Small-group boat tour to Stiltsville with a guide
2 Hours
Up to 6 people
Captain, Fuel, Guided tour
Cruise Biscayne Bay on a 2-hour small-group boat tour with access to historic Stiltsville. Hear stories of Miami’s history as you pass landmarks and waterfront views.
Bottled water is not provided—bring a reusable water bottle.
Full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before. Full refund if weather forces cancellation before departure.
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring sunglasses and sunblock. Bring a reusable water bottle (bottled water is not provided). In October–February, bring a light jacket; in March–September, wear light clothes and use plenty of sunblock.
Yes. You will be asked to remove your shoes before boarding.
Yes. You have dry space under each seat for small personal items.
Miami Beach Marina 300 Alton Road, Pier E Miami Beach, FL
Biscayne National Park sits just south of Miami, a shimmering expanse where turquoise water, mangrove shorelines, and the northernmost stretch of the Florida Keys come together to protect one of the most unique marine ecosystems in the country. While our Biscayne Bay boat tour focuses on the iconic Stiltsville houses and the open waters of the bay itself, those waters flow directly into the protected boundaries of Biscayne National Park, giving guests a real sense of why this corner of South Florida has been preserved for generations. The park is mostly water, which makes exploring it by boat the truest way to understand its character.
From the deck, the views that surround Biscayne National Park unfold in layers: glassy shallows that shift from jade to cobalt, distant keys fringed in green, and the wooden silhouettes of Stiltsville rising from the flats like a memory the bay refuses to let go. The warm salt breeze, the slap of small waves against the hull, and the occasional flash of a tarpon or stingray below the surface all hint at the wildlife that thrives in and around Biscayne National Park. Compared to the skyline cruise past downtown Miami and Star Island, this stretch feels wilder and quieter, a reminder that untouched Florida is closer than most visitors realize.
This experience is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and curious travelers who want more than a standard city tour, as well as families looking for a relaxed way to enjoy the water. Couples celebrating a special trip and history buffs drawn to the lore of Stiltsville will find plenty to love alongside the natural beauty of Biscayne National Park. If you want to see Miami from a perspective that blends skyline glamour with the wild, protected waters of Biscayne National Park, this boat tour is an easy and memorable way to do it.
Ocean Force Adventures runs intimate small-boat tours (6 passengers max) around Miami's waters, with Captains Kim and Colin earning consistent praise for their deep knowledge of local history. Guests repeatedly highlight how these captains transform a simple boat ride into an engaging educational experience, sharing historical facts, pointing out landmarks from the Miami skyline to Biscayne Bay, and even showing vintage photos. The tours cover various itineraries including Stiltsville, Key Biscayne lighthouse, and the popular Raccoon Island excursion where visitors can interact with surprisingly friendly raccoons. The Raccoon Island trip gets mixed feedback worth noting. While most guests loved the experience and successfully encountered the curious animals (who apparently love Lays chips), one visitor felt underwhelmed by their private tour, citing minimal guidance on the island itself and no raccoons spotted. Morning tours seem to yield better results for wildlife viewing. Guests recommend bringing water for the raccoons, snacks to attract them, and bug spray. The smooth rides, thrilling speeds, and unexpected wildlife encounters like dolphin pods add extra magic to these tours that repeat customers keep booking again and again.
What a blast to go on this tour with our incredibly knowledgeable and impressive tour guide, Louis, who is a Miami native who knew just about everything about the area! Louis answered a million questions with a smile and a great attitude and prioritized safety while also having loads of fun! We would totally come back on this tour - in fact, the other family who was on the boat with us was there for the second time in a short period! They literally couldn’t wait to get back out there on tour with Ocean Force! Thanks so much for a beautiful day in the sun and for all the Miami history!
Haley Post
March 23, 2026
What a blast to go on this tour with our incredibly knowledgeable and impressive tour guide, Louis, who is a Miami native who knew just about everything about the area! Louis answered a million questions with a smile and a great attitude and prioritized safety while also having loads of fun! We would totally come back on this tour - in fact, the other family who was on the boat with us was there for the second time in a short period! They literally couldn’t wait to get back out there on tour with Ocean Force! Thanks so much for a beautiful day in the sun and for all the Miami history!
Haley Post
March 23, 2026