Miami: Celebrity Houses and Star Island Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of cruising past Miami’s most glamorous homes while soaking up the sunshine, this Celebrity Houses and Star Island Boat Tour might just be what you’re looking for. We’ve looked into it closely, and from what we gather, it’s a popular choice for those wanting a relaxed, personalized adventure on the water.

What really catches our eye is how many travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views of Miami’s skyline and luxury estates. Also, the option to bring your own drinks onboard makes it perfect for a laid-back, customized outing. On the flip side, the cost can add up when you consider extra fees like captain surcharges and fuel — but we’ll explain why many still find it to be a good deal.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate a mix of celebrity spotting, scenic cruising, and a bit of fun with friends or family. If you’re into relaxed days on the water with plenty of photo ops, this might just be your ideal Miami experience.

Key Points

• Private and personalized: The tour is designed for small groups of up to six, giving you a more intimate experience.
• Celebrity mansion spotting: You’ll cruise past homes of Miami stars like DJ Khaled and Gloria Estefan, with insightful commentary from guides.
• Multiple stops: From star island to raccoons’ habitat and even the chance to swim at Haulover Sandbar or Soldier Key — there’s variety.
• Bring your own drinks: You’re welcome to BYOB, which makes for a fun, laid-back vibe.
• Flexible duration: Ranging from 2 to 5 hours, so you can choose a quick tour or a longer adventure.
• Additional costs: Remember, there are extra fees for captain services and fuel, which are paid at check-in.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This boat tour offers a good balance of sightseeing, relaxing, and a touch of adventure. Starting from the front of the 1 hotel (the exact address will be sent to you), you’ll hop onto a comfortable 25-foot boat, equipped with Bluetooth speakers, water, and ice — perfect for a chill day on the water. The group is private, which means no strangers overhearing your playlist or conversation.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Cruising Miami’s Iconic Islands
The main draw is gliding around the famous Star Island, Palm Island, Hibiscus Island, and Raccoon Island. Each of these locations offers its own charm, but the star of the show is undoubtedly the celebrity mansions visible from the water. Guides share stories about the homes and their famous residents, which adds a layer of fun and context. According to reviews, guides like Captain Franco and Captain Mike are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, making the experience engaging and informative. One traveler noted, “Franco was full of information to share about the area,” highlighting the value of a good guide.

Celebrity Mansions
Cruising past these mega-homes is like peeking into a Hollywood dream. From Shakira to Gloria Estefan, you get a glimpse of Miami’s high-society life. Many reviews mention how they loved snapping photos of the luxurious facades. It’s not just about seeing the houses but also hearing interesting tidbits about who lives there, making it a hit for those into celebrity culture.

Raccoon Island
An unusual highlight is stopping at Raccoon Island, a little-known gem where you can meet and hand-feed raccoons in their natural habitat. It’s a quirky addition that appeals to animal lovers or anyone wanting a break from the glitz. Reviewers like Matheo from Canada appreciated the incredible experience of making swimming plans and the kindness of the captain.

Sandbar and Swimming Opportunities
If you’re craving a swim, the Haulover Sandbar is a great spot. Its shallow, clear waters and lively atmosphere make it perfect for anchoring, relaxing, and enjoying drinks. For the more adventurous, the 5-hour option to Soldier Key offers snorkeling and underwater fun, where you can see turtles, stingrays, and vibrant fish around coral reefs. These stops enrich the experience, especially for those who like a mix of sightseeing and water activities.

The Experience on Board

The boat is described as comfortable and well-equipped, with Bluetooth speakers to add to the vibe. You’re encouraged to bring your own drinks, which many travelers find makes for a more personalized and relaxed outing. Ice and water are provided, and the whole tour is customizable within the time frame you choose.

Timing and Flexibility

Tours usually last between 2 and 5 hours, which makes them flexible depending on how much time you want on the water. Morning, afternoon, or evening slots are available, so you can plan around your Miami sightseeing itinerary. The tour is private, meaning your group gets full attention — no sharing with strangers, unless you choose a shared option.

