride than a tour, while the second type is more of a tour than a ride.

That being said, even the more informative speedboat tours are a lot of fun, and you can expect to get a little wet no matter what you do.

Ocean Force Adventures prides itself on providing an incredibly educational experience that will take you off the beaten path and allow you to explore a side of Miami that you might not otherwise see.


Ticket Prices

  • $150 per person | $139 per person (groups of 4+)
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Availability: Daily
  • Hours: 9:30 am, 11:45 am, 3 pm

NOTE: This speedboat tour is not currently available, but they may bring it back in the future.

This is one of the highest-rated Miami boat tours on TripAdvisor with a full 5-star rating.

Customers report that the captains are very knowledgeable and will teach you a lot about the marine life in the area.

Although it is one of the most expensive speed boat tours in the city, it is also one of the longest and most informative tours of the Biscayne Bay area.


Ermäßigungen

The only way to save money on this tour is when you purchase tickets in groups of 4 or more people, at which point you'll save $11 per person.


SPECIALTY BOAT TOURS

In addition to all the speedboat tours and sightseeing cruises available in Miami, there are also some sailing adventures, snorkeling trips, water taxis, and other services that can take you out on the water.

This section covers all the Miami boat tours and cruises that provide a more unique and interesting look at the city and its surroundings.

There are a lot of different ways to save money on tickets for these activities including the following options:

  • Free for young kids.
  • Kids discounts.
  • Youth discounts.
  • Senior discounts.
  • Book through their website.
  • Included with tourist passes.
  • Included on discount sites.

The best discounts are either tourist passes or discount sites, and you can expect to save up to 50% on tickets.


Sunset Watersports

Located in Key West, this company specializes in all kinds of fun water sports activities such as kayaking, paddleboards, snorkeling, parasailing, Hobie cats, and more.

These aren’t really tours, they’re just fun and exciting things to do out on the water near Miami.

In other words, you shouldn’t expect guides to provide any information about the area.

Prices are fairly reasonable for each service, ranging from $35-$50 on average for each activity.


Ticket Prices

  • Kayak Rental
    • $40 per person
    • Duration: 2 hours
    • Availability: Daily
  • Parasailing
    • $89.95 per person
    • Duration: 1 hour
    • Availability: Daily
  • Paddleboard Rental
    • $50 per person
    • Duration: 2 hours
    • Availability: Daily
  • Sunset Cruise
    • $69.95/Adults | $44.95/Children
    • Free for kids 5 and under
    • Duration: 2 hours
    • Availability: Daily
  • Snorkel Adventure
    • $49.95/Adults | $39.95/Children
    • Free for kids 5 and under
    • Duration: 3 hours
    • Availability: Daily
  • Hobie Cat Rental
    • $50 per person
    • Duration: 1 hour
    • Availability: Daily

Sunset Watersports has received great reviews for most of their services and they have an overall rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor (read reviews here).

Customers report that their staff is funny and helpful, and these are fun activities for the whole family.


Ermäßigungen

Without question, the best way to save money on these services is by using a Miami tourist pass.

Depending on which one you choose and how you use it, you could save 50% or more on all these activities!


Duck Tours

If you’re looking for a different kind of cruise that doubles as a bus tour, this is an excellent option.

These amphibious vehicles take you around the city and out on the water.

In addition to seeing a lot of notable sites in the area, you’ll also enjoy some great music and commentary about the city.


Ticket Prices

  • $48.15/Adults |  $29.96/Youths (4-12) | $10.70/Children (3 and under)
  • Duration: 1 ½ hours
  • Availability: Daily
  • Hours: 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm
  • Purchase tickets or learn more.

Reviews for Duck Tours are very good, and they have an overall rating of about 4 ½ out of 5 stars (read reviews here).

Most customers enjoy the tour, reporting their local guide is fun and knowledgeable.

The only complaints focus on the fact that this service is more about having fun than learning about the city.

If you’re looking for a more informative outing, consider another type of boat tour.


