Things to do nearBiscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay is a vast coastal lagoon in South Florida renowned for its turquoise shallows, abundant marine life, and easy access to the Florida Keys.
Biscayne Bay stretches roughly 35 miles along the southeastern coast of Florida, bordered by the Miami metropolitan area to the west and a chain of barrier islands to the east. Long before the city of Miami took shape, the bay sustained the Tequesta people, who fished its waters and built shell middens along its shores for thousands of years. Spanish explorers charted the bay in the sixteenth century, and it later became a vital corridor for fishing fleets and sponge harvesters throughout the nineteenth century.
Much of the bay falls within Biscayne National Park, established in 1980 to protect one of the largest marine parks in the National Park System. Visitors come to snorkel and dive the northernmost living coral reefs in the continental United States, where elkhorn and staghorn corals shelter parrotfish, angelfish, and moray eels. Above the waterline, the bay's mangrove shorelines serve as nursery habitat for dozens of species and as a natural buffer against storm surge.
Beyond the protected park boundaries, the bay pulses with the energy of urban South Florida. Sailing clubs, rowing programs, and windsurfers share the open water with recreational boaters heading out toward the barrier islands. Bayside Marketplace and the waterfront promenades of downtown Miami offer a place to watch the bay from land, with local seafood restaurants serving stone crab claws and fresh snapper that reflect the bay's long fishing tradition.
Biscayne Bay occupies a rare position as both a functioning urban waterway and a largely intact natural system, making it one of the most compelling and accessible coastal destinations in Florida.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Biscayne Bay
Visit during the cooler months between November and March to enjoy calmer winds, clearer water visibility, and relief from summer humidity.
Try kayaking or paddleboarding along the western shoreline at sunrise, when boat traffic is minimal and wading birds are most active along the mangrove edges.
Bring polarized sunglasses to cut the surface glare and spot marine life in the shallows, including stingrays resting on sandy patches near the seagrass beds.
Take a glass-bottom boat tour from Convoy Point to see the living coral reefs of Biscayne National Park without getting in the water.
Arrive at Dante Fascell Visitor Center on Elliott Key by ferry to explore one of the few undeveloped barrier islands accessible within the bay.
Top tours & experiences near Biscayne Bay
Neptune Memorial Reef Snorkeling Trip in Miami
Snorkel two Miami reef sites on a 4-hour boat trip
Lagoon Kayak & Paddleboard Tour in Virginia Key, Miami
Glide across Miami's tranquil waters on kayak or paddleboard, spotting wildlife and skyline views
Miami Harbor Cruise on Vintage Yacht with History
Cruise Miami Harbor aboard a vintage yacht and learn local history from a knowledgeable crew.
4-Hour Biscayne Bay Wildlife Cruise From Miami
Cruise Biscayne Bay and look for dolphins, manatees, turtles, and rays
Private Biscayne Bay Boat Rental with Captain in Miami Beach
Rent a private 22-foot sport boat in Miami Beach with a captain for up to 6 guests
Biscayne Bay Inshore Fishing Charter for Snook & Tarpon
Enjoy backcountry fishing suited to beginners and experienced anglers alike
38' Private Boat Charter in Fort Lauderdale
Cruise South Florida waters in comfort with a private, enclosed-cabin boat
Private Wakesurf & Skyline Cruise in Miami
Wakesurf, tube, and cruise Biscayne Bay on a private wake boat
Miami Sunset Wakesurf & Cruise
Wakesurf by daylight, then cruise Biscayne Bay at golden hour with a family-style cheeseboard
1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in Miami
Take the controls for an open-water Miami jet ski ride
Cruise Biscayne Bay on a 90-Minute Boat Tour
See Miami’s skyline and Millionaire’s Row on a double-decker cruise
Sunset Cruise in Miami on a Private Charter
Cruise Biscayne Bay by private boat with shade, space, and a stocked cooler
Private Wakesurf Lesson in Miami Beach
Learn wakesurf skills with a private instructor in Biscayne Bay
Sunset Dinner Cruise in Miami
Dine on Biscayne Bay with a catered Italian meal and downtown views
Biscayne Bay Boat Tour & Kayak Experience in Miami
Cruise Biscayne Bay, stop at Bird Island, and kayak through mangroves
Private 27' Sport Boat Rental with Captain in Miami Beach
Cruise Biscayne Bay privately with a captain, your music, and a floating mat
2-Person Jet Car Rental in Miami
Drive a Jet Car after a scenic Biscayne Bay boat ride
Cruise Fort Lauderdale on a Private 21' Bayliner
Rent a 21 ft Bayliner with captain for up to 6 guests from Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood
Miami Jet Ski Tour to South Beach & Fisher Island
Ride a Yamaha jet ski on a guided Biscayne Bay tour
Sunrise Wakesurf Charter in Miami
Sunrise wakesurfing on Biscayne Bay with coaching and a light breakfast
Biscayne Bay Jet Ski & Party Boat Combo in Miami Beach
Ride a jet ski, then cruise Biscayne Bay on a 3-hour party boat
Millionaire's Row & Art Deco Segway Tour in Miami Beach
Glide past Art Deco streets and waterfront mansions on Millionaire’s Row
Miami Private Sandbar Cruise
Cruise Biscayne Bay with swim access, shade, and Miami waterfront views