Miami Yacht Destinations & Routes
Build your perfect route: lively sandbars, quiet islands, skyline sunsets, and reef day-trips. Tap a destination for maps, tips, pickup marinas, and suggested cruise lengths.
Overview Map & Route Ideas
Switch between an interactive Google Map and a printable route diagram. Exact routes vary with weather, tides, bridge openings, and yacht size.
Tip: Try Satellite view for clearer water and sandbar visibility. Captains finalize safe routes day-of.
Popular Yacht Destinations Near Miami
Pick spots that fit a half-day or full-day cruise. Each card includes a map and quick planning links.
Haulover Sandbar
🔗North Miami’s social sandbar with shallow turquoise water—best for swim time, photos, and an easy hang.
- ⏱️ Typical: Half-day or Full-day
- 📍 Near: Sunny Isles, North Beach
- 🧭 Combo: Sandbar ➜ Oleta River
Arrive early on weekends; currents shift with tides—your captain will pick the best anchor spot.
Nixon Sandbar (Key Biscayne)
🔗A shallow sandbar off Key Biscayne—great for anchored swims, floating mats, and drone shots.
- ⏱️ Typical: Half-day
- 📍 Near: Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove
- 🧭 Combo: Nixon ➜ Cape Florida Light
Nearby: Cape Florida Lighthouse, Stiltsville (conditions permitting).
Fisher Island
🔗Exclusive enclave just south of Miami Beach—beautiful cruise-by views from the channel. (The island itself is private.)
- ⏱️ Typical: Half-day
- 📍 Near: South Beach, Government Cut
- 📸 Best: Golden-hour skyline angles
Photo ops: Government Cut, passing cruise ships (timing varies), downtown backdrop.
Monument Island
🔗Calm anchorage near Miami Beach with the 96-ft Flagler Monument—great for swim stops and skyline panoramas.
- ⏱️ Typical: Half-day
- 📍 Near: Venetian Islands, Miami Beach
- 🧭 Combo: Monument ➜ Star Island loop
Respect wildlife and posted rules. Pack out everything you bring.
Downtown Miami / Brickell Bay
🔗Cruise through the city’s heart—high-rise canyons, bridges, and golden-hour skyline laps.
- ⏱️ Typical: Half-day
- 📍 Near: Brickell, Downtown
- 📸 Best: Sunset ➜ Night lights
Bridge schedules and vessel size may affect routing—your captain will optimize.
Miami Marine Stadium (Virginia Key)
🔗Protected anchorage beside a historic stadium—smooth water days with skyline views, perfect for a relaxed float.
- ⏱️ Typical: Half-day
- 📍 Near: Virginia Key, Key Biscayne
- 🧭 Combo: Stadium ➜ Hobie Beach
Wind direction matters—Virginia Key offers shelter on many days.
Hobie Beach (Windsurfer Beach)
🔗Breezy spot with skyline views—good for paddleboarding and quick swims. Often paired with Stadium or a Brickell loop.
- ⏱️ Typical: Half-day
- 📍 Near: Rickenbacker Causeway
- 🧭 Combo: Hobie ➜ Marine Stadium
Water toys vary by yacht—confirm paddle gear when booking.
Biscayne National Park
🔗Reefs, keys, and lighthouse views—best as a full-day adventure with time for snorkeling (conditions permitting).
- ⏱️ Typical: Full-day
- 📍 Near: Elliott Key, Boca Chita
- 🧭 Combo: Park ➜ Sandbar cool-down
Wildlife varies by season/time; captains choose sites for safety and visibility.
Star Island
🔗A loop around Miami’s famous celebrity island—mansions, mega-yachts, and classic postcard views near South Beach.
- ⏱️ Typical: Half-day
- 📍 Near: South Beach, Venetian Islands
- 🧭 Combo: Star ➜ Monument ➜ Fisher
Respect no-wake zones and private docks—captains know the best viewpoints.
Crandon Park (Key Biscayne)
🔗Family-friendly beaches and calm water—nice pass-by on the way to Nixon or the Lighthouse.
- ⏱️ Typical: Half-day add-on
- 📍 Near: Key Biscayne
- 🧭 Combo: Crandon ➜ Nixon ➜ Lighthouse
Beach landings can be restricted; captains will advise compliant options.
Routes shown are examples. Weather, tides, and vessel size determine the final itinerary. Your captain will optimize the plan day-of.