Miami is as much a city of water as it is of sand and skyline. From laid-back island hopping to heart-racing jet ski rides, the waterways here offer something for every kind of adventurer. Grab your sunscreen, a sense of curiosity, and let’s explore the best places to visit by water in Miami.
Biscayne Bay & the Keys: Island-Hopping, Snorkeling, and Sailing
Biscayne Bay is the gateway to a watery playground: turquoise shallows, coral patches, and barrier islands that feel a world away from downtown. Sailboats and day charters slip between Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, and the northern reaches of the Florida Keys, giving you private beach vibes without a long haul. Snorkelers will love the clear waters around the bay’s reefs—keep an eye out for parrotfish, rays, and the occasional sea turtle. Sunset sails transform the horizon into molten gold; pack a light jacket and a camera.
Oleta River State Park & Mangrove Trails: The Best Spots to Paddle (SUP & Kayak)
If you want close-to-nature paddling without leaving the city, Oleta River State Park is your spot. Trails wind through tangled mangroves, where shade and silence replace traffic noise. Stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals are plentiful, and guided eco-tours help beginners navigate tidal channels safely. Mangroves are nurseries for juvenile fish and birdlife—herons, ospreys, and playful iguanas are common sightings. Go in the morning when winds are calm and wildlife is active.
Everglades Waterways: Wilderness Canoe, Kayak, and Airboat Adventures
For real wilderness, point your bow west to the Everglades. Here, canoe and kayak trips offer intimate glimpses into a freshwater estuary teeming with life—wading birds, alligators sunning on banks, and endless sawgrass horizons. Guided paddles from Flamingo or ranger-led trips give context to this unique ecosystem. If you want speed and spectacle, hop an airboat for a high-adrenaline ride across marshes and sloughs, but choose operators committed to ethical wildlife viewing.
Venetian Islands, Star Island & the Miami River: Skyline Cruises and Celebrity-Watch Tours
For glamour and glassy photo ops, cruise around the Venetian Islands and Star Island. Luxury yachts and smaller tour boats glide past million-dollar mansions with manicured palms and celebrity pedigree. The Miami River adds urban charm—historic bridges, waterfront warehouses turned eateries, and lively boat traffic make it a fascinating short cruise. Nighttime skyline tours show Art Deco and modern architecture in a new light; bring a drink and enjoy the city breathing around you.
South Beach to Key Biscayne: Jet Skis, Parasails, and Sunset Cruises
If thrills are your thing, the corridor from South Beach to Key Biscayne is an action-sports hub. Rent a jet ski, ride past surfers and swimmers, or ascend into the air on a parasail for panoramic views of the coastline. For something more relaxed, evening sunset cruises depart frequently from South Beach—think chilled playlists, cocktails, and Miami’s neon skyline melting into twilight. Key Biscayne’s calmer bays and beaches are perfect for cooling off after a day of play.
Whether you’re chasing solitude among mangroves, hunting for coral reefs, or sipping champagne as the sun dips behind glass towers, Miami’s waterways deliver. Each route offers a different rhythm—choose yours, respect the habitats, and enjoy the city from its most beautiful angle: the water.
