The same Biscayne Bay tour on Christmas

Just because it’s a holiday doesn’t mean the route changes — and that’s the best part. On Christmas Day, you will enjoy the exact same iconic Biscayne Bay sightseeing cruise that locals and travelers rave about all year long. This holiday version simply adds a festive atmosphere, cheerful vibes, decorations, and holiday music. The boat cruise still glides by Miami Beach, Star Island, Fisher Island, and the most recognizable parts of miami from the water with narration explaining history, architecture, culture, and fun Miami facts. Yes, it’s still the classic route that attracts thousands — only this time, with holiday flair.

The Miami Christmas Day Boat Cruise Itinerary

This Christmas Day cruise takes you on a scenic loop through Biscayne Bay, showcasing Miami’s most famous landmarks, islands, and skyline views from the water. As a quick reminder, “port” refers to the left side of the boat, “starboard” to the right, the “bow” is the front, and the “stern” is the back — helping you know exactly where to look for each highlight along the way.

• Cruise beneath the Port Miami Bridge

• Port of Miami – starboard

• Kaseya Center – port

• Maurice A. Ferré Park – port

• Miami Children’s Museum – starboard

• Frost Museum of Science – port

• Perez Art Museum – port

• Sail under the MacArthur Causeway

• Venetian Causeway Bridge – port

• Biscayne Island – port

• Jungle Island – starboard

• Miami Yacht Club – starboard

• San Marco Island – port

• San Marino Island – port

• Di Lido Island – port

• Rivo Alto Island – port

• Monument Island – port

• Hibiscus Island – starboard

• Palm Island – starboard

• Star Island – starboard (celebrity mansions)

• Miami Beach coastline – port

• MacArthur Cause – sail beneath again

• US Coast Guard Station – starboard

• Miami Beach Marina – port

• South Beach – port

• Pilot House – starboard

• Fisher Island – port

• Port of Miami return view – starboard

• Brickell Key – port

• Miami Skyline panoramic views ahead

• Return to Bayside Marketplace

With each landmark revealing a new layer of Miami’s history, luxury, culture, and coastal beauty, your journey becomes just as incredible as the destination itself.

See it all in this 90-minute boat tour 

Your holiday adventure remains the well-known 90-minute Miami boat tour that has become a staple for Miami toursand sightseeing tours. Whether you're curious about Miami’s rich history, growing skyline, or celebrity-approved neighborhoods, this boat tour packs in everything — laughter, learning, fun, and breathtaking views in under two hours. If you're visiting Miami for the holidays, this cruise offers a relaxed way to see the city without rushing between attractions or dealing with parking and traffic. Just board the boat, grab a drink, and let the captain do the rest.

Miami Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise Cancellation

Because Christmas Day is popular, cancellation policies can be more limited. Many tours operate rain or shine unless extreme weather conditions are declared. Glassy water and comfortable temperatures mean cancellations are rare. Check your confirmation email for deadline information and always arrive early — especially during holidays — even if you’ve checked in online.

Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise Inclusions

A standard Miami boat cruise typically includes:

• Professional bilingual narration

• A guided history of Miami, Miami Beach, and its iconic landmarks

• Up-close views of celebrity mansions on Star Island and Fisher Island

• Access to indoor and outdoor seating

• Beautiful holiday decor and festive soundtrack

Many boats feature snack bars, cocktails, and beer — making it easy to sip a mojito while admiring the setting sun and city lights.

Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise Exclusions

Although inclusive of the views and excitement, most cruises do not include food, so you can bring food or snacks unless restricted by the operator. Drinks are available for purchase, and transportation to the marina is typically not included. Don’t forget — while Miami is warm, a light jacket isn’t the worst idea after sunset, especially on the water.

A reminder on What to bring for your holiday sightseeing cruise

To make the most of your miami sightseeing cruise, be sure to bring:

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Comfortable holiday attire

• A camera for the breathtaking views

• Your sense of adventure

• ID for bar purchases

• A light jacket for night cruises

Bonus tip: wear festive colors for photos.

Tips for the Best Christmas Day Cruise Experience

To enjoy your cruise to the fullest, consider bringing:

• Sunglasses & sunscreen

• Comfortable holiday-themed attire

• Light jacket for sunset or evening tours

• Camera or smartphone (you’ll want photos!)

• ID for bar purchases

• Extra time for parking around Bayside Marketplace

Arrive 30–45 minutes early, especially during holidays — waterfront areas can be lively and busy.

Best Time of Day for a Miami Christmas Sightseeing Cruise

Every time of day offers a different holiday experience:

• Morning — Bright sunshine, gentle breezes, and calm waters

• Midday — Warm temperatures and lively bay activity

• Sunset — Golden skies, glowing reflections, and dramatic skyline photo opportunities

• Night — Holiday lights shimmering on the water with a magical skyline backdrop

There truly is no wrong choice — it simply depends whether you want warm sun, glowing oranges at sunset, or sparkling city lights beneath the night sky.

The Miami Sightseeing Cruise on Christmas is great for visitors and locals alike

Locals love seeing their own city from a tourist’s perspective and discovering new bits of history and architecture. Visitors love checking off multiple sights in one trip — all from the comfort of a boat. It's a family friendly outing, appealing to kids, couples, groups, and retired travelers. Whether your family tradition is a meal, a movie, or walking around the neighborhood, this cruise adds something fresh and exciting to your holiday ritual.

Why a Miami Christmas Day cruise is different from any other holiday attraction

Most cities offer traditional winter celebrations — ice skating, mall shopping, decorated streets. Miami flips the script with a unique blend of tropical weather and festive coastline charm. Holiday lights reflect off the bay, waterfront mansions decorate their docks, mega yachts become floating Christmas displays, and the skyline becomes a glowing backdrop for photos. This combination simply doesn’t exist anywhere else in the U.S. — even Key West offers incredible boating scenery, but Miami delivers city lights, celebrity culture, international influences, and architectural contrasts all in a single route.

The same great Value as any other Miami Sightseeing Cruise

Holiday or not, the value remains high. For the price, you’ll cover more ground (or water!) than most Miami tours on land. And nothing competes with experiencing Miami from the water — it’s a visual postcard from every angle.

What travelers say they enjoy most

• Seeing Miami Waterfront Boat Tour instead of through a car window

• Learning the history behind places they’ve only seen on Instagram

• Getting photos of Fisher Island, Star Island, and Millionaire’s Row

• The fun and upbeat atmosphere

• How stress-free it is compared to holiday shopping

• The breathtaking views at sunset

Important information about the special Christmas Sightseeing Cruise

• Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure

• Expect traffic around Bayside Marketplace and major tour hubs

• Pack a light jacket for later cruises

• Check in early if traveling with a group

• Be ready to take photos — celebrity mansions and skyline shots are iconic

Christmas Day Outro

As Christmas music plays and waves shimmer beneath the sunset, this cruise reminds us what the holidays are really about — spending time together, enjoying life, and seeing the world differently. With warm weather, ocean air, and stunning scenery, a Miami Christmas Day sightseeing cruise is the perfect gift to yourself and your loved ones.

Your New Favorite Christmas Tradition Starts on Biscayne Bay

If you're looking for a holiday experience unlike anything back home, ditch the snow globe and step into the real version — ocean breeze, city lights, and the iconic Miami skyline sparkling beneath the setting sun. Whether you're visiting for a special occasion, celebrating Christmas, or simply wanting something new and unforgettable, Miami Christmas Day sightseeing cruises deliver holiday magic on the water. Create lasting memories this season — and experience the holiday adventure Miami style.

👉 Book your Miami Christmas Day sightseeing cruise today.