Miami: Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice & Bluetooth Music

Summary

Private boat ride in Miami Bay with music and city views

You’ll cruise Miami Bay on a private boat tour with your own music playing and cold drinks in hand (bring whatever you like—the cooler and ice are ready). See celebrity homes, glide past Bayside Marketplace, and catch city lights reflecting off the water. It’s an easygoing two hours that might leave you wanting more.

What’s the experience like?

“You guys want to pick the playlist?” That’s what our captain asked as we stepped onto the boat at the Miami River marina. I was already sweating a little (Florida humidity, you know), but as soon as we pushed off, there was this salty breeze and suddenly everything felt lighter. The city looked different from the water—more open somehow, like all those high rises were just watching us float by. I kept trying to spot which one belonged to that singer my cousin likes, but honestly, I got distracted by the way the sun hit the glass buildings. It was almost too bright to look at directly.

We brought our own drinks—there’s a cooler with ice waiting for you on board—so we clinked cans and tried not to spill anything when someone cranked up the Bluetooth speaker. Our captain (I think his name was Luis?) pointed out where some famous people live along the bay, but he didn’t make a big deal out of it, which I appreciated. At one point, we drifted near Bayside Marketplace and could hear live music echoing over the water. There’s something about that mix of city sounds and water slapping against the hull that gets under your skin—in a good way.

I didn’t expect how peaceful it would feel cruising around Downtown Miami at sunset. There were bigger boats passing by, but ours felt just right—private but not fancy or stiff. We passed under Venetian Causeway and someone tried to take a group selfie; half of us blinked at the wrong time (classic). By the time we looped back toward the marina, I found myself wishing it would last another hour. Even now, I still think about that view of Miami lit up from the bay—it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Miami private boat tour highlights

• Start at Miami River
• Pass by famous people homes
• Go around Downtown Miami
• Pass by Bayside Marketplace
• Cruise around Port of Miami
• Pass by Venetian Causeway
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long is the Miami private boat tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours from start to finish.

Can I bring my own alcohol or drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own liquor or drinks; a cooler with ice is provided onboard.

Is there music on board?

Yes, there’s a Bluetooth stereo so you can play your own music during the tour.

Where does the boat depart from?

The tour starts from the Miami River marina area.

Are safety items provided for kids?

Yes, life jackets are available for adults, kids, and infants.

Is this tour suitable for infants or small children?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller and must sit on an adult’s lap.

Do I need to select a captain for my trip?

Yes, USCG law requires you to select a captain when booking your private charter.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this boat tour.

What’s included

Your private Miami boat ride includes use of a cooler with ice so you can bring your own drinks along for the trip; safety gear like lifejackets for all ages; landing and facility fees covered; restroom access at the marina before departure; plus Bluetooth radio so everyone can share their favorite playlists while cruising around Miami Bay and past places like Bayside Marketplace before returning to where you started.