Day Trips & Excursions in Miami

Discover Miami's celebrity homes and waterfront mansions on narrated boat tours through Biscayne Bay. Tours pass by Star Island, Fisher Island, and the Venetian Islands, showcasing homes of famous residents. 90-minute tours depart multiple times daily from Bayside Marketplace. Learn about Miami's history, architecture, and maritime culture. Some tours include stops at sandbars or Monument Island. Prices around $30-40 per adult. Sunset cruises offer romantic views of the Miami skyline. BYOB options available on some tours.

A unique national park where 95% is underwater, protecting coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life. Located south of Miami, accessible by boat from Homestead. Snorkeling and diving tours explore the Maritime Heritage Trail featuring six shipwrecks. Glass-bottom boat tours available for non-swimmers. The park also includes mangrove shorelines and small islands perfect for kayaking. Ranger-led programs offered seasonally. Park entrance is free, but tour costs vary ($45-100 for snorkel/dive trips). Bring underwater camera for incredible photo opportunities.

A 38-acre marine park on Virginia Key featuring shows with dolphins, sea lions, and killer whales. Interactive programs allow visitors to swim with dolphins or feed sea turtles. The facility includes tropical reef aquariums, manatee exhibits, and a shark channel. Educational presentations focus on marine conservation. Popular with families, though some criticize captive animal programs. Admission $50 for adults, $40 children. Dolphin interaction programs require advance booking and additional fees. Allow 4-5 hours to see all exhibits and shows.

Multiple operators along South Beach and Virginia Key offer jet ski rentals and guided tours. Explore the bay at high speed, visiting sandbars and seeing the city from the water. No boating license required for jet skis in Florida. Tours range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, priced $80-200 per jet ski. Other activities include parasailing ($70-90), paddleboard rentals ($25/hour), and kayaking. Safety briefings provided before all activities. Book morning slots for calmer water conditions.