Miami: Pirate Boat Tour, Skyline & Millionaire Homes Cruise

Summary

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You’ll sail from Bayside Marketplace on a lively pirate boat tour through Miami’s Biscayne Bay, catching close-up views of celebrity mansions and that wild city skyline. With stories from your local guide, music onboard, snacks available, and plenty of chances for photos (especially if you’ve got kids in pirate hats), this is one of those Miami afternoons that lingers long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

We boarded the pirate boat at Bayside Marketplace — it’s hard to miss, honestly, with all the kids in pirate hats and the crew already joking around before we even left the dock. The smell of sunscreen mixed with popcorn from a nearby stall (I grabbed some for the ride). Our guide, Carlos, started telling stories right away — about the bay, about who maybe lives in which mansion on Star Island (he winked when someone asked about J.Lo), and how not everything you see on Instagram is real. The boat itself was loud in a good way; music playing but not so much you couldn’t hear each other. I tried to get my nephew to say “ahoy” but he just giggled and hid behind his hat.

As we cruised past those massive houses on Millionaire’s Row, I kept thinking how close but far they felt — like you could almost touch that kind of life but also not at all. The water was choppy in spots and a little salty spray hit my face (I didn’t mind). There was this moment where we passed under the Venetian Causeway and everyone went quiet for a second — just watching the skyline light up as clouds moved over downtown Miami. It wasn’t planned or anything, just one of those pauses that sticks with you. Carlos pointed out which islands were built in the 1920s and told us which ones had parties so wild neighbors called the Coast Guard. Someone asked if we’d see any dolphins; he shrugged and said sometimes they show up for free snacks too.

The tour ended back at Pier 5 with music still playing and people taking photos with the crew (the littlest kids looked so proud in their pirate hats). I grabbed a quick bite from one of the stands — fried plantains, super hot but good — while families lingered by the water. The breeze off Biscayne Bay smelled like salt and grilled fish from somewhere nearby. I caught myself smiling for no reason except maybe because sometimes Miami feels like it’s showing off just for you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Miami Pirate Boat Tour and Sights

• Explore Bayside Marketplace
• Board the pirate-themed boat
• Hear company story introduction
• Cruise past Downtown Miami
• View Millionaire's Row at Star Island
• Glide by Venetian Islands
• Pass Miami Beach shores
• Return to Pier 5 at Bayside
• Enjoy local food and drinks

Top questions

Where does the Miami Pirate Boat Tour start?

The tour departs from Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami.

Are snacks or drinks included on the pirate boat tour?

Snacks and drinks are available onboard upon request; alcoholic drinks are also available for adults 21+.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on the pirate boat.

How long before departure should I check in?

You should check in 30 minutes prior to your booked tour start time.

Is this Miami sightseeing cruise suitable for children?

Yes, it’s family-friendly; children get pirate hats and can ride with parents or guardians.

What happens if I arrive late for my booking?

If you arrive late and the cruise is full, you’ll be put on the next available boat depending on availability.

Will I always be on a pirate-themed vessel?

The aim is to use the pirate ship, but sometimes another boat may be used due to operational reasons; service remains unchanged.

Are service animals allowed onboard?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Bayside Marketplace with music onboard, bilingual local guides sharing stories as you cruise past Star Island and Millionaire’s Row, snacks and drinks available upon request (including alcoholic options for adults), souvenir photo opportunities if you want them, restrooms onboard for comfort, plus special pirate hats for kids — all wrapped up by returning to Pier 5 where you can grab food or just hang out by Biscayne Bay before heading home.