Miami: Speedboat Sightseeing Tour & Celebrity Mansions

Summary

Race past Miami’s skyline and star-studded islands by speedboat

You’ll launch straight into Miami’s wild energy on this speedboat sightseeing tour — wind in your face, city skyline flashing by, glimpses of celebrity mansions on Star Island, and that strange thrill when you burst into open Atlantic waters. With a local guide narrating (and joking), plush seats, and plenty of photo ops, it’s an experience that sticks with you long after your hair dries.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to second-guess what I’d signed up for before we were already pulling away from the dock — Miami’s skyline all glassy and bright behind us. The boat (ours was called Thriller, which felt about right) had these weirdly comfy seats, so I could actually relax even as the engine started to roar. Our guide cracked a joke about sunscreen and hairdos — I just tied mine back and hoped for the best. There was this salty snap in the air that hit my face as we picked up speed, kind of like standing too close to the ocean spray at high tide.

We zipped past PortMiami — giant cruise ships looming like apartment blocks — and then slowed down near Star Island. The guide pointed out some mansion with a yellow roof (“That’s where Gloria Estefan lives, or so they say”), but honestly, I was more distracted by a pelican dive-bombing next to us. The water here is this odd blue-green, almost fake-looking under the sun. At one point he tried to teach us how to say “Flagler Monument” in Spanish; Li laughed when I tried it (I probably butchered it). It was loud but not in a bad way — people shouting over the wind, music thumping somewhere in the distance from another boat.

After Fisher Island (apparently full of folks richer than I’ll ever be), we shot out through Government Cut into open Atlantic water. That part surprised me — suddenly you’re out there with nothing but ocean on one side and the whole South Beach Art Deco strip looking tiny on the other. It made me feel small but sort of free at the same time? We looped back through Fisherman’s Channel while everyone tried to snap photos of Miami’s skyline before it slipped away again behind us. My hair was a disaster by then but honestly, who cares.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Miami speedboat sightseeing adventure

• Board Thriller Miami Speedboat
• Ride through Cruise Ship Channel
• Pass PortMiami and US Coast Guard Station
• View Flagler Monument Island and Venetian Islands
• Slow down at Star Island mansions
• Ride between South Point Park and Fisher Island
• Accelerate through Government Cut
• Blast into Atlantic Ocean if possible
• View South Beach Art Deco district
• Return via Fisherman’s Channel
• Enjoy Miami skyline views

Top questions

How long does the Miami speedboat tour last?

The sightseeing speedboat tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

What landmarks will I see during the tour?

You’ll see PortMiami, US Coast Guard Station, Flagler Monument Island, Venetian Islands, Star Island mansions, South Beach Art Deco district, Fisher Island, and Miami’s skyline.

Is there a minimum age for children?

The minimum riding age is 3 years old; children must be accompanied by adults at all times.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you must arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure for check-in.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Do I need to sign anything before boarding?

Yes, all participants must sign an online waiver prior to arrival at the dock.

Will we go out into the Atlantic Ocean?

If sea conditions allow, the boat will accelerate through Government Cut into the Atlantic Ocean along South Beach.

What’s included

Your day includes a 45-minute sightseeing speedboat ride around Miami with stops near Star Island’s celebrity homes and views of South Beach’s Art Deco district. All taxes and city surcharges are covered; just remember to sign your online waiver ahead of time and arrive early for check-in at the dock before boarding your plush-seated catamaran adventure.