Miami Boat Tour: Private Cruise, Skyline Views & Floating Mat

Summary

Private Miami cruise with skyline views, celebrity homes and floating mat fun

You’ll cruise Miami’s waters with a local captain, spotting celebrity homes on Fisher Island, pausing for photos of the skyline near Bayside Marketplace, and laughing with friends on a giant floating mat. There’s music, cold drinks, and plenty of time to soak in city energy or just drift quietly—a private boat tour that feels personal long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that pink mansion? Gloria Estefan used to throw wild parties there,” Captain Luis grinned as he steered us past Fisher Island. I’d never been on a private boat tour in Miami before, and honestly, I was nervous I’d feel out of place—but Luis made it easy. The breeze smelled faintly salty and sweet, like sunscreen and seaweed mixed together. My friend tried to DJ from her phone over the Bluetooth speakers but kept playing the same Bad Bunny song by accident. Nobody minded. We drifted close enough to the shore that you could almost count the palm trees lining those ridiculous mansions.

The skyline hit me harder than I expected—glass towers glinting in the late afternoon sun, Brickell’s high-rises stacked like dominoes. Our captain slowed down near Bayside Marketplace so we could watch people spilling out of shops and hear distant music from some street performer (or maybe just someone’s speaker). The water felt cooler here; I dangled my hand over the side and watched tiny fish scatter away. There was this moment where everyone went quiet just looking at Miami all lit up—felt kind of electric, you know?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much watching my cousin try to climb onto the floating water mat (she slipped twice, blame the sunscreen). We floated out by the Port of Miami too—so many cruise ships lined up it looked like a city on water. Luis pointed out which ones were headed for the Caribbean and which were just docked for supplies. It was weirdly peaceful seeing all that bustle from our own little boat bubble.

We ended up staying longer than planned because no one wanted to leave—the sun dipped behind downtown and everything turned gold for a minute. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear seagulls back home. If you’re after a day trip in Miami that feels both relaxed and special (and you want your own playlist), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Miami private boat tour highlights

• Board private boat with expert captain
• Enjoy panoramic views of Miami skyline
• See iconic landmarks and Brickell City Centre
• Pass by Bayside Marketplace waterfront
• View busy Port of Miami cruise ships
• Glide past luxurious Fisher Island homes
• Relax on complimentary floating water mat

Top questions

How long is the private boat tour in Miami?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Does the boat tour include stops at Fisher Island?

You’ll cruise by Fisher Island for close views but do not stop there.

Is there music on board during the Miami boat tour?

Yes, there’s a Bluetooth music system so you can play your own tunes.

Are drinks included on this private boat tour?

Bottled water is provided along with a cooler filled with ice.

Can we use a floating mat during the Miami boat trip?

Yes, there’s a complimentary 12ft floating water mat included for fun and relaxation.

What landmarks will we see on this Miami boat tour?

You’ll see Fisher Island, Bayside Marketplace, Brickell City Centre, Port of Miami cruise ships, and celebrity homes along the shoreline.

Is there a restroom available onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom available on the vessel.

Are service animals allowed on this private cruise?

Service animals are allowed during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water to keep cool under the sun, a big cooler packed with ice if you want to bring extra drinks or snacks, access to an onboard restroom for comfort, your own playlist through Bluetooth speakers (if you dare), plus plenty of laughs trying out their giant floating water mat—all guided by an experienced local captain who knows every corner of these waters.