Miami Private Boat Tour: Sunset, Snorkeling & Dolphins

Dolphins, Sandbars & Golden Hour: A Private Boat Ride Through Biscayne Bay

You board a private Bayliner 22 with a USCG-certified captain and cruise Biscayne Bay with snorkeling gear, cooler, and ice included. Spot dolphins, visit Raccoon Island, and swim at Haulover Sandbar in clear turquoise water, or catch the sunset with your own music playing through the boat's Bluetooth system. Bring your own food and drinks, and the captain handles the rest—no separate rentals or logistics to arrange.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Meet captain at marina
• Board Bayliner 22 boat
• Cruise Biscayne Bay waters
• Spot dolphins along route
• Visit Raccoon Island
• Stop at Haulover Sandbar
• Swim and snorkel in shallow waters
• Enjoy Miami skyline views
• Relax during golden-hour sunset

The Experience

So you're standing at the marina and your captain's already there, boat ready, Bluetooth system waiting for you to plug in whatever you want to hear. The Bayliner 22 is compact enough to move fast but roomy enough that you're not packed in—you can actually breathe and move around. If you're going out for sunset, the light's already starting to shift by the time you leave the dock, and you know you've got maybe two hours before it gets good. If it's a daytime trip, the water's already warm and the dolphins are out there somewhere in Biscayne Bay, and your captain knows where to look.

The snorkeling part isn't some rushed stop—you pull up to Haulover Sandbar or Raccoon Island and the water's so clear you can see the bottom before you even get in. Tropical fish are just there, moving through the shallows like it's nothing. You've got snorkeling gear on the boat, so you don't have to rent it separately or figure out what to bring. Bring your own food and drinks (alcohol included, which is the kind of detail that matters), and they've got water, ice, and a cooler already on board. The captain's USCG-certified, which means you're not wondering if this is legit—it is, and it shows.

Dolphins show up sometimes, not always, but when they do it's the kind of moment that makes you stop talking for a second. Raccoon Island is the famous spot people want to see, and yeah, you can go there, but the rule is you look and don't touch—the wildlife's not a petting zoo. The sunset cruises are the thing a lot of people book for, especially if you're in Miami with someone. The golden hour hits different on the water, the skyline turns orange and pink, and you've got your own music playing through the sound system. It's the kind of simple setup that works because nothing's overcomplicated.

The whole experience is built around not having to arrange a dozen things yourself. No separate snorkel rental, no wondering if the boat's safe (USCG certified), no guessing about water and ice. You show up, the captain handles it, and you get to actually be on the water instead of planning how to be on the water. If there's a strong storm right at your start time, you get a full refund—that's the guarantee. Life jackets and safety equipment are there, and yeah, you have to sign a waiver before you go, but that's standard and takes two minutes.

What’s included

• Life jackets and safety equipment.
• bottled water.
• cooler and ice on board.
• snorkeling equipment.
• Bluetooth sound system to connect your phone.
• USCG-certified captain.
• 100% refund guarantee if there's a strong storm at your start time.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dolphin Water Sport

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel, spot dolphins, and see Biscayne Bay without renting gear separately or coordinating multiple vendors—the captain and boat handle the logistics, so you just show up and get on the water.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the sunset cruise and the daytime tour?

Sunset cruises focus on golden-hour views of the Miami skyline and ocean as the sun sets, while daytime tours prioritize snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and swimming at sandbars. Both operate on the same Bayliner 22 with the same inclusions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided on board. You don't need to rent it separately or bring your own.

Can I bring my own food and alcohol?

Yes. You're welcome to bring your own food, drinks, and alcohol. The boat includes bottled water, ice, and a cooler.

Are dolphins guaranteed to appear?

Dolphins are often spotted in Biscayne Bay, but sightings are not guaranteed. Your captain knows the best areas to look.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility concerns?

The boat is wheelchair accessible. Public transportation options are also available nearby the marina.

What happens if there's bad weather?

If there's a strong storm at your scheduled start time, you receive a 100% refund.

Do I need to sign anything before boarding?

Yes, a waiver is required before departure. It takes a few minutes to complete.

Can infants and small children come on the tour?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Life jackets are provided for all passengers.