Miami: Celebrity Houses and Star Island Boat Tour

Imagine cruising through Miami’s shimmering waters, gliding past luxury mansions owned by celebrities like DJ Khaled, Shakira, and Gloria Estefan. For just $260 per group (up to six people), you can spend between two and five hours exploring some of Miami’s most exclusive islands and neighborhoods with a knowledgeable guide, all from the comfort of a well-sized boat. Whether you’re looking to snap photos of jaw-dropping waterfront estates, meet friendly raccoons at Raccoon Island, or just soak in the glamorous Miami skyline, this tour packs plenty of memorable moments in a convenient package.

We love how the tour provides a personalized experience—it’s private, flexible, and social, so you can bring your own drinks and music to turn it into your own floating party. The informative guides, often praised for their friendliness and local knowledge, make sure you get interesting stories behind each mansion and island. The only aspect to consider is the additional charges for captain fees and fuel, which elevate the price slightly but are transparently communicated beforehand.

This tour is perfect for travelers who crave a luxury, fun, and authentic glimpse of Miami’s celebrity culture without breaking the bank. It’s especially suitable for families, couples, or small groups who want an intimate experience with high-value views and storytelling. If you’re a fan of boats, beautiful scenery, or simply want to see Miami from a different angle, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Private Group Experience: Up to six people, making it intimate and customizable.
• Celebrity Mansions & Islands: See homes of stars and visit exclusive islands like Raccoon Island.
• Flexible Duration: From 2 to 5 hours, with options for morning, afternoon, or evening.
• BYOB Policy: Bring your own drinks and music to enhance the fun.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Reviews highlight guides like Captain Franco and Keith for their friendliness and expertise.
• Extra Charges: Be aware of captain fees ($50/hr) and gas surcharge ($50/tour) which are not included in the base price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Cruising Miami’s Iconic Islands

The main highlight of this tour is the close-up view of Miami’s most glamorous neighborhoods. From the water, you’ll get a perspective that’s impossible to see from land—a sweeping look at the mansion-lined Star Island, Palm Island, Hibiscus Island, and Raccoon Island. These areas are home to some of Miami’s elite, and the tour guides are often praised for their insightful commentary about the owners and architecture of these luxurious homes.

We loved the way guides like Francesco and Captain Mike share stories about the residents, making the experience engaging and informative. As one reviewer said, “Franco was full of information to share about the area.” Expect to see grand facades, lavish pools, and private docks that make you feel like a star yourself, at least for a little while.

Raccoon Island: A Natural Surprise

One of the most unique parts of this experience is the stop at Raccoon Island. Unlike the glitzy mansions, this little spot offers a chance for some hands-on fun—you can meet and even hand-feed friendly raccoons. Reviews mention this as a “fun and interesting” highlight, especially for families or animal lovers. It’s a spontaneous contrast to the mansions and adds a layer of authenticity and whimsy to an otherwise luxury-focused tour.

Island Hopping and Beachside Relaxation

Depending on your chosen duration, the tour can include stops at Haulover Sandbar, famous for its clear, shallow waters and lively scene. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying drinks with unbeatable views. If you opt for the longer 5-hour version, your guide might take you to Soldier Key, a stunning coral reef area where you can snorkel, observe turtles, stingrays, and a teeming variety of tropical fish.

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The Boat Itself: Comfort and Convenience

The boat is a 25-foot vessel, equipped with Bluetooth speakers, water, and ice, making it easy to set your own soundtrack and stay refreshed. The size strikes a good balance—it’s small enough to feel intimate but large enough for comfort. Plus, since it’s a private tour, your group gets to customize the experience, whether that’s relaxing with music or chatting with the guide.

The Guide and Overall Atmosphere

Guides like Franco, Keith, and Mike are praised for their friendly demeanor and local knowledge. From reviews: “Captain Franco was great with insightful explanations,” and “Keith treated us like princesses.” They’re not just narrators—they add personality and humor, making the tour feel like a personalized cruise rather than a commercial experience.

Practical Details and Value

While the base price is $260, it’s important to factor in the additional costs for captain fees ($50/hr) and gas ($50/tour). These charges, which are standard for private boat rentals, make it clear that this is a luxury experience with costs shared transparently.

The tour is flexible in timing, generally available in the morning, afternoon, or evening, which helps you fit it into most Miami itineraries. It’s also wheelchair accessible, making it a more inclusive option.

Reviews and What Travelers Say

With a stellar 4.8 out of 5 from over 120 reviews, most travelers find this tour to be worth every penny. Many mention the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery as highlights. One review states, “It was an outstanding trip around the Islands and Captain Mike was full of information and fun facts.” Several describe the experience as luxurious and fun, with comments like feeling like a “rock star” riding around in style.

The BYOB policy is a big plus, enabling you to bring your own drinks and music, turning the cruise into a personalized celebration. The tour’s flexibility and intimate setting make it especially appealing for small groups or couples looking for a special Miami experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best for those who enjoy a relaxing yet lively outing, with plenty of opportunities for photo ops and celebrity spotting. It’s perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with a fun social activity. Families, couples, or small groups will appreciate the private, tailored nature of the tour, especially since you can bring your own drinks and music.

If you’re interested in learning about Miami’s celebrity culture without the crowds or hefty price tag of big tour buses, this cruise offers a more personalized, authentic alternative. It also suits travelers who value guide expertise—reviewers often highlight the engaging and knowledgeable guides as a major plus.

Final Thoughts

This Miami boat tour strikes a good balance between luxury and authenticity. It’s ideal if you want a glimpse into the city’s rich celebrity lifestyle while enjoying the beautiful waters from a private, comfortable boat. The informative guides and stunning scenery make it a high-value experience, especially considering the personalized touches like music and drinks.

While adding the extra charges for captain and fuel fees, the overall experience still offers excellent value for a small group seeking a memorable Miami adventure. Whether you’re celebrating, sightseeing with friends, or simply curious about the city’s famed homes, this tour is a fun, immersive way to see Miami from the water.

FAQ

How many people can fit on this boat tour?
The tour accommodates groups of up to six people, making it intimate and perfect for small parties or families.

What is included in the base price?
The tour includes a ride on a 25-foot boat, Bluetooth speakers, water, and ice.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, there are charges for the captain ($50 per hour) and fuel ($50 per tour), which are not included in the base price.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own drinks and music onboard, which many guests enjoy to personalize their experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While most reviews are positive for families, be aware that the tour is not explicitly marketed as child-specific, and some stops like swimming or raccoon feeding may require supervision.

What are the tour times available?
Tours are typically available in the morning, afternoon, or evening, allowing flexibility to fit your schedule.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If it rains, you have the option to reschedule or cancel your tour, providing some peace of mind.

To sum it up, whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to see Miami’s celebrity side, or a local wanting to enjoy a fresh perspective on the city’s waters, this private boat tour offers an enjoyable, well-rounded experience. It’s a chance to see stunning mansions, meet friendly raccoons, and soak in Miami’s famous skyline—all from a cozy, private vessel. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge add a special touch, making it more than just a boat ride—it’s a memorable part of your Miami story.

You can check availability for your dates here: