Miami Beach Boat Rental with Captain — 2-Hour Biscayne Bay Cruise & Sandbar Stop
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; activities are mostly sitting, light swimming, and stepping on/off the boat.
Overview
Escape the traffic and trade Miami Beach’s streets for a private SeaRay 29 and two hours on Biscayne Bay. This captain-led rental is perfect for sandbar lounging, skyline views, and a taste of local boating culture — just bring reef-safe sunscreen and your own snorkel gear.
Miami Beach Boat Rental with Captain — 2-Hour Biscayne Bay Cruise & Sandbar Stop
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You step onto the teak at the West Avenue dock and the city lets go behind you — a low-rise skyline, honking traffic, then water. The SeaRay 29 from Aquarius Boat Rental slides off the pilings and Biscayne Bay opens: broad, warm, and restless. The captain checks the safety kit, hands you a cold water, and steers toward a string of pale sandbars and small islands where the Atlantic meets the bay and people drift on giant floating mats.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Protect yourself and the bay — regular sunscreens harm seagrass and reefs; apply before boarding and reapply after a swim.
Cash or Venmo for the captain
Captain pay is handled dockside (about $40/hr; $50 on federal holidays); have payment ready to avoid delays.
Shoes go in the compartment
No shoes on deck are allowed; bring water shoes for shoreline access and plan to store them when aboard.
Anchor responsibly
Avoid seagrass beds when stopping; ask your captain for recommended anchoring spots to minimize impact.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Brown pelicans
History
Biscayne Bay’s shallow flats and islands were long-used by the Tequesta people; 20th-century dredging and development reshaped many of the bay’s edges into the city’s marina-lined waterfront.
Conservation
Seagrass beds and shallow reefs are fragile—use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid anchoring on grass, and dispose of trash onshore to protect local habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Miami Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the bay’s marine habitats during sun-exposed cruising.
summer specific
Polarized sunglasses and hat
Reduces glare and helps you spot fish and dolphins on bright water.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial in Miami heat; pack a leakproof bottle for the cooler.
Snorkel mask (personal)
If you plan to snorkel, bring a well-fitting mask—rental options are limited.
summer specific