Ermäßigungen

  • $37.45 off for kids under 3.
  • $18.19 off for youth between the age of 4-12.
  • 10% off when you purchase tickets on their website.
  • Included with Go City Miami Pass.
  • Use a Discount Site.

There are a lot of different ways to save money on tickets for the South Beach Duck Tour, but using a tourist pass will give you the best chance at saving up to 50% or more.

Alternatively, discount sites also offer pretty good rates on this tour, and they often provide additional coupon codes for 10% - 20% off.


Water Taxi Miami

Although this isn’t exactly a tour, it is absolutely worth mentioning.

Miami can have some gridlock when it comes to traditional transportation, so it’s nice to be able to get around in a Water Taxi.

Instead of driving and getting stuck in traffic, you can use these little boats to get from one point to another without any hassle.

Sometimes your captain will even point out a few notable locations in the city, so it’s definitely a great value if you’re looking for an alternative form of transportation in Miami.


Ticket Prices

With a 4 star rating on TripAdvisor, it’s safe to say that this is a fairly decent service.

Most reviewers report that the Water Taxi can actually be a lot faster during heavy traffic hours.

If you’re planning on taking a self-guided tour that spans across the city, you might want to consider using the Water Taxi to get around.


Ermäßigungen

  • Free for kids 4 and under.
  • Children's tickets (for age 4-12) are discounted.
  • Use a Discount Site.

If you're just looking for a quick trip across the water, the best way to save money will be the fact that their children's tickets cost less than an adult fare.

However, if you plan to charter a boat, this company does offer charter services on discount sites which allow you to save 50% or more off the regular price for this service.


MIAMI TO BAHAMAS BOAT TRIPS

Miami to Bahamas boat tours provide an exciting and convenient way to travel between the two destinations.

These tours typically depart from Miami and take you across the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the beautiful islands of the Bahamas, such as Bimini or Nassau.

Passengers can enjoy a comfortable and leisurely cruise experience with amenities like onboard dining, entertainment, and relaxation areas.

Once in the Bahamas, you'll have the opportunity to explore pristine beaches, indulge in water sports, visit local attractions, and immerse yourself in the vibrant island culture.

Return trips from the Bahamas to Miami are also available, allowing for a seamless round-trip experience.


Day Trips

From Miami: Bimini Bahamas Day Trip w/ Hotel Pickup + Ferry

  • Duration: 16 hours
  • Availability: Sun, Wed, Friday
  • Price: $324.73/Adult
  • Starting time: 6:20 am

Bimini day trip from Port everglades

  • Duration: 16 hours
  • Availability: Daily
  • Price: $211/Adult | $176/Children | $119/Infant
  • Starting time: 5 am, 7:05 am

Water Activity

From Miami: Bimini Bahamas Round-Trip Ferry & Hotel Pickup

  • Duration: 16 hours
  • Availability: Sun, Wed, Friday
  • Price: $389
  • Starting time: 6 am

From Fort Lauderdale: Bahamas Full-Day Trip by Ferry

  • Availability: Thu, Sat
  • Price: $425
  • Starting time: 6:00 am

Can you take a boat from Miami to the Bahamas?

Yes, you can take a private boat or yacht from Miami to the Bahamas.

The travel time will depend on the vessel's speed and the route chosen.

Typically, it takes between 2 to 6 hours to sail from Miami to the Bahamas by private boat, depending on factors such as sea conditions, boat speed, and the specific destination in the Bahamas.

Alternatively, you can also take the Ferry to the Bahamas which is often considered to be a better way than taking a private boat.

Ferries are often more convenient and accessible with scheduled departure times, while private boats require more planning and navigation skills.

Ferries are generally more affordable as they have set prices, whereas private boats entail higher expenses.

Ferries offer amenities like comfortable seating, restrooms, and food services, enhancing the travel experience.

Ferries prioritize safety with experienced operators and regular inspections, ensuring a secure journey.

Know more about Ferry option to Bahamas by clicking on this link.


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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

Stephen is the CEO of Free Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and Europe, and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers. Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more.
Updated: Juni 13th, 2023
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