Miami Biscayne Bay Boat Cruise: Skyline, Millionaire’s Row & Champagne

Summary

Boat cruise through Miami’s Biscayne Bay with skyline views, music, and glimpses of Millionaire’s Row

You’ll step onto a Biscayne Bay boat right from Bayside Marketplace, watching Miami’s skyline shift around you while your guide shares stories about Millionaire’s Row and local life. Expect music, laughter, maybe even Champagne if you want it — plus those small moments when city lights flicker on or pelicans swoop by that stick with you long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the boat because I got distracted by a street musician outside Bayside Marketplace — saxophone echoing off the glass towers, that kind of Miami sound. But I made it, a little out of breath, and our guide (I think her name was Carla?) just grinned and waved me on like she’d seen it all before. The sun was still high but not brutal, and there was this mix of sunscreen and fried food in the air from the pier. It felt like everyone was in vacation mode already.

The first thing that hit me once we pulled away from the dock was how different Miami looks from the water. You get these wild angles on the skyline — glass reflecting gold in patches — and then suddenly you’re gliding past these insane mansions on Star Island. Carla pointed out which house belonged to which celebrity (I only recognized maybe half), but honestly I was more interested in watching a pelican dive right next to a yacht. There’s something about seeing both at once that makes you laugh a bit at the whole “Millionaire’s Row” thing. We passed under this old bridge (Carla said it was built in 1926) and I tried to imagine what Miami looked like back then — probably less neon.

Music played on board — not too loud, just enough to make people start swaying or tapping bottles against railings. Someone popped open a Champagne bottle (you can book that as an extra) and offered us a toast; I took one sip and nearly choked because I wasn’t expecting bubbles up my nose. The breeze picked up as we circled near Fisher Island, and for a second all you could hear were gulls and someone laughing at their own bad Spanish. There were snacks for sale but I mostly just watched the light change over Biscayne Bay — it goes from blue to this weird greenish shimmer when you’re not looking.

On the way back toward downtown Miami, the city lights started flickering on — not all at once but here and there like someone testing switches. You could smell saltwater mixed with something sweet from Pier 5 as we drifted close again. Carla waved goodbye to each group as we left; she even remembered my name, which surprised me after all those faces she must see every day. I still think about that view of the skyline lighting up behind us — it’s stuck with me longer than any souvenir photo would’ve.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Miami boat cruise and sightseeing

• Start tour at Bayside Marketplace
• Explore restaurants and shops
• Pass by cruise ship terminals
• View Kaseya Center stadium
• See oldest bascule bridge
• Admire Venetian Islands mansions
• Pass by Star Island and Millionaire's Row
• View Miami Beach and Ocean Drive
• Pass exclusive Fisher Island
• See Downtown Miami skyline
• Pass Hard Rock Cafe
• Enjoy Pier 5 outdoor venue
• Return to Bayside Marketplace

Top questions

Where does the Miami boat cruise start?

The cruise starts at Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami.

Is there music on board during the Biscayne Bay cruise?

Yes, music is played on board throughout the tour.

Can I buy drinks or snacks during the boat tour?

Yes, snacks and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Are there restrooms available on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom available onboard for passengers.

Does this tour include seeing Millionaire's Row?

Yes, you'll pass by Star Island and see Millionaire's Row during the cruise.

Is there an option for Champagne during the cruise?

You can select a package that includes a bottle of Champagne if desired.

How early should I arrive before departure?

You should check in 30 minutes before your booked tour time; boarding takes about 10 minutes.

Is this Miami boat tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

What’s included

Your experience includes boarding at Bayside Marketplace with bilingual guides leading you through Biscayne Bay past landmarks like Star Island and Fisher Island. Music plays onboard while snacks and drinks are available to purchase; select packages offer Champagne for toasting along the skyline. Restrooms are provided onboard for comfort throughout your journey.