Miami Boat-Private Boat Ride Tours with Experienced Captain: A Complete Review
Imagine cruising through Miami’s shimmering waterways, your own boat slicing quietly through Biscayne Bay, while your private captain points out iconic sights like Millionaire’s Row and Star Island. This private boat experience, priced at $378.25 for up to 11 people, lasts around 2 to 4 hours and offers a personalized way to enjoy Miami’s vibrant coast. The tour includes pickup options and a mobile ticket, making it easy to organize your day.
What we find especially appealing are two key features: first, the customizable experience — whether you want a sunset cruise or a daytime adventure — and second, the chance to swim at a scenic sandbar in crystal-clear waters. These moments deliver the kind of memorable, laid-back Miami experience that feels both luxurious and authentic.
A potential consideration is the fuel surcharge of $35 per hour, which adds to the base price. While it’s a fair charge for private use, it’s worth factoring into your budget. Also, since the tour is private, it’s ideal for groups seeking exclusivity rather than a shared tour with strangers.
This experience suits travelers who value personalized outings — whether celebrating a special occasion, family gathering, or simply wanting a unique way to see Miami. If you’re comfortable with a bit of planning and appreciate a flexible schedule, you’ll find this tour offers genuine value and stunning scenery.
Key Points

Private & Personalized: The tour is exclusive to your group, offering flexibility and comfort.
Iconic Views: Cruise past Miami’s famous skyline, Millionaire’s Row, and Star Island — perfect for photo ops.
Versatile Options: Choose between a daytime cruise or a sunset sail for breathtaking evening colors.
Swimming & Relaxing: Stop at a sandbar to swim in clear waters, adding an active element to your cruise.
Music & Comfort: Bluetooth sound system lets you play your favorite tunes, enhancing the relaxed vibe.
Additional Costs: Be aware of the fuel surcharge, which can add to the overall price.
A Deep Dive into the Miami Boat Experience
Enjoy being on the water? Here are other boat experiences we've looked into in Miami
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
This private boat tour offers a refreshing way to experience Miami beyond the usual land-based sightseeing. It’s all about the water — and Miami’s breathtaking skyline is best appreciated from a boat, especially as you glide past the opulent mansions on Millionaire’s Row. Having your own captain means you can tailor the experience, focusing on what interests your group most.
The flexible duration (2 to 4 hours) allows for a leisurely cruise or a quick afternoon escape, depending on your schedule. The pickup service simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying near downtown or other popular neighborhoods.
The included Bluetooth sound system is a small but pleasant detail, giving you the ability to set the mood with your favorite music. Pack a cooler with drinks — the tour provides one — and enjoy a relaxed day floating past Miami’s most famous sights.
What to Expect at Each Stop
Cruising Biscayne Bay is the highlight, with panoramic views of Miami’s skyline. Your captain will navigate past Star Island, home to celebrity mansions, and cruise along Millionaire’s Row, where waterfront estates dazzle with their grandeur. If you opt for the sunset cruise, you’ll witness the sky transform into hues of orange and pink — an unforgettable spectacle.
One of the tour’s most appreciated features is the stop at a sandbar. Here, you can swim in crystal-clear waters, lounge on the sand, or simply enjoy the peace of being surrounded by nature. As one reviewer said, “The water was so clear, and swimming there felt like stepping into a postcard.”
The Experience of a Private Tour
Because it’s just your group, you won’t have to share the boat or compromise on timing. This makes it ideal for celebrations, family outings, or intimate gatherings. The captain’s knowledge adds depth to the experience — they’ll point out interesting landmarks and provide insights into Miami’s waterways.
The Not-So-Perfect Part
While the tour offers a lot of value, the fuel surcharge of $35 per hour is a noteworthy extra, especially for longer cruises. It’s a standard practice but adds to the overall cost, so budget accordingly. Also, weather can be unpredictable, and if bad weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Miami
- 2 Hour Private Surf Lesson in Miami Beach
- Miami: Private Boat Rental with champagne and captain
- #1 Private Boat Tour and 1 Hour Free Jet Ski Rental in Miami
- 1 hour Miami Private Boat Ride with champagne and captain
- Cuban Heritage:2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Little Havana
- Fort Lauderdale & Miami: Private Luxury Airplane Tour
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience suits adventurous couples, families with kids, or groups celebrating special occasions who want a personalized, scenic day on the water**. It’s particularly appealing if you’re looking for a relaxed but memorable way to see Miami’s famous sights without crowded boats or guided bus tours.
What You Need to Know Before Booking

- Duration: 2 to 4 hours, flexible based on your preference.
- Price: $378.25 for up to 11 people, excellent value for a private experience.
- Includes: Bluetooth sound system, cooler, and pickup options.
- Not included: Fuel surcharge of $35 per hour.
- Start Time: 10:30 am, so plan to start your day early to enjoy maximum daylight.
- Meeting Point: 243 NW S River Dr, Miami — easily accessible and straightforward.
- Weather Policy: Tour is weather-dependent; canceled tours due to poor weather are fully refundable or reschedulable.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own drinks? Yes, the tour provides a cooler, and you can bring your own beverages to enjoy during the cruise.
Is this tour suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, the relaxed nature and swimming stop suggest it could be enjoyable for families, especially with attentive supervision.
How many people can fit on the boat? Up to 11 people, making it perfect for small groups or families wanting intimacy and privacy.
Are there any hidden fees? The main additional cost is the fuel surcharge of $35 per hour, which is standard for private charters.
Can I customize the route? While the itinerary covers main sights like Millionaire’s Row and Star Island, the captain can tailor the experience based on your interests during the trip.
What happens if the weather is bad? Tours are weather dependent; if canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Final Thoughts

This private boat tour in Miami offers a flexible, personalized way to explore the city’s most iconic waterways. With stunning views of the skyline, celebrity mansions, and a chance to swim at a sandbar, it’s a combination of sightseeing and relaxation. The ability to customize the experience makes it ideal for groups seeking an exclusive outing that feels both fun and special.
While the fuel surcharge does add to the price, for many, the intimacy, comfort, and beauty of the cruise outweigh the extra cost. Whether celebrating a special event or simply wanting a different perspective on Miami, this tour delivers a memorable, scenic adventure.
If you enjoy quiet moments on the water, beautiful vistas, and personalized service, this private boat ride will likely be a highlight of your Miami trip. Just remember: weather can be unpredictable, so plan accordingly, and pack your favorite tunes and snacks for a truly relaxing day on Biscayne Bay.
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Miami
More Tours in Miami
More Tour Reviews in Miami
More Miami experiences we've covered
- Miami Biscayne Bay Paddle
- Discover Miami Beach with a Shared Golf Cart Tour
- Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Miami International Airport
- Miami Pedal Pub: Arts District Party Bike Pub Crawl
- Key West Day Trip from Miami with Activities
- Wynwood Walls Admission with Freestyle
- Miami Open Air Party Bus Tour
- Miami ATV & Night Riding Experience FREE GOGGLES AND HELMETS
- Miami Lights Private Nighttime Boat Tour
- Private Helicopter Tour of Miami for 3 People
- Parasailing with Miami Watersports
- Private Key West Tour in a Small Group From Miami