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Cost and Extra Fees

The listed price is $260 for up to 6 people, which some might consider a bit steep, but it’s actually quite reasonable when you factor in the exclusivity and private nature. However, keep in mind there’s a $50/hour captain surcharge and a $50 fuel surcharge payable at check-in, so plan accordingly. Many reviews mention that these fees are standard for private boat rentals, and the guides are transparent about this.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews paint a very positive picture — with a 4.8/5 rating from 123 reviews. People consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the stunning sights. Tara from the UK highlights Captain Franco as “the best,” and Yuliya from the US mentions that Captain Mike was “friendly and gave us an interesting tour.”

Many travelers loved the photo opportunities and the chance to see Miami’s luxury estates up close. Lila from Luxembourg appreciated the “interesting overview of Miami Beach,” and Sharon from the UK said, “It was an outstanding trip around the Islands.” The overall consensus is that the experience offers great value for a personalized, scenic cruise.

Interestingly, several reviews also mention how they felt like celebrities themselves, cruising around in a beautiful boat with music and drinks, making it a memorable day.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying Your Tour

• Book early if you want a specific guide or time slot, especially during peak seasons.
• Bring your own drinks — remember, alcohol like red wine isn’t allowed, but beer, wine (if permitted), and other beverages are fine.
• Expect extra costs for captain fees and fuel, which are payable at check-in.
• Prepare for weather changes; if it rains, you can reschedule or cancel, but it’s good to have a backup plan.
• Check the duration of your chosen tour to make sure it fits your schedule and energy level.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat tour suits travelers who want a personalized, relaxed experience with a focus on sightseeing and celebrity culture. It’s perfect for small groups or families who appreciate guide insights and the freedom to bring their own drinks. If you’re into luxury homes, fun water stops, and friendly guides, you’ll likely enjoy this outing.

While not specifically designed for children, the raccoon stop and swimming spots might appeal to families with older kids, but always check if little ones can handle boat rides and water activities comfortably.

The Sum Up

The Miami: Celebrity Houses and Star Island Boat Tour offers a well-rounded way to enjoy Miami from the water, combining luxury, wildlife, and scenic beauty. Many travelers find the personalized nature of the tour and the knowledgeable guides to be the biggest highlights. The stops at Raccoon Island and the Sandbar add a bit of variety, making it more than just a sightseeing cruise.

While there are extra fees to keep in mind, many agree that the value for the private, customized experience makes it worthwhile. It’s especially suited for those who want a relaxed day with plenty of photo opportunities, celebrity spotting, and water fun.

If you’re after a memorable, intimate boat trip that showcases Miami’s glitz and natural beauty, this tour could be just the thing. Just be sure to plan for the additional costs, and don’t forget your drinks and camera.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
It can be, especially if your kids enjoy boat rides and wildlife encounters, like with raccoons. However, note that the tour involves water activities and a boat ride, so consider your children’s comfort and safety.

How many people can join this tour?
Up to 6 people per group, making it ideal for small family or friend groups seeking a private experience.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own drinks onboard, which many guests do for a more relaxed vibe.

What extra costs should I expect?
You’ll need to pay a $50/hour captain surcharge and a $50 fuel surcharge at check-in, on top of the tour price.

How long does the tour last?
It varies between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the package you choose or how long you want to spend on the water.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, French, Spanish, and Italian.

What should I wear on the tour?
Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Dress comfortably and consider a swimsuit if you plan to swim.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it’s noted as wheelchair accessible.

What if it rains on my scheduled tour?
You can choose to reschedule or cancel if weather conditions aren’t suitable.

How do I find the meeting point?
The meeting point will be sent to you, located across the street from the 1 hotel in Miami Beach.

This private boat tour combines the glamour of Miami’s celebrity homes with the tranquility and fun of being on the water. Whether you’re into celebrity culture, wildlife, or just a relaxing boat ride, it’s worth considering for your Miami trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: