About this tour
When Alex from our team hired a boat through Aquarius, we got the keys to a 29-footer on Biscayne Bay with room for ten mates and zero fuss. You're either plotting your own route (telling the captain where to go) or picking one of their set itineraries and kicking back while the pros handle it. No deposit required, BYOB encouraged, and the whole thing runs 1–4 hours depending on what you fancy. It's dead straightforward: turn up, get briefed on safety, cast off, and the bay is yours.
Highlights
- Customise the route entirely or follow Aquarius's preset course — your call
- Licensed captain handles navigation; you focus on the crew and cold drinks
- Floating mat on deck for lounging between swims
- Bluetooth sound system so your playlist follows you onto the water
- No deposit upfront; keeps the booking simple and stress-free
- Boats fit up to 10 people comfortably for a group day out
- All safety kit supplied; suitable for mixed fitness levels
What to expect
Alex and the crew showed up, got a quick safety rundown, and were on the water within 20 minutes. The 29-footer is roomy enough to move around without treading on each other, and the floating mat is genuinely handy if anyone wants to lie out between dips. If you opt for a captain, they'll navigate and point out landmarks or known spots; if you go self-drive (with a licensed captain on hand for the legals), you're plotting the route on a chart and essentially running the show. Biscayne Bay itself is fairly forgiving — shallow in spots, clear enough to see what's below, and dotted with small islands and sandbars. Pacing depends on your group: some crews want to anchor and swim for hours, others prefer cruising and spotting wildlife. Wind can pick up mid-afternoon, which doesn't wreck things but does make steering feel a bit more lively.
Good to know
This is genuinely flexible — you're not locked into a rigid tour. The boat's well-maintained, the safety equipment is legit, and there's no deposit nonsense. Bring your own drinks, so your costs stay low. Works for mixed ages and fitness levels, and the floating mat is a nice touch for families or anyone wanting chill time. Service animals are welcome.
Captain fees are on top ($40/hour standard, $50 on federal holidays), which people sometimes miss when booking. You'll need to factor that into the total cost. Groups larger than your inner crew might feel a touch snug, and if you're self-driving, even with a licensed captain present, there's a learning curve for navigation — best suited to someone confident with helm basics. Weather dependent; rough seas in summer squall season can make it uncomfortable.
Bring sunscreen, hat, water, and towels. Budget for the captain separately. Group size maxes at ten. Peak season is winter (Dec–March), so book ahead then. Public transport gets you close; check parking if you're driving.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.