Miami Yacht Cruise: Private 2hr Tour Past Star Island & Skyline

Summary

Private Miami boat trip with captain past celebrity homes and city lights

You’ll feel Miami’s pulse from the deck of your own private yacht, gliding past Star Island mansions and that wild city skyline. Swim or sunbathe while your captain handles everything — just bring your favorite drinks and friends. It’s two hours that somehow feel both laid-back and electric at once.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen water this blue?” That’s what my cousin blurted out as we pulled away from Bayside Marketplace, engine humming under our feet. I’d never been on a private yacht in Miami before — honestly, I was a little nervous about looking like I belonged. But our captain (I think his name was Marco?) just grinned and told us to put on whatever music we wanted, so suddenly it felt less fancy and more like a friend’s boat. The sun bounced off the water in these weird little diamonds and I kept squinting at the skyline, trying to spot the buildings I’d seen in movies.

We drifted by Star Island — yeah, that’s where all those famous people supposedly live — and Marco pointed out houses with pools bigger than my apartment building. There was this smell of salt and sunscreen in the air, mixed with someone’s coconut drink (not mine, but I wish). At one point my aunt tried to wave at a guy on his balcony; he waved back, or maybe he was just shooing a bird. Either way, we all laughed harder than we should’ve. The main keyword here is “private yacht cruise Miami,” but honestly it just felt like being let in on some local secret for two hours.

I dipped my toes over the side when we stopped near the Venetian Islands — water warm enough to make you forget about anything else for a minute. There was music playing (someone picked old-school reggaeton), and even though there were twelve of us, it never felt crowded. Marco told us stories about boats he’d captained during storms (“Not today,” he promised) and gave tips for where to swim if you’re not used to saltwater. The whole thing went by too fast; I still think about that view of downtown as we turned back toward Bayside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private 2-hour Miami yacht cruise

• Depart from cruise departure point
• Pass by Bayside Marketplace
• Pass by Star Island and famous homes
• Cruise past Venetian Islands and Miami skyline
• Relax, sunbathe, or swim in clear waters

Top questions

How long is the private yacht cruise in Miami?

The cruise lasts 2 hours from departure to return.

Where does the Miami yacht tour depart from?

All cruises depart from Bayside Marketplace in Miami.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?

Yes, you can bring your own drinks and snacks; there’s a cooler with ice provided.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom available onboard for guests’ use.

How many people can join the private yacht cruise?

The vessel can accommodate up to 12 guests for each trip.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap; prams or strollers are permitted.

Is hotel pickup included for this Miami yacht tour?

No hotel pickup is included; cruises depart from Bayside Marketplace.

What landmarks will we see during the cruise?

You’ll pass by Bayside Marketplace, Star Island, Venetian Islands, and see the Miami skyline.

What’s included

Your day includes a private 2-hour yacht cruise with an experienced captain at the helm, use of a cooler filled with ice for your own drinks and snacks, landing fees covered, restroom facilities onboard for comfort, plus Bluetooth radio so you can play whatever music fits your mood as you glide past Miami’s famous sights.