Turquoise waters, the rhythmic sound of waves and the invigorating scent of the sea embody the water scene in Greater Miami & Miami Beach. Bordered by pristine barrier islands and golden-hued sand beaches, the destination offers an unparalleled coastal and inland water experience with thriving aquatic ecosystems. Whether you’re kayaking through tranquil mangroves, enjoying adrenaline-pumping Jet Ski adventures or snorkeling in clear water or over coral reefs, here’s your guide to the endless possibilities that await you in and on Miami’s breathtaking waters.

Fishing charter boat on calm water — Discover Miami’s stunning waterways with a charter rental

Boating & Sailing: Navigating Miami’s Scenic Waterways

Boating and sailing are popular pastimes, and you don’t need to own a boat to enjoy them. Anyone can rent a vessel for a day. Tropicalboat Luxury Yacht Charters & Rentals provides a range of options, from cozy day boats to spacious yachts for viewing marine life, waterfront mansions and historic gems. For larger groups, Biscayne Lady Yacht Charters and Water Fantaseas have luxury yachts for up to 400 passengers, while Prime Experiences caters to any group size. You can even rent directly from private owners through GetMyBoat.

For a traditional experience, sailing is a unique thrill that motorboats can't match. Sailing Adventures Miami has private sailboat charters in Biscayne Bay. If you want to learn how to sail, the Coconut Grove Sailing School in Dinner Key Marina offers private and group lessons. Shake-A-Leg Miami provides accessible boats and kayaks for individuals with disabilities.

View of Stiltsville with a boat docked — See unique sights such as Stiltsville in Biscayne National Park

Boats provide a perfect vantage point for cruising the waters and enjoying close views of multimillion dollar homes and historic landmarks. Island Queen Cruises & Tours has a top-rated tour that encompasses Millionaire’s Row, PortMiami, Fisher Island and Miami Beach. For a fast-track water journey, Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures zooms you past famous sites, including Star Island, at high speeds. Alternatively, embark on a Zodiac tour with Ocean Force Adventures to explore popular attractions, natural wonders and historical sites like Stiltsville plus access to hidden coves that larger vessels cannot reach.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park lighthouse — Enjoy a quiet retreat at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Marinas Provide Access To Water-based Activities

Most of Miami’s waterfront neighborhoods have a marina. At Miami Beach Marina in South Beach, you’ll find watercraft rentals, a dive shop and restaurants. Daily hop-on, hop-off water taxis from this location simplify exploring nearby attractions like Flamingo Park and Ocean Drive. On the mainland, Miamarina at Bayside is ideal for cityscape boat tours, party cruises and sunset excursions, while Crandon Marina in Key Biscayne connects you to Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and nearby beaches and picnic areas at Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove showcases the largest wet slip marina on the East Coast, and Matheson Hammock Marina in Coral Gables has a sailing school, hiking trails and a man-made atoll beach. Black Point Marina in Homestead provides excellent diving and fishing charters, a restaurant, picnic areas, bike paths, jogging trails and a 1.5-mile jetty for casting from shore.

Group of friends kayaking in Oleta River State Park — Go kayaking in Oleta River State Park

Paddle Through Lush Water Trails With Kayaks, Canoes And Paddleboards

A utopia for kayaking and canoeing, Biscayne National Park has intricate mangrove tunnels that create an immersive experience in nature’s untouched beauty. Stand-up paddleboarding in South Beach affords magnificent views of Miami’s skyline against deep azure waters.

Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach features winding waterways through flourishing ecosystems for adventure seekers to explore, and Key Biscayne’s Crandon Park stands out with its mangroves and coastal hardwood hammocks. Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables offers scenic canal tours. Or experience an inlet adventure at Black Point Marina, where manatees and dolphins can be seen in their natural habitat.

Race The Waves Or Glide In The Air

The beaches and marinas offer plenty of options for Jet Ski rentals and parasailing. Biscayne Bay, spanning 429 square miles, is a top spot for both. Rent a Jet Ski at Miami Waterlife Tours at Rickenbacker Marina in Key Biscayne or launch your watercraft at Crandon Marina. Relax at Nixon Beach Sandbar, just off Key Biscayne, where you can park your Jet Ski and bask in the sun.

The Government Cut channel provides stunning views of Fisher Island, massive cruise ships and the southern tip of Miami Beach. Adjacent to the channel at Miami Beach Marina, Bouyah Waterports also provides watercraft rentals. For an exhilarating aerial experience, FlySobe Parasailing lets you soar for up to 10 minutes, while Miami Watersports takes you 700 feet high, where you can look down and often spot marine life like manta rays, sea turtles and dolphins.

