Miami Snorkeling Adventure off a Secluded Island

If you’re considering a quick getaway on the water during your Miami trip, this snorkeling tour might catch your eye. It promises a 90-minute adventure starting from Bayside Marketplace, heading to a quiet island in Biscayne Bay, with plenty of chances to see marine life and enjoy the Miami skyline. We’ve looked into what travelers are saying and the details of the experience to give you a clear picture of whether it’s worth your time—and your money.

What we like: The opportunity to take in iconic Miami views from the water and the chance to snorkel among tropical fish are definite highlights. The tour’s laid-back vibe and the availability of water toys are also appealing for those wanting a relaxed escape.
One thing to consider: The water clarity isn’t always great, and some reviews mention that the snorkeling conditions can be disappointing, which might affect your overall enjoyment.
Best suited for: Travelers who want a quick, easy water adventure with scenic views and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability with marine visibility.

Key Points

• Scenic views of Downtown Miami and luxurious waterfront mansions
• Relatively affordable at $59.99 per person for 90 minutes
• Limited snorkeling conditions reported, with some water clarity concerns
• Includes entertainment like Miami-style music on the boat
• No bathroom facilities on the boat or on the island
• A small group experience with a maximum of 15 travelers
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead
• Not ideal for those seeking a professional or highly-organized snorkeling experience

What to Expect from the Tour

We’ll walk through what each part of the trip involves, so you can see what’s included—and what you might want to prepare for. This shared adventure offers a taste of Miami’s water lifestyle, but it’s important to balance expectations with the actual experience.

Starting Point: Bayside Marketplace

The tour begins in the lively Bayside Marketplace, a popular spot in downtown Miami. You need to check in at the Miami Water Taxi kiosk, just down from Mambo Cafe. The check-in process is straightforward, but note that it closes 10 minutes before the scheduled departure, so arriving early is a good idea. The meeting point is convenient for most travelers, especially if you’re already exploring Downtown Miami.

The Boat Ride & Views

Once aboard the spacious pontoon boat, you’ll cruise toward Biscayne Bay’s quieter islands. This part of the tour is definitely a highlight. As you leave the bustling city behind, you’ll enjoy excellent views of the Miami skyline and can peek at the waterfront mansions on Venetian and Hibiscus Islands. The music, Miami-style, adds to the laid-back, party vibe on the boat.

This cruise isn’t just about transportation; it’s part of the experience. You’ll have opportunities to snap photos and relax before reaching your destination. Keep in mind, the boat doesn’t stop at all the points passing by, so you’ll mainly be enjoying the scenery until your island stop.

The Secluded Island & Snorkeling

The main event is at Flagler Memorial Island, about an hour long. Here, you’ll get a quick intro to snorkeling, supplied with headgear, life jackets, and water toys. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, you can simply lounge on the sandy beach, float on a mat, or try out a water tube—perfect for a relaxed day.

However, based on reviews and water conditions, the underwater experience might not be as vibrant as you’d hope. One guest mentioned, “The water wasn’t very clear but still found some conch shells,” which shows marine life can be present but visibility varies. Another reviewer was disappointed, describing the water as filled with trash and having zero fish visibility.

Return Journey & Views

After roughly an hour on the island, you’ll cruise back across Biscayne Bay. The return trip offers more stunning views of Miami’s skyline, making it a nice end to your journey. You’ll be back at Bayside Marketplace after about 1.5 hours total, including check-in and the boat rides.

The Practicalities

What’s Included

• The 90-minute snorkeling adventure on a pontoon boat
• A professional captain and host
• Miami-style music to keep the mood lively
• Snorkeling headgear, life jackets, and water toys
• Eco-friendly sunscreen to protect marine life
• All equipment needed for water activities

What’s Not Included

• Towels or any personal beach gear
• Food and drinks can be purchased aboard, but no outside food or drinks are allowed
• Bathrooms are not available on the boat or the island, so plan accordingly

Booking & Flexibility

You’ll confirm your reservation instantly. The tour departs rain or shine, so weather isn’t a deal-breaker unless there’s a storm. If your plans change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, which is a good option given some guests’ experiences with rescheduling.

Group Size & Atmosphere

This is a small-group experience, with a maximum of 15 travelers, which helps keep things intimate and manageable. Expect a casual, fun vibe—perfect if you like social, laid-back outings.

Real Traveler Feedback

The mixed reviews tell a nuanced story. One guest, Dana, raved, “The host and captain are fun and amazing! Even though the water wasn’t very clear, I still found some conch shells,” highlighting that it can be a pleasant, relaxed outing despite less-than-ideal conditions. On the other hand, Lauren experienced frustration over a last-minute cancellation and noted the informality of communication, which is worth considering if your schedule is tight.

Amberleigh’s review was more critical—pointing out that there are no floats or tubes available and criticizing the poor snorkeling conditions, with trash in the water and no fish visibility. This highlights that expectations for the marine environment should be tempered.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkeling adventure is best suited for travelers who want a quick, scenic boat ride with some snorkeling, without high expectations for perfect marine conditions. It offers good value for the price, especially given the views and the fun atmosphere. However, if you’re an avid snorkeler or looking for a pristine underwater experience, you might find this tour lacking.

It’s also a good option if you’re traveling with kids or groups who appreciate relaxed, social outings rather than serious diving. Keep in mind the lack of bathroom facilities and the variability in water clarity.

The Sum Up

This Miami snorkeling tour offers a laid-back, scenic escape with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the city’s iconic waterfront views. The boat ride itself is pleasant and fun, especially if you enjoy Miami’s lively music and vibrant skyline. The snorkeling component, however, may not meet all expectations due to water clarity issues and the presence of trash, as some travelers have noted.

If you’re after an affordable, quick water adventure to get a feel for Biscayne Bay and take some memorable photos, this tour does the job. It’s ideal for casual travelers wanting a relaxed day on the water with light snorkeling and scenic cruising. But if your main goal is vibrant marine life or pristine waters, you might want to explore other options or set your expectations accordingly.

This experience is about enjoying Miami’s waters in a simple, unpretentious way. It’s best for those who prioritize views and laid-back fun over underwater photography or wildlife spotting.

FAQ

Is there a bathroom on the boat or island?
No, there are no bathrooms available on the boat or the island, so plan accordingly, especially if you have young kids or need frequent breaks.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen (though eco-friendly sunscreen is provided), and any personal items you want to keep dry or use on the beach. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but outside food isn’t allowed.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance aren’t eligible for refunds.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, making it a more intimate experience.

Is the snorkeling experience suitable for kids?
The tour is generally accessible to most travelers, but the review mentions no specific age restrictions. If your children are comfortable in water and enjoy relaxed snorkeling, they should be fine.

Are the water conditions predictable?
Water clarity can vary. Some reviews mention poor visibility and trash, so expect that the underwater scene might not be as vibrant as other snorkeling spots.

How long is the tour exactly?
The total experience lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including check-in, boat rides, and time on the island.

What kind of views will I see during the cruise?
Expect to see Downtown Miami’s skyline, waterfront mansions, and tranquil Biscayne Bay waters. It’s a scenic ride with photo-worthy vistas.

Is this tour rain or shine?
Yes, the tour departs rain or shine. Rains in Miami often pass quickly, so it’s generally manageable.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, scenic day on the water with a splash of snorkeling, this tour might fit the bill—even if the marine environment isn’t always picture-perfect. Just go in with relaxed expectations, and you’ll likely enjoy the views and the laid-back Miami vibes.