Miami Bay: Private Sailing Charter & Biscayne Snorkeling

Set sail from Coconut Grove past Key Biscayne with dolphins and city lights

You’ll sail Miami Bay with a local captain, try your hand at steering or paddleboarding, swim near Key Biscayne, and maybe even spot dolphins if luck’s on your side. Lunch is grilled onboard while city views drift by—expect salty air, relaxed company, and plenty of time to soak in Biscayne’s colors.

What’s included

Your day includes private use of a stylish 40-foot Beneteau sailboat with safety equipment approved by the US Coast Guard, restrooms and an outdoor shower onboard, water plus fridge and ice for drinks, paddleboards for those who want to try, barbecue lunch on longer tours (think smoky skirt steak), plus all guidance from your experienced local captain before returning to shore whenever you’re ready.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private sailing and water activities

• Sail Miami Bay and Biscayne Bay
• Pass under Rickenbacker Bridge
• View Miami skyline and waterfront
• Anchor near Key Biscayne for swim
• Swim and paddleboard at anchorage
• Enjoy barbecue on board
• See stilt vacation homes south of Key Biscayne

The Experience

I didn’t expect the water to look so green-blue right off Coconut Grove. We met our captain—Carlos, who grew up sailing these waters—and within minutes we were gliding out into Biscayne Bay. There was this salty breeze that made my hair stick to my forehead in the best way. Carlos pointed out the old stilt houses off Key Biscayne, telling stories about rum-runners and hurricanes like he’d lived through half of them himself. I tried steering for a bit—turns out it’s harder than it looks when you’re laughing at your own awkwardness.

We anchored near Rickenbacker Trail where the skyline kind of floats above the water. Someone spotted a dolphin fin (I missed it, but I caught the splash). Lunch was skirt steak grilled on deck—smelled smoky-sweet, mixed with sunscreen and ocean air. The captain handed me a paddleboard and gave me a quick lesson; I wobbled so much that even the pelicans looked amused. There was time to just lie back on deck too, listening to distant reggaeton drifting from another boat, sun warm on my face.

If you go for the longer charter, you can snorkel near Biscayne or even head down to Elliott Key if you’ve got all day—Carlos said it’s about 18 nautical miles south, which sounded far but tempting. The water gets clearer there, apparently. I liked that we could do as much or as little as we wanted; nobody rushed us or hovered. There’s something about seeing Miami’s glass towers from out on the bay that makes them feel less… sharp? Hard to explain but I still think about that view sometimes.

Top questions

How long does the private sailing tour last?

The standard tour is 4 hours; longer options up to 8 hours are available for destinations like Elliott Key.

Is snorkeling included in the Miami Bay sailing charter?

Snorkeling is possible with charters of 5 hours or more and good weather conditions.

Where does the sailing trip depart from?

The tour departs from Coconut Grove in Miami.

Are meals provided during the sailing tour?

A barbecue lunch (like skirt steak) is included during longer charters.

Can I try paddleboarding during the trip?

Yes, paddleboards are available and basic instruction is offered by your guide.

Will we see marine life like dolphins or turtles?

Dolphins and other marine life are often spotted but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there are restrooms and an outdoor shower on board.

Are service animals allowed on this sailing tour?

Service animals are allowed aboard Destino Charters’ vessels.