Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can view the historic houses from the water aboard guided charter excursions or private shallow-draft vessels. However, under federal law enforced by Biscayne National Park, all vessels must maintain a strict 100-foot buffer zone. Tying up to the pilings, mooring, or climbing onto the structures is strictly illegal and subject to heavy federal citations. Read our complete Stiltsville history and navigation guide for full details.

Biscayne Bay is the broad 428-square-mile marine estuary that extends along mainland Miami, bounded by barrier islands like Miami Beach and Key Biscayne. Biscayne National Park is a federally designated national park that preserves the southern two-thirds of the bay (over 172,000 acres, 95% of which is water). While commercial sightseeing cruises depart from Downtown Miami's urban bay waters, the national park's mainland headquarters and canoe trails are located 40 miles south at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead.

While Bayside Marketplace has its own attached garage, rates run $10.00 to $15.00 per hour with event-night caps reaching $35.00–$45.00. We recommend parking at the municipal College Station Garage (Garage 3) located at 190 NE 3rd Street. It costs only $3.00 to $3.50 per hour ($10–$15 flat weekend rate) and is a flat, safe 6-minute walk to the marina. Never park on the street using PayByPhone meters, as strict 2- to 3-hour caps will expire while you are out on the water. Consult our detailed parking guide.

Yes. A 90-minute Millionaire's Row boat cruise is widely considered one of the best introduction activities in Miami. It provides engaging, bilingual historical narration, cruises right up to the palatial estates of Star Island, Palm Island, and Fisher Island, and delivers panoramic photographic views of the Brickell skyline and PortMiami cruise ships that you cannot access from land.

Dress in lightweight, breathable subtropical clothing (linen shirts, shorts, or sundresses). Wear polarized sunglasses with a retention strap and a wide-brim hat with a chin cord. Choose flat, non-slip rubber deck shoes or sneakers — high heels are dangerous on damp boat stairs. For evening or sunset cruises, bring a light windbreaker or wrap, as open-water bay breezes can feel cool once the sun sets. Review our sun safety tips.

On standard commercial sightseeing tours departing from Bayside Marina, outside meals, alcoholic beverages, and large coolers are not permitted. The vessels operate licensed on-board cash/card bars serving frozen cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, and light snacks. Small personal water bottles and baby formula/snacks are always permitted. If you rent a private charter boat, bringing your own food and drinks (BYOB) is generally allowed.

Yes. All commercial sightseeing catamarans operating out of Bayside Marina are equipped with clean, fully functioning marine heads (restrooms) situated on the lower enclosed deck. In addition, large public restrooms are available inside Bayside Marketplace near the central rotunda before boarding.

Tours sail rain or shine during standard light rain, as the vessels feature spacious, enclosed lower salons with panoramic picture windows and air conditioning. In the event of severe weather, high winds, lightning, or a US Coast Guard Small Craft Advisory, the cruise operator will cancel the excursion for safety. Under the standard booking policy, passengers receive a 100% full refund or the option to rebook for an alternative time slot without penalty.

Plan to arrive at the Bayside Marina boarding gate 30 to 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. This allows sufficient time to navigate downtown traffic, park in the garage, stroll through the marketplace, check in at the kiosk, and board early to secure prime seating along the open-air upper observation deck.

Yes. The dock ramps at Bayside Marina and the main deck entrance of standard sightseeing catamarans accommodate standard manual wheelchairs and baby strollers. Passengers can enjoy the cruise from the air-conditioned lower cabin with full panoramic views. Please note that the open upper observation deck is accessible only via maritime stairs.

It depends on your travel style. Morning cruises (10:00 AM – 11:30 AM) offer mirror-flat water, cooler air, and the highest probability of spotting wild dolphins and manatees. Sunset and evening cruises (5:00 PM – 7:30 PM+) provide golden-hour lighting across celebrity mansions followed by dazzling illuminated views of the downtown Miami high-rise skyline. Read our in-depth morning vs sunset cruise comparison to decide.