Miami Snorkeling Adventure off a Secluded Island

Our review focuses on a 90-minute snorkeling tour departing from Miami’s Bayside Marketplace, heading to an island in Biscayne Bay. This experience promises scenic views of Miami’s skyline, a chance to snorkel among tropical fish, and some relaxing beach time—ideal for those seeking a quick escape with a tropical vibe.

What we like about this tour is its straightforward, affordable price ($59.99 per person) and the opportunity to see Miami from the water, including views of waterfront mansions and iconic skyline. Also, the inclusion of professional guidance and snorkeling gear makes it accessible for most travelers, even beginners.

However, one potential downside is the inconsistency reported in water clarity and some dissatisfaction with the available amenities like flotation devices. If you’re hoping for a pristine, all-inclusive snorkeling experience, this might not fully meet those expectations. Still, if you’re after a relaxed, scenic boat ride with some marine exploration, it could suit travelers who prioritize casual fun over high-end amenities.

This tour is likely best for those who enjoy short, scenic excursions, are curious about Miami’s waters, and are willing to accept some variability in the snorkel conditions. It’s ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone with limited time wanting a taste of Miami’s coastal beauty without a hefty price tag.

Key Points

• Affordable and short: A 90-minute tour at just under $60, perfect for a quick outing.
• Stunning views: Cruise past Miami’s skyline, mansions, and islands—great photo opportunities.
• Variety of activities: Snorkel, relax on a floating mat, or lounge on the beach—something for all.
• Mixed reviews on water clarity: Some said visibility was poor, affecting the snorkeling experience.
• No on-island amenities: No bathrooms or floats included, so be prepared.
• Limited group size: Max 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate outing.

A Detailed Look at What You Can Expect

Starting Point at Bayside Marketplace

Your adventure begins at Bayside Marketplace, a lively shopping and dining hub in downtown Miami. Check-in happens at the Miami Water Taxi kiosk, just down from Mambo Cafe, about 10 minutes before departure. This location offers easy access via public transportation, which is convenient for many visitors.

The check-in process is quick, and the tour is operated by Attractions4us LLC. The group is small, capped at 15 participants, which helps keep the atmosphere friendly and less crowded.

The Boat Ride: Miami’s Waterway Views

Boarding a spacious pontoon boat, you’ll cruise across Biscayne Bay. As you glide past the Miami skyline, expect to see a mix of luxurious waterfront mansions and the city’s iconic architecture. The boat cruise itself lasts about 15 minutes, during which you can enjoy Miami-style music and purchase snacks and drinks—a nice touch if you want to sip on something while soaking in the scenery.

According to reviews, the views are a highlight—“unforgettable,” as one traveler commented. The waterway is lively, and the chance to see Miami from a boat adds a different perspective than just walking around the city.

Passing Flagler Memorial Island

Your first stop is Flagler Memorial Island, a tiny island with no facilities but perfect for jumping into the water. Once there, you’ll receive a short briefing about snorkeling, and then it’s your turn to don the provided snorkeling gear and explore the waters.

The marine environment is described as vibrant with tropical fish and marine life, but water clarity can vary. Some travelers, like Dana, enjoyed finding shells despite the water not being crystal clear. Others, like Amberleigh, expressed disappointment with poor visibility and a lack of fish, which affected their overall enjoyment.

Snorkeling and Water Activities

The snorkeling segment lasts about an hour, giving plenty of time to float around or just relax in the warm waters. The tour provides eco-friendly sunscreen—a thoughtful detail, as traditional sunscreens can harm marine life.

For those not into snorkeling, there’s an option to lounge on a floating mat or try a water tube. However, reviews indicate that floaties and tubes are not included, so if that’s important to you, plan accordingly.

Return Cruise and Final Views

After your time at the island, the boat heads back across Biscayne Bay. The return trip offers more scenic views of Miami’s waterfront, making the ride itself a highlight. Expect to see more mansions and skyline vistas as the city prepares to welcome you back to Bayside Marketplace.

Analyzing the Experience: Is It Worth It?

The main value here is the combination of scenic boat views and a quick underwater adventure at an accessible price point. For travelers looking for a relaxed, inexpensive way to see Miami from the water, this tour fits the bill. The boat ride alone is a highlight—those iconic skyline shots and waterfront mansions are truly photogenic.

However, the snorkeling quality can be hit or miss. The reviews reveal that some snorkelers found the water murky and saw little marine life, which is often a risk in busy coastal areas, especially after weather changes or heavy boat traffic. If snorkeling is your main goal, you might want to temper expectations—this isn’t a dedicated, high-visibility reef tour.

The limitations of no bathrooms on the boat or island could be inconvenient. Also, the lack of included floats or other water toys might disappoint those hoping for more water-based fun. The rescheduling and cancellation issues reported by some travelers suggest that planning flexibility is limited, so be prepared to confirm and arrive on time.

Price-wise, at just under $60, the tour offers good value for a quick escape with scenic highlights. But if you’re seeking a full day of snorkeling or beach leisure, this tour probably won’t suffice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors to Miami wanting a brief introduction to the bay’s scenery, or for travelers with limited time who want a snapshot of Miami’s waters. Families with children may enjoy the boat ride and relaxed atmosphere, provided they are comfortable with the sea conditions.

Those who prioritize authenticity and scenic views over pristine snorkeling conditions will find it appealing, especially since the boat ride itself offers excellent photo opportunities. But if clear water and abundant marine life are your priorities, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts: Is It a Good Choice?

This snorkeling adventure offers a fun, affordable way to experience Biscayne Bay and catch some Miami skyline views. The boat ride is undeniably scenic, and the waters of Miami can be warm and inviting.

Keep in mind that the actual snorkeling experience can vary—some travelers loved finding shells and seeing fish, while others were disappointed by poor visibility. The tour’s limited amenities and the possibility of rescheduling add to the mixed picture.

If you’re looking for a short, scenic excursion that combines boat views with a taste of marine life, and don’t mind some unpredictability, this tour could fit your needs. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy relaxed, social outings and are happy to accept some limitations.

For anyone seeking a more polished, high-visibility snorkeling adventure, or amenities like floats and bathrooms, you might want to look further. But for a budget-friendly, quick escape in Miami’s waters, this tour delivers a reasonable, if sometimes imperfect, experience.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?
The total experience lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, with approximately 15 minutes at Bayside Marketplace, 15 minutes for the boat cruise, 1 hour snorkeling at the island, and 15 minutes returning to the start point.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami and returns to the same location at the end of the trip.

Are there any amenities on the boat or island?
There are no bathrooms on the boat or island. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but outside food or drinks are not permitted.

Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling headgear is provided, along with life jackets, eco-friendly sunscreen, and water toys.

Can I reschedule if I miss my departure?
Rescheduling isn’t flexible once booked. Check-in closes 10 minutes prior to departure. If you’re late, you might need to pay to reschedule or for another day.

Are children allowed?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are permitted. The tour’s small group size makes it manageable for families with children.

To sum it up, this Miami snorkeling tour offers a straightforward, scenic water escape for those on a budget or short on time. Its highlights are undoubtedly the views of Miami from the bay and the chance to see some marine life, even if conditions vary. Just keep your expectations realistic regarding water clarity and amenities, and you’ll probably have a good time soaking in the coastal vibe of Miami.