Diver exploring a vibrant coral reef in Biscayne National Park with a lionfish nearby — Uncover the magic beneath the waves

Discover Underwater Wonders While Snorkeling And Diving

Beneath the waves lies a vibrant marine ecosystem of colorful coral and tropical fish. The Florida Reef Tract is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, stretching 350 miles with coral ecosystems, patch reefs and intriguing shipwrecks.

In Biscayne Bay, the Jose Cuervo Reef, an artificial reef formed by a sunken concrete bar, is excellent for snorkeling. For deeper exploration, Biscayne National Park’s Maritime Heritage Trail has six shipwrecks that have become artificial reefs. Emerald Reef and the Half Moon Shipwreck are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, while experienced divers can explore the Neptune Memorial Reef.

Colorful Hobie sailboat on sandy beach with blue ocean backdrop — Catch the waves and embrace the thrill at Hobie Beach

Ride The Waves With Exhilarating Windsurfing

Hobie Beach (Windsurfer Beach) on Key Biscayne is your go-to for windsurfing, thanks to its optimal conditions and long-standing rental concession. Crandon Park and Historic Virginia Key Beach Park also have great windsurfing options, depending on wind direction. Each location combines striking scenery with convenient amenities to enhance your experience.

Cruise ships docked at PortMiami with the Miami skyline in the background — Embark on your dream cruise from Miami

Experience The Ultimate Cruising Destination

Known As the "Cruise Capital of the World," Miami serves as your embarkation point, with major lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line departing from PortMiami. Before or after your cruise, there are many ways to enjoy the destination.

Group of friends enjoying a fishing charter off Sunny Isles Beach — Go fishing with friends in Miami

Cast Your Line At Prime Fishing Spots

If you are a fishing enthusiast, discover a range of experiences, from the shallow flats of Biscayne Bay to the deep Gulf Stream waters. Inshore fishing offers tarpon, snook and redfish, while offshore trips promise marlin, sailfish and tuna. You can book private charters or night trips for swordfish or opt for a budget-friendly party boat. For freshwater fishing, visit Blue Lagoon near Miami International Airport or Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah for largemouth and peacock bass.

New to angling? Key Biscayne’s Hobie Beach is a great starting point, with easy access and common catches like snapper, jack crevalle and bonefish. Other prime spots include the pier at South Pointe Park and Haulover Inlet at Haulover Park Beach. Newport Fishing Pier in Sunny Isles Beach has seatrout, tarpon and pompano, while Oleta River State Park is perfect for redfish, snook and snapper.

Airboat ride tour through Everglades Alligator Farm — Experience the thrill of the Everglades with an airboat tour

Embark On An Everglades Adventure By Airboat And Swamp Buggy

The raw beauty and untamed wilderness of Everglades National Park, known as the “River of Grass,” presents some incredible sights. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site – the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States – you'll be surrounded by vast marshlands, sawgrass prairies and mangrove forests.

Start your journey on an exhilarating airboat tour that skims across the sawgrass plains. Tour operators like Miccosukee Indian Village and Airboat Rides, Coopertown Airboats and Everglades Airboat Tours will immerse you in this mesmerizing landscape. If you're up for a more rugged experience, hop on a swamp buggy ride. You’ll navigate cypress swamps and muddy marshes. For a more laid-back adventure, grab a kayak or canoe and paddle through the serene waterways.

Fuel Your Thrills At Miami’s Watersports Adventure Complex

Miami Watersports Complex in Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah is one of the largest cable wakeboard parks in the United States, with action-packed experiences for all skill levels. Whether you’re into wakeboarding, wakesurfing, kneeboarding or waterskiing, it has something for every water sports lover. The park has plenty to explore, including eco-adventure tours and scenic biking trails.

View of Venetian Pool, featuring its crystal-clear water, picturesque grotto and lush tropical surroundings — Make a splash at the Venetian Pool

Splash And Swim At Top Water Attractions

Water parks and pools provide a blend of leisure and entertainment. At the Fontainebleau Miami Beach and Eden Roc hotels in Miami Beach, you can enjoy elegant infinity pools with ocean views. Tidal Cove at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in Aventura has a wave generator, fun slides and a lazy river. For family-friendly adventures, Jungle Splash at Jungle Island and McDonald Water Park in Hialeah both offer interactive play areas and gentle slides. From May on in Coral Gables, enjoy the Venetian Pool, the biggest freshwater pool in the United States.

Aerial view of South Beach's Lummus Park, highlighting its expansive sandy beach, palm trees, and vibrant blue ocean — Soak up the sun and fun at Lummus Park

Dive Right In At Miami’s Famous Beaches

Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, from the lively shores of Lummus Park in South Beach and waterfront hotels to the peaceful parks on Key Biscayne and Biscayne Bay. Whether you’re in Sunny Isles Beach or soaking up the sun in Matheson Hammock Park, enjoying these spots is a breeze. Just grab your beach towel and dive in. For water lovers, there’s no place like Greater Miami & Miami Beach.

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