Miami: Self-Drive Boat Rental on Biscayne Bay & Islands

Summary

Glide past Miami’s islands steering your own boat with friends

You’ll take the wheel yourself on Biscayne Bay, steering past famous islands and maybe spotting dolphins if you’re lucky. Friendly locals give you tips before you go, and there’s plenty of time to swim or just drift with friends under the shade canopy. It’s simple to book—just confirm your time after reserving—and you’ll probably want to stay out longer than planned.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the dock at Venetian Marina, sun already warming my shoulders, and I could hear someone’s salsa playlist drifting from a nearby yacht. The guy at the desk—can’t remember his name now, maybe Marco?—handed us a map and circled a few spots he said were “worth getting lost for.” My hands felt clumsy on the wheel at first (I mean, when do I ever drive a boat?), but the instructions were clear enough that even my cousin stopped worrying after five minutes. The engine hummed low as we pulled away, water slapping gently against the hull.

Biscayne Bay opens up fast once you’re out there. We passed some wild-looking houses—one with flamingo statues everywhere—and then just open blue and little islands. A couple of dolphins showed up near Star Island; they surfaced so quietly I almost missed them until my friend yelled and pointed. There was this faint smell of salt and sunscreen in the air, mixed with grilled onions from someone’s barbecue floating over the water. We anchored near a sandbar where people waved from their boats or just floated by on pool noodles. It felt like everyone was in on some local secret.

I tried to pronounce one of the island names—Li laughed when I butchered it in Spanish—and we ended up making up our own names for half the places we saw. The shade canopy saved us from frying completely (Miami sun is no joke), and jumping into the bay was way colder than I expected, but honestly perfect after sitting in that heat. At some point I realized I’d stopped thinking about anything else except steering and looking out for pelicans. Time went weirdly slow out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Self-drive boat rental and exploration

• Contact supplier to confirm departure time
• Meet at Venetian Marina Pier 3
• Receive boat safety instructions
• Become your own boat captain
• Explore Biscayne Bay by boat
• Visit small canals and sandbars
• Discover hidden islands and celebrity homes
• Look for wild dolphins while cruising
• Enjoy swimming with easy water access

Top questions

How many people can join each Miami self-drive boat rental?

Each boat can take up to 8 passengers per booking.

Do I need a boating license to rent a boat in Miami?

If you were born before Jan 1, 1988, no license is needed. Otherwise, you need a valid US or Canadian boating license or must pass an online safety course.

Where does the Miami self-driving boat rental start?

The meeting point is Venetian Marina - Pier 3 at 1635 N Bayshore Dr., Downtown Miami.

Is swimming allowed during the Miami boat rental?

Yes, you can stop at sandbars or islands for swimming during your rental period.

What’s included in the Miami self-drive boat rental?

Bottled water, boating instructions with a professional associate, all fees and taxes are included.

Can infants or small children join this Miami boat rental?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on board.

How do I confirm my departure time for my Miami boat rental?

You must contact the local supplier after booking to confirm your departure time.

Is there ocean access with this Miami boat rental?

No, these rentals are limited to Biscayne Bay only—no ocean access allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water for everyone on board, all boating fees and taxes covered upfront, plus friendly instructions from a local associate before you set off as captain of your own 20ft vessel—with plenty of shade for those hot hours gliding around Biscayne Bay’s islands and swimming spots.