Reviewed · BOAT TOURS IN MIAMI

Aquatic Adventure: Boat Tour with Jetskis, Tubing, and Open Bar

★ 3.5 · 7 reviews From $137 Operated by Big Dave Tours · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The fastest way to understand this Miami outing is to picture a floating water party with real horsepower. You ride out on a catamaran, reach a spot on Biscayne Bay for jet skis and 360 tubing, then settle onto a party platform with water toys, music, snacks, and drinks.

I like the mix of activity and downtime. You can burn energy on a jet ski, get pulled across the bay on a tube, or simply sit with a beer and enjoy the water. I also like that the package includes snacks, soft drinks, wine, and beer, though you should budget for the $40-per-person gas fee due at check-in and a possible $9.99 boating license.

Key points to know before booking

Aquatic Adventure: Boat Tour with Jetskis, Tubing, and Open Bar - Key points to know before booking

  • Jet skis and tubing share one three-hour outing: You get several ways to use your time on Biscayne Bay, not just a standard sightseeing cruise.
  • The party platform is part of the experience: Water toys, music, snacks, and drinks give you a calmer break after the faster rides.
  • The $137.95 price is not the final cost: Add $40 per person for gas, plus $9.99 for the Florida boating license if required.
  • Florida age rules matter: Children under 14 cannot drive a jet ski, and children ages 14 and 15 must ride with an adult.
  • The group can reach 31 people: This is a social outing, not a small private charter.
  • Timing can be uneven: One outing lost about 30 minutes while waiting for a late group, and another was moved from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. because of a marina issue.

Setting out from Venetian Marina

Aquatic Adventure: Boat Tour with Jetskis, Tubing, and Open Bar - Setting out from Venetian Marina

Your meeting point is Venetian Marina & Yacht Club at 1635 N Bayshore Drive in Miami. The tour ends back at the same marina, which keeps the day simple. The location is near public transportation, and a mobile ticket makes it easy to keep your booking on your phone.

The boat used for the outing is a catamaran. That gives you a broad platform for sitting, moving around, and keeping an eye on the bay as you leave the dock. This is not a quiet harbor cruise built around narration and landmarks. The main appeal is time on the water and access to several activities.

I would arrive ready for a check-in that includes paperwork, payment, and safety instructions. If you plan to drive a jet ski, bring a valid photo ID. Parents accompanying anyone under 18 must show proof of identity and sign the waiver at check-in.

The stated duration is about three hours. That sounds generous, but the time covers the boat ride, organizing the activities, boarding and changing between them, and the return trip. If your group arrives late, the schedule can suffer. One outing lost roughly half an hour while waiting for the final group, so punctuality matters here.

Crossing Biscayne Bay by catamaran

Aquatic Adventure: Boat Tour with Jetskis, Tubing, and Open Bar - Crossing Biscayne Bay by catamaran

Once underway, you can enjoy the views from the boat or prepare for the water activities. Biscayne Bay is the setting, and the attraction is the combination of open water, warm conditions, and Miami’s coastal backdrop.

The boat carries snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Those inclusions are useful because water sports make people hungry and thirsty. Still, this is not a full lunch. Bring your own food if you need something substantial, as the tour allows you to bring food and drinks.

The onboard mood leans social. Music plays, and the boat functions as a base for the active parts of the trip. If your ideal Miami boat ride means quiet conversation and a carefully guided account of the city, this may feel too lively. If you want a casual group outing with music and drinks, the tone should fit better.

The group limit is 31 people. That is large enough for a shared party feel, but small enough to avoid the scale of a major sightseeing vessel. You should still expect some waiting when people rotate through the jet skis and tubing.

Jet ski time on the bay

Aquatic Adventure: Boat Tour with Jetskis, Tubing, and Open Bar - Jet ski time on the bay

Jet skiing is the main reason many people will book this package. After the boat reaches a suitable area, you can get onto a jet ski and ride across the bay. The open water, warm conditions, and Miami views are the strongest parts of this activity.

The supplied experiences point to the jet ski area as a carefully chosen spot for riding and enjoying the water. That matters because the setting affects the whole experience. You are not simply circling a small marina. You get a chance to build speed and enjoy the bay from a lower, more exposed position.

The rules are detailed, so read them before paying. Anyone born after January 1, 1988 needs a Florida boating license to drive. The online license costs $9.99 and must be completed before check-in. Anyone born before that date can drive with a valid photo ID, according to the supplied information.

Age limits are just as important:

  • Children ages 0 to 3 cannot ride a jet ski.
  • Children ages 4 to 13 can ride only as passengers with an adult.
  • Ages 14 and 15 can drive or ride as passengers, but must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Ages 16 and 17 can drive their own jet ski and ride as passengers.
  • Anyone 18 or older can drive or ride as a passenger.

Parents with minors must be ready to show identification and sign the waiver. If your family includes younger children, the restrictions can sharply reduce how much of the package they can use. That is the main reason I would not treat this as a universal family activity.

360 tubing and the water mat

Aquatic Adventure: Boat Tour with Jetskis, Tubing, and Open Bar - 360 tubing and the water mat

Tubing offers a different kind of excitement. Instead of controlling a jet ski, you hold on as the tube moves across the water. The 360 tubing option is included, along with a water mat for time in the bay.

This part works well for groups with mixed interests. One person can prefer the control and speed of a jet ski, while another may enjoy being pulled across the water. The water mat gives you a place to float, play, and cool off without needing to operate a machine.

Tubing is also a good choice for anyone who wants an active ride but does not meet the jet ski driving rules. Keep in mind that the available activities and time may need to be shared among the group. The package promises access to the activities, but it does not state a separate, fixed duration for each one.

That missing detail is worth noting. If your priority is a long jet ski session, ask how the three-hour visit is divided at check-in. The package combines boat time, jet skiing, tubing, and the party platform, so you should not assume all three hours are spent riding.

Taking a break on the party platform

Aquatic Adventure: Boat Tour with Jetskis, Tubing, and Open Bar - Taking a break on the party platform

After the faster water activities, the party platform gives the outing its social center. You can use water toys, listen to music, eat snacks, and have complementary drinks while spending more time in the bay.

I like this design because it prevents the trip from becoming one long burst of speed. You get a chance to cool down, talk with your group, and enjoy the setting without constantly holding onto a handle or steering a jet ski.

The drinks include bottled water, soda, beer, and wine. Snacks are included, and you may bring your own food and drinks. The description does not promise a full meal, so plan ahead if you need lunch. This is especially important for an afternoon booking, when three hours on the water can leave you ready for more than light refreshments.

The phrase open bar should be read in a practical way here. The supplied details specify complementary beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and snacks. They do not list cocktails or a full bar menu. Bring your own permitted items if you want something beyond those options.

What the price really buys you

Aquatic Adventure: Boat Tour with Jetskis, Tubing, and Open Bar - What the price really buys you

The listed price is $137.95 per person. At first glance, that is a reasonable amount for a three-hour boat outing with jet skis, tubing, a water mat, music, snacks, and drinks. The package gives you several activities instead of charging for a sightseeing cruise and then adding every water sport separately.

The catch is the extra $40 gas fee per person at check-in. That brings the practical base cost to $177.95 before any boating license. If you were born after January 1, 1988 and need the license, add another $9.99, bringing the total to $187.94.

For someone who plans to use the jet ski, tubing, and party platform, that can still be fair value. You are paying for a full water-based outing rather than a short ride on one attraction. For a non-rider who mainly wants a boat cruise, the value is weaker because the package is built around active water sports.

I would also factor in food. Snacks are included, but lunch is not. You can bring your own food and drinks, which helps keep the day from becoming more expensive.

Timing, weather, and possible changes

Aquatic Adventure: Boat Tour with Jetskis, Tubing, and Open Bar - Timing, weather, and possible changes

This outing depends on good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The experience can also be canceled if the minimum number of people is not met, with a different date, another experience, or a full refund offered.

The stricter issue is the cancellation policy after booking. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment. I would avoid booking until your Miami plans are firm.

A marina problem once caused a scheduled 12:30 p.m. departure to move to 4 p.m. That kind of change can disrupt dinner plans, airport transfers, or other reservations. Keep the rest of your day flexible, and do not place a must-not-miss activity immediately afterward.

The late-arrival problem is easier to prevent. Arrive well before the start time with your ID, license documentation if needed, and waiver details ready. A late group once reduced the time on the water by about 30 minutes, and that is a meaningful loss on a three-hour tour.

Who will enjoy this Miami outing most

Aquatic Adventure: Boat Tour with Jetskis, Tubing, and Open Bar - Who will enjoy this Miami outing most

I would recommend this for adults, couples, and friend groups who want a lively afternoon on Biscayne Bay. It works especially well if your group likes to split its time between high-energy rides and relaxed time with music and drinks.

