Biscayne Bay is located on the southeast coast of Florida, directly bordering the city of Miami. It stretches for several dozen kilometers and separates the urban coastline of Miami from the coastal barrier island where Miami Beach is located. Connected to the Atlantic Ocean through several inlets, it offers a unique setting where the skyscrapers of Miami stand alongside the seaside charm of Miami Beach and protected natural areas such as Biscayne National Park, home to coral reefs and mangroves.

Exploring Biscayne Bay means immersing yourself in a landscape where the serenity of turquoise waters meets the urban elegance of Miami. Between preserved islands, coral reefs and modern cityscapes, the bay reveals a rare harmony between nature and urban life.

At the heart of the bay lies a series of private, luxurious islets – the Star islands. These artificial islands, accessible only by boat or via guarded bridges, are famous for housing the lavish mansions of movie, music and sports stars.

On a cruise, you can catch glimpses of celebrity residences, such as those of Gloria Estefan, Shaquille O'Neal and Jennifer Lopez. Guides never fail to share juicy anecdotes about the legendary parties that take place there !

The port of Miami, nicknamed the « Cruise Capital of the World », is one of the busiest and most iconic ports in the United States. Located in the heart of Biscayne Bay, it serves as the departure point for hundreds of Caribbean cruises each year, welcoming millions of passengers and gigantic ships.

But the port of Miami is not just a maritime hub: it's also a lively place with restaurants, shops and local markets, offering visitors an initial taste of the city's tropical and cosmopolitan vibe. From its docks, Miami's skyline unfolds in all its splendor, creating a spectacular backdrop for travelers even before they set sail.

Miami's skyline is a true symbol of modernity and dynamism. Lining Biscayne Bay, its skyscrapers glitter in the sunlight and reflect on the turquoise waters, offering a scene that is both urban and tropical.

From the Brickell Financial District to Downtown Miami and through the residential towers of South Beach, the city showcases bold architecture blending Art Deco, contemporary design and futuristic touches. At night, the lights of the buildings transform the skyline into a magical panorama, perfect for cruises on the bay or strolls along the waterfront.

Bayside Marketplace is one of the liveliest spots in Miami, located on the edge of Biscayne Bay. This open-air shopping center combines shops, restaurants—including the famous Hard Rock Cafe, ideal for a casual meal in a rock and tropical atmosphere—cafés and outdoor entertainment, offering a true glimpse of the city's cosmopolitan energy.

Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, admire the yachts moored at the marina, or enjoy free concerts and shows that enliven the afternoons and evenings. An ideal starting point for bay cruises or exploring nearby islands, Bayside Marketplace is both a shopping center, a gathering place and a must-see attraction in Miami.

The Venetian islands form a small artificial archipelago, arranged to create a natural bridge across Biscayne Bay, connecting Miami to Miami Beach. Comprising six islands—from west to east: Biscayne Island, San Marco, San Marino, Di Lido, Rivo Alto and Belle Isle—they are primarily home to luxurious residences and offer a calm and elegant residential setting, sheltered from the bustle of Miami Beach.

Bordered by turquoise waters and picturesque canals, these islands are perfect for car or bike rides and offer stunning views of Miami's skyline. Although mostly private, they can be admired during bay cruises or from the roads that connect them.

Virginia Key is a picturesque island located at the entrance of Biscayne Bay, situated between Fisher Island to the north and Key Biscayne to the south. It is famous for its tranquil beaches, nature park and recreational areas that provide a contrast to the bustle of Miami Beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply stroll along mangrove-lined trails while observing local wildlife.

The island also hosts the Virginia Key Outdoor Center and the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, reflecting the area's cultural and recreational history. It is an ideal destination for a day outdoors while enjoying spectacular views of the bay and Miami's skyline.

Nestled at the southern end of Biscayne Bay, Key Biscayne is a peaceful island offering a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of Miami. Connected to the mainland by the Rickenbacker Causeway, which passes by Virginia Key, it separates the calm waters of the bay from the Atlantic Ocean. The island charms visitors with its pristine beaches, natural parks and relaxed atmosphere.

The island is home to two notable parks: Crandon Park, popular for its family-friendly beaches lined with palm trees and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, known for its historic 19th-century lighthouse and panoramic ocean views.

At the southern tip of Key Biscayne, in the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay, lies Stiltsville, a unique collection of wooden houses on stilts appearing to float in the middle of the sea. Built in the 1930s, this unusual hamlet was long a refuge for fishermen and boaters seeking a secluded getaway.

Over the decades, Stiltsville became a legendary spot in Miami's social scene, hosting parties and counting about twenty houses in the 1960s. Today, after several hurricanes, notably Andrew in 1992, Stiltsville has only a handful of houses left—just seven fragile remnants of a bygone era, now part of Biscayne National Park.

Boca Chita Key is a small, peaceful and picturesque island. It is famous for its ornamental 1930s lighthouse, standing 65 feet tall, built by a wealthy private owner and featuring an observation platform at the top that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands, the bay, the ocean and Miami's skyline.

The island offers an easy hiking trail, picnic areas and a small boat dock. With no water or electricity, it remains perfect for a day trip, featuring turquoise waters, palm trees and a few beaches.

Most Biscayne Bay tours depart from Bayside Marketplace, located in the heart of Miami's downtown. The lively marina, « Miamarina At Bayside », is integrated into the shopping center and hosts several companies specializing in sightseeing cruises, such as Island Queen Cruises and Miami Aqua Tours, which offer daily departures to explore the bay, its islands, famous residences and spectacular views of Miami's skyline.

Bayside Marketplace is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transportation and features a large parking lot as well as numerous restaurants and shops to extend your visit before or after a cruise. By car or taxi, it takes about fifteen minutes, depending on traffic, to reach Bayside Marketplace from Miami Beach.