Miami Tours that Take Place on the Water
There are a number of ways for visitors and even locals to experience the sights and sounds of Miami from the deck of a seaworthy vessel. Here is a breakdown of the some of the easiest ways to get your sea legs under you without having to go through naval school!
Traditional boating tours
Simple, climb-aboard boating tours of the different marinas and islands are some of the most straightforward ways of taking in the city from the water. There are a range of vessels to choose from depending on your mood. Small-sized yachts will keep things simple, whereas high-speed 40-footers that whizz you across the water add their own thrilling element to proceedings. Sights on offer include the many celebrity mansions of Star Island and the Art Deco architecture of South Beach.
Sail boats and charter boats offer more freedom to choose
Perhaps you desire a little more freedom and want to test out your sailing acumen? No problem. Miami has a large number of companies that are willing to hire out sailing vessels and other kinds of private charters. If you have the skills, you can take the captaincy for yourself. Alternatively, you can hire your own experienced captain and dedicate more of your time to taking in the sights or gazing at the stars of Miami's nighttime firmament.
Tours that Take Place on Land
Taking in celebrity sights and beautiful buildings from the comfort of the deck of a chartered yacht is certainly tempting. However, the reality is that there is a natural limit on how much of Miami you can see without getting your feet on land. Here are some dryer options to consider instead.
Experience Miami without the hassle of parking, with a bus tour
Bus tours provide a great way to take in some intriguing inland attractions. There is a multitude of hop-on, hop-off tours available. These are an excellent choice if you want to preserve the freedom to dip into the culture of places like South Beach from time to time.
Double-decker bus tours give you the chance to enjoy the sunshine and an uninterrupted view of the surroundings. This is a good choice if you're more interested in the view than the action. If you are looking for something a little more tailored, there are many customized bus services offering a bespoke service that includes pickup and a choice of routes. As a whole, bus services offer a larger range of destinations and routes than boating. They are also a great way to explore favored locations such as the central city area and the Florida Keys.
Segway tours: A modern way to roam the city
If you want to stay ahead of the crowd, consider one of the latest ways to get around the city: two-wheeled Segway transporters. A Segway tour is usually a guided tour that involves the rental of a number of Segways to whisk you around the popular sights and locations in Miami. It is a good way to take in districts that offer attractions which tend to be spread out over a large area. Examples include the Architectural District and the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens.
Take your adventure sky-high with helicopter tours
Maybe you only have a very short period of time in the city to take in the sights. Then perhaps a helicopter tour of the city is a good fit. Helicopter tours provide the excitement of traveling in a movie-style mode of transport. You'll also get to see a great many sights in a very short space of time, and from a truly unique perspective. Sunset over the city from this vantage point can be truly spectacular. Tours via helicopter tend to range from 15 to 30 minutes in length and can cost anywhere from between 100 and 250 dollars.
Airboat tours of the Everglades
We didn't mention this when we spoke of the boating tours. This is because, the truth is, an airboat tour of the Everglades is an experience unto itself. As you whizz across the surface of this unique watery landscape, you'll come up close and personal with the local wildlife enjoying their natural habitats. Prepare to meet everything from alligators, birds, and swamp fish. Many tours offer additional activities (such as alligator wrestling!) that add value to the price of a ticket. While very exciting, they are also optional, so don't fret if you just want to experience the wildlife from a safe distance!
Bike tours
Miami is a very bike-friendly city and you'll find a large number of companies offering guided and solo bike tours. This is a great way to take control of your experience of the city and get a little exercise into the bargain.
Try Out some Alternatives to Traditional Sightseeing
While many come to the city to see famous streets and locations, there is more to the city than just some pretty facades. If you are looking to engage with the culture and wildlife of Miami, there are also a number of alternative options to be enjoyed.
Indulge your taste buds with culinary tours
The local cuisine of Miami is a blended mix that is influenced by a wide range of different cultures. The food scene is of course heavily influenced by the availability of seafood. There is also a distinct Latin vibe to proceedings, thanks to the large Cuban and Latin American population that make up a distinct part of the city's vibrant culture. While certain culinary tours will take you on a journey through many different neighborhoods and food styles, others will offer a thorough investigation of one particular area.
Perhaps you are looking to get away from the tourist traps and head straight to proven eateries favored by locals? Or maybe you want to sample the finest Cuban dishes Miami has to offer with a complete tour of Little Havana? Whatever your taste buds are craving, you're almost certain to find a tour that matches your needs.
Spike your adrenaline with a shark tour
South Florida is home to the largest population of sharks on the planet. Visitors can observe these enigmatic and ancient creatures in two distinct ways. Basic viewing tours are a great choice for families. These are non-diving trips for those who simply want to get a closer look. For something a bit more intimate, diving shark tours normally involve the use of a shark cage and take place a few miles offshore. All tours are overseen by experienced professionals.
How about a quick jaunt to the Bahamas?
If you are looking to kill two birds with one stone while you are in Miami, you can also take in the famous landscapes of the Bahamas. These are easily reached by taking a short ferry ride from Miami to the tropical location. Enjoy drinking rum on the golden beaches of Bahamas islands such as Bimini. You'll be left with the enviable task of being able to compare this to sipping piña coladas on the white sandy beaches of Miami's Sunny Isles.
Getting the most out of Miami can be achieved by matching your holiday goals with the style of tours on offer. Not ready to take on the aggressive traffic of Miami? Then relax on a guided bus tour. Looking to share a drink with the locals? Why not hire a Segway to check out locations before sharing some rum with Miamians. The wide selection of tours and adventures on offer in Miami gives you the freedom to tailor your holiday in a way that suits your spirit. Just don't forget to share your experience with us.
