Miami Snorkeling: Biscayne Bay Island & Tropical Fish

Skip the crowded South Beach pools: snorkel Biscayne Bay in 90 minutes

You board a pontoon at South Beach Marina, cruise past Star Island and Fisher Island, and snorkel for an hour in Biscayne Bay with a tropical fish encounter. Water toys, eco sunscreen, and a life jacket are included. Snacks and drinks are available to buy. The return trip gives you the skyline view again before you're back on land. The whole Miami snorkeling adventure takes 90 minutes from check-in to departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling adventure from South Beach

• Check in at Miami Water Taxi kiosk
• Pass by Fisher Island without stopping
• Pass by Star Island without stopping
• Pass by waterfront mansions without stopping
• Receive snorkeling introduction at island
• Snorkel among tropical fish and marine life

The experience

Most people come to Miami and stay in the sand. You board a pontoon at the Miami Beach Marina in South Beach and head straight into the bay instead, passing the waterfront mansions on Star Island and Fisher Island on your way out. The boat's got music playing, drinks and snacks for sale, and a captain who runs through snorkeling basics once you reach the island. It takes maybe five minutes, and then you're in the water with tropical fish moving around you like they own the place, which they do.

The snorkeling itself lasts about an hour. If the mask and fins aren't your thing, there's a floating mat to lie on, a water tube to mess around with, or just the sandy beach. The water's warm enough that you don't think about it. Eco-friendly sunscreen is provided (regular stuff isn't allowed because of what it does to the reef), and life jackets come with the boat. No bathrooms on the island or the pontoon, so plan accordingly. The exact island location shifts depending on conditions, but it's always somewhere in Biscayne Bay where the visibility is decent and the fish show up.

The ride back across the bay is when you notice the skyline again, and it hits different after an hour underwater. Check-in happens at the Miami Water Taxi kiosk just down from the Mambo Cafe at the marina. Get there at least 10 minutes before departure, or you'll have to pay to reschedule. The whole thing runs rain or shine. Storms in Miami tend to pass fast. If you're traveling with a service animal, that's fine. Strollers and wheelchairs can't come on the boat.

What’s included

• Snorkeling headgear and life jacket.
• professional captain and host.
• water toys.
• eco-friendly sunscreen.
• 90-minute pontoon boat experience with approximately one hour at the island.
• Miami-style music during the cruise.
• swimming and snorkeling in Biscayne Bay.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Enter Miami Beach Marina by “Monty’s Sunset.” Go through the “Dock E” gate to the blue octagonal building for Water Taxi pickup. No check-in—check in when boarding.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Attractions4us LLC

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel without renting a car or arranging your own boat. The pontoon leaves from South Beach Marina, includes all gear, and gets you in the water and back to the marina in 90 minutes flat.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4).

What's included in the snorkeling tour?

Snorkeling gear, life jacket, eco-friendly sunscreen, water toys, a professional captain, and 90 minutes on the pontoon boat with about an hour at the island. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

How long do you spend snorkeling at the island?

About one hour. You have the option to snorkel, float on a mat, use a water tube, or relax on the beach.

Where do you check in?

At the Miami Water Taxi kiosk at Miami Beach Marina in South Beach, just down the steps from the Mambo Cafe. Check-in closes 10 minutes before departure.

What happens if it rains?

Tours run rain or shine. Rain in Miami usually passes quickly.

Are there bathrooms on the boat or island?

No. Plan accordingly before boarding.

Can you bring your own sunscreen?

No. Only eco-friendly sunscreen is permitted, and it's provided as part of the tour.

What if you don't want to snorkel?

You can float on a mat, use a water tube, or stay on the sandy beach. Snorkeling is optional.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

No. The tour is not able to accommodate wheelchairs or strollers.