Florida’s boat tours and cruises deliver excellent value for travelers seeking coastal adventures. Private charters for small groups stand out, especially for wildlife spotting – you’ll often see dolphins and manatees up close. The self-drive pontoon excursions earn top marks for independence, with useful perks like Bluetooth speakers and snorkel equipment. My favorite experience is the Biscayne Bay tour in Miami, offering convenient hotel pickup and spectacular city views during its efficient 1.5-hour duration.
I’m particularly fond of the wildlife-focused tours because they provide authentic local experiences without the tourist traps. The pontoon rentals get my thumbs up for families wanting flexibility at their own pace.
Let’s explore the best boat tours Florida has to offer.
Key Points
- Explore Biscayne Bay in Miami with a 1.5-hour sightseeing boat tour, featuring landmarks like Miami Beach and Millionaires Row.
- Experience the natural beauty of Florida’s waterways with opportunities to see dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife on private luxury boat charters and pontoon rides.
- Opt for a self-drive pontoon boat ride or hire a captain to explore the ocean and canals for an 8-hour adventure.
- Enjoy amenities like Bluetooth audio, coolers, and snorkeling gear during pontoon boat tours, catering to a range of group sizes and preferences.
- Book directly with the tour operators for the best prices and to ensure high customer satisfaction, with ratings up to 5.0 stars.
Private Luxury Boat Charter
Often, visitors to Florida’s beautiful coastal regions can enjoy a private luxury boat charter experience tailored to their preferences. Coastal Conch Charters offers a 2-hour private boat charter accommodating up to 6 guests, departing from Blackburn Point Park Boat Ramp in Osprey, FL.
This personalized excursion allows you to explore Sarasota Bay and its local landmarks and wildlife, guided by a knowledgeable captain.
The charter includes bottled water, soda, light snacks, and a Yeti cooler for guest use. You’ll have the opportunity to spot dolphins, manatees, ospreys, and eagles in their natural habitat, while also enjoying the scenic views.
The captain provides an informative tour, sharing insights about the local ecosystem and wildlife behaviors. With a 5.0 rating based on 126 reviews, the charter receives high praise for the captain’s expertise and the overall enjoyable experience.
To secure your preferred dates, it’s recommended to book directly on the seller’s website, with prices starting at $350 for the private charter.
Read our full review: Private Luxury Boat Charter Review
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Pontoon Boat Ride on the Ocean and Canals in Broward County
Explore the Broward County waterways on an 8-hour pontoon boat ride. Aboard a 24 ft pontoon boat, you and up to 9 others can customize your route and enjoy a day on the water.
The boat’s features include Bluetooth audio, GPS, a cooler, and a swim ladder, plus children’s life jackets, a underwater sub, karaoke, snorkeling gear, a floating water mat, and swim toys.
You can choose to self-drive or hire a captain for an additional fee. Bring your own food, drinks, and biodegradable sunscreen.
The pontoon boat ride costs $590 per group, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Discover waterfront restaurants to moor at or anchor near parties with other boats.
Snorkeling and exploring the underwater world are also on the agenda. With English and Russian language support available, this pontoon boat ride is an ideal way to experience Florida’s Broward County waterways.
Read our full review: Pontoon Boat Ride on the Ocean and Canals in Broward County Review
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Miami: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Tour
For a captivating journey through Biscayne Bay, the Miami: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Tour offers a 1.5-hour cruise showcasing the area’s iconic landmarks. Priced from $50 per person, this tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows you to reserve your spot without upfront payment.
During the tour, you’ll enjoy audio commentary while viewing Miami Beach, Fisher Island, and Millionaires Row. The open decks offer panoramic views and photo opportunities, and the onboard snack bar provides drinks, popcorn, and hotdogs.
Keep an eye out for local marine life, including stingrays, manatees, and dolphins.
Transportation is included, with hotel pickup and drop-off from Miami Beach hotels. Pickup times vary, so confirm your schedule 24 hours in advance.
After the tour, you’ll have free time at Bayside Marketplace before returning to your hotel. With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from travelers, this tour is suitable for couples, groups, solo travelers, and families.
Read our full review: Miami: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Tour Review
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The Sum Up
With a variety of boat tours and cruises available across Florida, you’ll discover stunning coastal scenery, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife. Whether you opt for a private luxury charter, a peaceful pontoon ride, or a sightseeing tour of Biscayne Bay, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories on the water. Choose the experience that best suits your interests and budget for an unforgettable day on the Florida waterways.