Miami · TOUR REVIEWS
A long weekend or a fortnight, the problem is the same: too much shoreline and not enough mornings. The 15 below are the days that earn their slot, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath when you want to go deeper.
Walk less than half a mile through Little Havana with guides such as Toni, Orlando, Mariela, or Ariel. Taste empanadas, guava pastries, Cuban coffee, flan ice cream, plantain cups, juice, and a rum cocktail while visiting Domino Park, cigar makers, artists, and Calle Ocho landmarks.
“Great food, great history of the area. Toni is a denizen of the area, so her history is both deep and personal.”
Travel by air-conditioned bus from Miami to Everglades Holiday Park, then ride an airboat with a captain such as Kyle, German, or Jose. Look for alligators and birds, watch an alligator presentation, and receive a group photo. Bus commentary is available in English and Spanish, but the Everglades tour is in English.
“Driver (bus and airboat) was so nice! The alligator show might be boring for my kids.”
Set out from Bayside Marketplace on a 90-minute Biscayne Bay cruise past Star Island, Fisher Island, South Beach, PortMiami, and the Venetian Islands. Enjoy English and Spanish commentary from guides such as Ricky, Nancy, Marlon, and Veronica, with indoor seating, an open-air upper deck, and drinks available onboard.
“Had a great boat trip around the harbour taking in all the million and billionaires homes. Ricky was our guide and he was the best - plenty of humour and spoke fluent English and Spanish. Would highly recommend!”
At Gator Park, you’ll take a 35 to 40 minute narrated airboat ride through the Everglades, then watch a 30 minute alligator and wildlife presentation. Guides such as Cody, Jay, Tom, and John are known for humor and clear explanations. Bring sun protection and allow about two hours on site.
“The two guides were very knowledgeable. I wish we would have seen more wildlife but it was very hot.”
Use a 48-hour Big Bus pass to see Miami’s beaches, Art Deco streets, Wynwood, Little Havana, and Downtown. Add the 90-minute Millionaires Row cruise and evening city tour for a fuller visit. Buses run about every 30 minutes, with audio in several languages.
“Excellent. It permitted to see all the different areas of the city, for us to then visit some of them more closely the following days.”
From Bayside Marketplace, your captain takes you past PortMiami, Star Island, Fisher Island, South Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean in about 45 minutes. Expect Miami history, celebrity-home views, loud music, high-speed turns, and possible sea spray. Boats and seating vary.
“It was a good ride but it's not the speedboat which does the 360 turns. Also includes millionaire house description so u can skip that tour if u do this.”
Take a private two-hour cruise from Miami with only your group aboard. Your captain can guide you past Downtown Miami, Bayside, the Port of Miami, Star Island homes, and the Venetian Causeway. Bring drinks, snacks, and your own playlist for a relaxed evening on the water.
“Absolute Scam do not book. We showed up and there was no captain and they said no refund after explaining to them that we were searching for their location because it is hard to find!”
Travel from selected Miami Beach and Downtown Miami hotels to Key West by air-conditioned bus. Guides such as Tamara and Marbela have shared local tips en route, then you get six hours for Hemingway’s home, Duval Street, beaches, snorkeling, shopping, or a self-guided walk.
“Guide obsessed by tips and proposing des activities for "extras". island to make on easy hikig. Great experience for Hemingway house and Panam bar. As annoced very low temperature in the bus”
This 5.5-hour Miami tour combines an open-top bus ride through South Beach, downtown, Little Havana, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Wynwood with a 90-minute Biscayne Bay cruise past Star Island and Millionaire’s Row. Arrive 30 minutes early, bring sun protection, and expect a large group with changing transport connections.
“Horrible, the bus never came back on time to pick us up. I will never ride the bus agian.but The boat was great.”
Board near the Hard Rock Cafe at Bayside Marketplace for a 75-minute Miami Bay cruise. You will pass Hibiscus, Venetian, Sunset, Star, and Fisher islands, with skyline views, onboard drinks, and commentary from guides such as Leo. Arrive early for the best open-air seats.
“Two story, older boat. Small open air area where most people slammed in. Small cup of popcorn was $13. Seating is small wooden wedding chairs. Timeshare sales team visits. Entry photos are $20. There are a few other nicer boats with better sight lines and more outdoor seating. Do not recommend.”
Ride from Miami in a small group, usually aboard a black Mercedes Sprinter van, then take a 50 to 60-minute narrated airboat ride at Everglades Holiday Park. Look for alligators and birds, watch an educational alligator presentation, and return to your hotel in about four to five hours.
“We had a wonderful time on the tour! Antoine was our driver. He picked up us promptly at our hotel, at the agreed-upon time, and took us to the park. He shared information about the park and the Everglades during the drive. We arrived at the park before the crowds and were one of the first groups to board a boat. The boat captain, and the rest of the staff at the park, were super helpful and seemed to be genuinely engaged with all of us and the work they do. 100% recommend.”
See South Beach, Little Havana, Wynwood, and Miami’s skyline by double-decker bus, cruise Millionaire’s Row, then ride an airboat in the Everglades. Captain Jack is among the airboat guides mentioned by name. The $69.99 price is attractive, but expect a long day and possible delays.
“Be ready for rather rude employees. No information on scheduling and what to expect....passing the tip jar as if you are in church....lack of communication with passangers”
Travel from Miami to Key West by motor coach with an English- and Spanish-speaking guide. Cross 43 bridges and 31 islands, then spend roughly six hours exploring on your own, with optional snorkeling, trolley, glass-bottom boat, or Conch Train tickets available for an extra cost.
“Very good, funny and interesting. Key West Is Amazing.”
Board the red Big Bus at any Red Loop stop and see Miami’s beaches, Art Deco streets, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, and downtown sights with recorded commentary. Add the Millionaire’s Row cruise or night tour, then use your free one-hour Miami Beach bike rental when you want to explore on two wheels.
“It was raining that day and both buses we were on leaked terribly. There were towels out so they clearly knew it. We were dripped on entire trip. Not as good as other hop on hop off buses as there aren't as many points of interest.”
Start at Bayside Marketplace or another Big Bus stop, ride the open-top route through Miami’s key neighborhoods, then take a 90-minute bilingual Island Queen cruise past downtown, Miami Beach, and Millionaire’s Row. The bus loop takes about two hours, but hop-on access lets you shape the day.
“This was self guided with a recording system. It was a pleasant diversion that my hubby and I enjoyed. We live here in Miami but like to see it like a tourist every once in a while. It was well priced”
Pick a shoreline, a neighbourhood or a boat.
