Ride a yellow amphibious bus from South Beach into Biscayne Bay, where comedy-led narration and a dramatic splashdown give tourists a fast, entertaining look at Art Deco streets, celebrity islands, and Miami’s coastal history. Read on for what to expect and how to prepare.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step from James Avenue onto a bright yellow amphibious vehicle and the Atlantic breeze pushes ideas of traffic and towers away. Engines cough, the guide cracks a joke, and the crowd leans in as the bus becomes a boat and the ocean welcomes a new passenger. South Beach’s pastel facades slide past as the vehicle heads for the bay; soon the hull cuts Biscayne Bay and the homes on Star and Fisher Islands loom like private stages.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
90 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal mobility required to board a low-step amphibious vehicle
Wildlife
History
Miami Beach grew rapidly in the 1920s land boom; the Art Deco District you pass was largely built between the late 1920s and 1940s and reflects the city’s boom-era optimism.
Conservation
Biscayne Bay faces pressures from development and runoff; operators and visitors are encouraged to avoid littering and to follow local guidance to protect seagrass beds and marine life.
Reserve your spot on the Miami: Duck Boat Tours in South Beach today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive 30 minutes early
Check in at the James Avenue office 30 minutes before departure to collect boarding tickets—late arrivals risk moving to a later tour.
Use the restroom beforehand
There are no bathrooms on the vehicle or at the office; plan ahead to avoid discomfort during the 90-minute ride.
Bring sun protection
Sustained sun and reflective water increase UV exposure—use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for comfort.
Secure light items
The vessel can splash and gusts can snatch loose hats or paper—store phones and small gear in zipped pockets.
Sunscreen
Protects against strong sun reflecting off the bay and sidewalks.
summer
Sunglasses with polarizing lenses
Reduces glare and helps you spot architectural and waterfront details.
Light windbreaker
Shields against cool onshore breezes when the boat crosses the bay.
winter
Small waterproof pouch
Keeps phone and wallet dry during splashdown and windy stretches.