Miami boat tours on Biscayne Bay compared

The short answer

All five products go out on Biscayne Bay, and the islands named along the way overlap; what differs is how you are on the water and where you start. Three start at Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami, the snorkelling trip starts at Miami Beach Marina, and the water taxi runs between the two.[3][5][4][2][1] None of the listings XTOUR read names the boat operator, and none sells entry to any island or venue it passes.

Sunset or skyline: the two narrated cruises

The Miami Sunset Cruise of Biscayne Bay and Millionaires' Homes leaves from the Water Taxi Miami meeting point at Bayside Marketplace on a pontoon boat. Its itinerary passes the Venetian Islands, Hibiscus Island, Palm Island and Star Island, the South Beach skyline and Fisher Island, then the Port of Miami, Brickell and Brickell Key. The price includes the cruise and a guide, and drinks and snacks are sold at a cash bar.[1]

The Miami Skyline Cruise of Millionaires' Homes and Biscayne Bay also departs from and returns to Bayside Marketplace, with a similar list of islands plus Sunset Island. Its distinguishing point in the listing is a bilingual host who speaks English and Spanish.[2] SkyGate does not sell either cruise with a choice of options, and the departure times are not in the evidence XTOUR read.

On both, SkyGate's listings say infants sit on an adult's lap, alcohol is for guests 21 and over with ID, check-in closes 10 minutes before departure, and there are no bathrooms on board. Both listings say the boat is not wheelchair accessible but foldable strollers are allowed.[2][1]

The water taxi: transport with commentary

The Water Taxi between Bayside Marketplace and South Beach is the one product here that also gets you somewhere. Its route runs between Bayside Marketplace and Miami Beach Marina, passing Fisher Island, the Port of Miami, the Miami River, Brickell Key, the Venetian Islands and Star Island, with the captain commenting in English and Spanish. The four options are a round trip starting at either end, or one way in either direction.[3]

For a round trip, the date and time you book are for the outbound boat; you reserve your return time with the captain before you disembark and confirm it on the day. SkyGate's listing says the boat is not wheelchair accessible, has no toilets, and is not recommended if you are prone to seasickness.[3]

The jet ski tour: drive it yourself

The Biscayne Bay Jet Ski Tour from Bayside Marketplace is a guided ride that, according to SkyGate, takes in the Venetian Islands, Star Island and South Beach from the water, with a life jacket, an instructor and a tour guide included. The single option is priced per jet ski, each carrying one or two people within a combined weight limit of 350 lb (159 kg). It sells only an adult ticket for ages 18 to 99.[4] The listing does not say whether a younger passenger may ride, or whether any licence or boater course is needed, and XTOUR has not verified either.

The snorkelling trip from Miami Beach

The Biscayne Bay Island Snorkeling Cruise from Miami Beach Marina starts at 300 Alton Road in Miami Beach, cruises past Fisher Island, Star Island and Hibiscus Island, and stops at an island in Biscayne Bay to snorkel or relax on the beach or a floating mat. SkyGate says the exact island may vary and that you have about an hour there for snorkelling. Snorkelling gear and an instructor are included. The listing says eco-friendly sunscreen is provided and regular sunscreen is not allowed, and that the trip cannot take wheelchairs or strollers.[5]

How to choose

• A relaxed evening on the bay: the Miami Sunset Cruise of Biscayne Bay and Millionaires' Homes.
• A sightseeing loop with English and Spanish commentary: the Miami Skyline Cruise of Millionaires' Homes and Biscayne Bay.
• Getting between Downtown Miami and South Beach, with a view: the Water Taxi between Bayside Marketplace and South Beach.
• Driving your own craft: the Biscayne Bay Jet Ski Tour from Bayside Marketplace, adults only.
• Getting in the water: the Biscayne Bay Island Snorkeling Cruise from Miami Beach Marina.
• For a bay cruise bundled with a bus tour, see XTOUR's guide to Miami passes and sightseeing.

Before you book

• Check-in on the cruises, the water taxi and the snorkel trip closes 10 minutes before departure, per SkyGate.[5][3][2][1]
• Bring photo ID if you plan to buy alcohol on board.[5][1]
• Check whether you start at Bayside Marketplace or Miami Beach Marina before you set out.[3]