Miami Biscayne Bay: Small-Group Sailing & Snorkeling Tour

Summary

Sailing miami’s biscayne bay with locals wind wildlife & quiet

You’ll sail across Miami’s Biscayne Bay with local guides on a small-group eco-adventure — barefoot on the boat, snorkeling at sandbars, spotting manatees or starfish if you’re lucky. Expect casual snacks, plenty of fresh air, and moments that feel more like hanging out with friends than being on a tour.

What’s the experience like?

We were already drifting out from the dock when JP grinned and told us to stash our shoes in the dry bag — “barefoot is better for feeling the boat,” he said, and I honestly didn’t expect to care but it made sense once we got moving. The Hobie catamaran was lighter than I thought, skimming over Biscayne Bay while the sails snapped overhead. There was this briny breeze that stuck to my skin and I could hear gulls somewhere behind us, plus the faintest music from a party boat way off in the distance. It felt like we’d borrowed someone’s afternoon instead of booking a tour.

David pointed out little clusters of mangroves and called out a manatee before any of us spotted it — just a slow gray shape under the surface. He grew up in Argentina but has lived in Miami long enough to know every twist of this bay; you could tell by how he talked about the water, almost like he was translating for it. We stopped at a sandbar where the water was shallow and warm around my ankles, and JP handed me a snorkel mask (I hesitated, but he promised there were starfish). Didn’t see dolphins this time but there were flashes of silver fish and one bright blue crab that darted away when I got too close. I’m still thinking about that weird silence you get when you duck your head underwater — everything muffled except your own breath.

The snacks were simple — watermelon slices, cookies, chips — but after swimming they tasted kind of perfect. Someone cracked a joke about bringing wine next time (it’s BYOB if you want), and David laughed so hard he almost dropped his fruit. The whole thing was relaxed, nothing rushed or scripted; at one point we just floated for a while watching clouds stack up over downtown Miami. When we finally sailed back, my hair was full of salt and I felt sunburned in places I missed with sunscreen, but honestly? I’d do it again just for those few hours of feeling weightless out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and explore Biscayne Bay

• Meet founders and guides
• Board Hobie Catamaran sailboats
• Sail Biscayne Bay by wind power
• Explore sandbars and islets
• Swim and snorkel (optional)
• Walk through mangroves
• Watch for dolphins and manatees
• Enjoy healthy snacks and drinks
• Return to dock

Top questions

How many people are on each sailing tour?

Each boat holds 3–5 guests maximum; groups over 5 are split between two boats.

Is snorkeling included on this Biscayne Bay tour?

Yes, snorkeling is optional and all gear is provided by your guides.

Are food and drinks provided during the trip?

Fresh fruit, cookies, chips, and water are included; you can also bring your own drinks (BYOB).

Who leads the sailing tours in Miami?

Your guides are David or JP—locals originally from Argentina and Venezuela with over 15 years’ experience sailing here.

What wildlife might I see on Biscayne Bay?

You might spot dolphins, manatees, starfish, or schools of fish depending on conditions.

Is this tour suitable for kids or beginners?

The boats are safe for all ages; infants must sit on an adult’s lap. No sailing experience needed.

How long does the small-group sailing tour last?

The experience lasts about 3.5 hours total on Biscayne Bay.

Does this Miami sailing tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; public transport options are nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes 3–5 guests per boat with friendly local guides David or JP leading the way across Biscayne Bay by wind power only—no engines at all. All snorkeling equipment is provided if you want to swim or explore sandbars. Fresh fruit, cookies, chips and water are available throughout (bring your own favorite drink if you like). Life vests and dry bags for personal items come standard so you can relax and enjoy every salty breeze along the way.