Miami: Private Boat Tour with Champagne & Skyline Views

Summary

Private miami boat cruise with champagne and city lights

You’ll feel Miami shift around you as you cruise barefoot across Biscayne Bay, sipping champagne while city lights flicker on. There’s time for photos near the skyline, music on board, and stories from your local captain as you drift past Brickell’s nightlife before heading back under those glowing towers.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the Miami skyline looks from the water — it’s not just tall buildings, it’s this weird glow that makes the glass look almost blue at sunset. We met our captain down at Coconut Grove (I was early, because I’m paranoid about missing boats) and he laughed when I tried to say “Rickenbacker” right. He handed us a cold drink from the cooler and told us to kick off our shoes — apparently that’s a thing here, no shoes on board. The deck felt smooth under my feet, kind of grounding actually.

We cruised out past the Rickenbacker Causeway, which connects Miami to Key Biscayne. The wind picked up a bit — not too much, just enough to make my hair do its own thing. Our guide pointed out all these different buildings as we got closer to the city, and you could hear music drifting over from somewhere onshore. I didn’t expect how much you can smell the salt in the air out there, or how quiet it gets once you’re away from traffic. We stopped for photos right where the skyline hits the water; honestly, it’s hard not to take a million pictures even if you’re trying to play it cool.

After that we headed into the Miami River towards Brickell — that’s their financial district but at night it feels more like a party than business. You float past these restaurants (Kiki on the River was packed) and there’s live music echoing off the water. Someone started playing their own playlist over Bluetooth speakers and for a second it felt like we had our own little club going. The captain poured some champagne (optional but… why not?) and told us stories about growing up around here, stuff you don’t get in guidebooks.

On the way back toward Coconut Grove, everything looked different with all those lights reflecting off the bay — kind of surreal actually. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear certain songs now. It wasn’t perfect (my hair was a mess by then), but honestly that made it better somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Miami skyline and river cruise

• Depart from Coconut Grove area
• Head to Rickenbacker Causeway
• View Miami Skyline from the sea
• Stop for photos at strategic spots
• Cruise to Miami River
• Pass through Brickell financial district
• See Miami nightlife along the river
• Return to Coconut Grove via river

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Miami boat tour?

No, pickup is from Coconut Grove marina area; hotel pickup is not included.

Can I bring my own drinks on this private boat cruise?

Yes, there’s a cooler onboard so guests can bring their own drinks.

Is champagne included in this Miami boat tour?

Champagne is available upon request during your cruise.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children are allowed except infants 2 years old or younger.

How long does this private Miami boat tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but includes cruising Biscayne Bay and Miami River with stops for photos.

Is there a restroom onboard?

No restroom is available onboard this boat tour.

Do I need to remove my shoes before boarding?

Yes, no shoes are allowed onboard; guests go barefoot during the cruise.

What sights will we see during this Miami boat tour?

You’ll see Biscayne Bay, Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami skyline, Brickell district, and riverside nightlife spots like Kiki on the River.

What’s included

Your experience includes cruising aboard a Monterey M225 boat with a local captain guiding you through Biscayne Bay and along the Miami River; Bluetooth speakers for your music; champagne available by request; cooler space for any drinks you bring; safety gear for adults and kids; disposable rain ponchos just in case; plus plenty of stops for photos before returning to Coconut Grove marina at the end of your private tour.