Island Queen Cruises

Island Queen Cruises operates sightseeing boat trips on Biscayne Bay from downtown Miami, with its contact address at 401 Biscayne Boulevard. Its signature trip is the Millionaire's Row Cruise, which offers views of the Miami skyline and of the waterfront homes of the rich and famous, and it is one of the simplest ways to see the city from the water.

Alongside the Millionaire's Row Cruise, the company runs a Vizcaya Sunset Cruise and a Miami Sunset Cruise, and it also operates a ferry service to Bimini in the Bahamas. Private cruises can be arranged on routes such as Biscayne Bay and Millionaire's Row, which can be useful for families, groups and celebrations. The website is available in English and Spanish.

Reservations can be made online or by phone on 305-379-5119. Departure times vary by cruise and season, so check the current schedule when booking, and arrive early to allow time for boarding. Sunset cruises are popular, so book ahead if you want a particular evening. On the water it can be breezy and the sun is strong, so bring a light layer, sunglasses and sun cream.

The cruises suit first-time visitors, families, couples and anyone who wants a relaxed overview of Miami without walking. They are also a good option for travellers with limited mobility who want to see a lot in a short time, although you should check accessibility with the company before booking. Children usually enjoy being out on the boat, and the skyline views make good photographs for all ages.

If you want to combine a cruise with a sight on land, the Vizcaya Sunset Cruise is a natural pairing with a daytime visit to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, giving you two views of the estate in one day. Allow time in your plans for boarding and for getting back to your hotel afterwards, especially after an evening sailing.

The cruises are based on Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami, on the same boulevard as Museum Park, where Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science make good additions to the same day. If you are staying on Miami Beach, a taxi or ride-share across the causeway is the easiest way to reach the departure area. The Bimini ferry needs travel documents for the Bahamas, so check entry requirements before booking that trip.