A Weekend on Biscayne Bay: Miami by Yacht
Miami is one of the few cities in the world where the skyline and the sea share the same view. Biscayne Bay stretches along downtown, past Key Biscayne and Fisher Island, out toward the barrier islands and coral reefs of Biscayne National Park — and the best way to experience all of it is from the water.
Morning: Downtown Skyline and Star Island
Start your day cruising past the downtown Miami skyline and the mansions of Star Island and Palm Island, two of the most exclusive addresses in the city. The calm morning water makes this the perfect time for photos, coffee on deck, and simply taking in the view before the bay gets busy.
Midday: Anchor Off Nixon Beach or No Name Harbor
By late morning, head toward Key Biscayne. Nixon Beach and No Name Harbor are two of the most popular anchorages in the bay — protected water, easy swimming, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s a world away from South Beach’s crowds. This is a great spot for lunch on board, paddleboarding, or simply drifting for an hour.
Afternoon: Stone Crab and Sunset at Monty’s or Boater’s Grill
If your charter includes a stop ashore, Key Biscayne has a handful of waterfront restaurants accessible by dinghy or directly by yacht — a nice way to break up the day without leaving the water entirely. As afternoon turns to evening, the light over the bay turns golden, especially looking back toward the downtown skyline.
Evening: Sunset Over the Bay
Few sunsets compare to watching the sun drop behind the Miami skyline from the middle of Biscayne Bay, city lights beginning to flicker on as the sky turns orange and pink. It’s the kind of moment that’s hard to capture from land.
Charter Your Own Miami Week End
A day like this is easiest with the right yacht and an experienced local crew who know the bay’s best anchorages and quietest corners. Riviera Boat’s Miami yacht rental fleet covers everything from sleek day boats to spacious motor yachts, suited to a relaxed afternoon on the water or a full weekend charter.
For a fully personalized experience — your own route, your own pace, your own stops — explore our approach to private yacht luxury, where the crew builds the day around your group rather than a fixed itinerary.
Prefer to feel the wind instead of the engine? Our sailing charters offer a quieter, more immersive way to move across the bay, with the option to anchor in spots larger motor yachts can’t reach.For special occasions or larger groups, our exclusive superyacht experience brings full professional crew and five-star service to a Miami charter, ideal for celebrations or extended stays on the water.And if Biscayne Bay is just the beginning, browse our full range of luxury yacht experiences — from sunset cruises to multi-day getaways across Florida.
Still deciding where to sail? Our guide to the top Florida yacht rental destinations covers the best marinas and coastal towns across the state, from Biscayne Bay to the Florida Keys.Get in touch with our team to start planning your Miami weekend on the water.