It can also suit families with older teenagers, but check the age rules carefully. A 16 or 17-year-old can drive a jet ski, while a 14 or 15-year-old must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 14 cannot drive, and the youngest children cannot ride at all.

I would be cautious if you want a quiet, highly structured sightseeing trip. The music, shared group format, activity changes, and possible waiting periods make this more of a social water outing than a polished city tour.

It is also a poor match if you need a fixed schedule. The marina rescheduling issue and the reported late start show that the timetable can move. Build in room for delays.

Practical details to settle before check-in

Bring a valid photo ID if you will drive or ride a jet ski. Complete the Florida boating license online before check-in if you were born after January 1, 1988, and allow for the $9.99 fee.

Budget $40 per person for gas at the marina. Since lunch is not included, pack food if you want more than snacks. The tour permits you to bring your own food and drinks.

The activity allows service animals and is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the listing does not provide detailed information about every physical requirement for tubing, jet skis, or the water mat. If you have a specific mobility concern, ask the operator before booking.

The maximum group size is 31. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the mobile ticket is convenient for getting to the marina without printing anything.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a social, active day on Biscayne Bay and will use several parts of the package. Jet skis, tubing, water toys, music, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks make it more varied than a basic boat ride.

Think twice if you are booking for small children, need a dependable timetable, or want a full meal and a quiet cruise. The true cost is higher than the headline price once you add gas and possibly the boating license, and the non-refundable policy calls for firm plans.

My practical verdict: this is a good fit for adults and older teens who value variety more than precision. Arrive early, bring identification, finish the license in advance if needed, and leave your afternoon open. Do that, and you will be set up to enjoy the best parts of the bay outing without being surprised by the details.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

It starts at Venetian Marina & Yacht Club, 1635 N Bayshore Drive, Miami, Florida 33132.

Where does the experience end?

The tour ends back at the starting meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The outing lasts approximately three hours.

What activities are included?

The package includes jet skiing, 360 tubing, a water mat, and time on a party platform with water toys and music.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included during the sightseeing portion and water activities.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own food and drinks. Lunch is not included.

Is there an extra gas fee?

Yes. A balance of $40 per person is due at check-in for gas fees.

Do I need a Florida boating license?

Anyone born after January 1, 1988 needs a Florida boating license to drive a jet ski. The license costs $9.99 and must be completed online before check-in.

Can children ride the jet skis?

Children ages 0 to 3 cannot ride. Ages 4 to 13 can ride only as passengers with an adult. Ages 14 and 15 can drive or ride as passengers with an adult, while ages 16 and 17 can drive their own jet ski. Anyone 18 or older can drive or ride as a passenger.

More like this

Boat Tours in Miami, compared.

The full Boat Tours in Miami list →
Biscayne Bay Millionaire’s Homes Sightseeing Cruise
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 7,348 reviews· from $20

Biscayne Bay Millionaire’s Homes Sightseeing Cruise

Read our review →
Hop-on Hop-off Open-top Bus Tour and Optional Cruise
★★★★★★★★★★4.1· 3,077 reviews· from $45

Hop-on Hop-off Open-top Bus Tour and Optional Cruise

Read our review →
2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,968 reviews· from $65

2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo

Read our review →
City Half Day Tour of Miami by Bus with Sightseeing Cruise
★★★★★★★★★★3.5· 2,747 reviews· from $34

City Half Day Tour of Miami by Bus with Sightseeing Cruise

Read our review →
Miami Skyline Boat Cruise Past Millionaire’s Homes Optional Stop
★★★★★★★★★★3.5· 2,718 reviews· from $12

Miami Skyline Boat Cruise Past Millionaire’s Homes Optional Stop

Read our review →
Miami Combo: City Tour, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride
★★★★★★★★★★3.5· 2,487 reviews· from $69

Miami Combo: City Tour, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride

Read our review →
Hop-on Hop-off Tour + Cruise & Free 1-Hour Bike Rental
★★★★★★★★★★3.5· 2,421 reviews· from $41

Hop-on Hop-off Tour + Cruise & Free 1-Hour Bike Rental

Read our review →
Miami Biscayne Bay rich and famous Sightseeing Boat Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 1,998 reviews· from $28

Miami Biscayne Bay rich and famous Sightseeing Boat Tour

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore South Florida

Pick a dock, a neighbourhood or a road out of town.