The Ultimate Water Experience in Miami with Drinks and Jet Skis

The best part of this Miami outing is the mix: you get skyline views from a sightseeing boat, then time to make waves on a jet ski, banana boat, or floating water mat. It feels less like a quiet harbor cruise and more like a sunny water party with a sightseeing layer.

I like the all-in-one format, especially the included snacks, beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water. I also like the chance to switch between activities, since you can ride, float, listen to music, or simply take in Miami Beach and the city from offshore. The main consideration is that this can become a crowded, lively outing, and the jet ski option has strict Florida age and licensing rules.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours on the water: The experience combines sightseeing, boat time, and water activities without taking up a full day.
• Jet skis require preparation: Anyone born after January 1, 1988 needs a Florida boating license, while all drivers need a valid photo ID.
• Several activities are offered: Depending on the option selected, you may use jet skis, tubing, a banana boat, a water mat, and a party platform.
• Drinks and snacks are included: Expect bottled water, soft drinks, wine, beer, and light snacks during the outing.
• The mood is social: Music and an open party-platform setup suit couples, friends, birthdays, and groups more than quiet sightseeing.
• Weather can change the plan: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, but ordinary cancellations are non-refundable.

A Miami boat trip with a built-in thrill ride

This is designed for people who want more than a boat passing Miami’s skyline. Big Dave Tours combines a sightseeing ride with time for water toys and motorized activities, so you can move from taking photos to holding on tight behind a jet ski.

The setting does much of the work. Miami’s warm tropical water, high-rise views, and beach scenery give the outing its sense of place. You are not touring historic streets or museums, but you are seeing the city from the side that defines much of its image: the water.

The listed price is $194 per person. That is not a cheap harbor cruise, but it covers about three hours of organized water time and includes drinks, snacks, and selected equipment. The value depends on how much you use the activities. If you plan to ride jet skis and tubing, the package can make more sense than paying separately for a short cruise, a snack stop, and water rentals. If you mainly want a calm boat ride, it may feel expensive.

The experience accommodates up to 31 people. That is small enough to feel organized when the group is well managed, but large enough to create a party atmosphere rather than a private excursion. A past outing was described as overcrowded and poorly organized during an especially busy weekend, so I would set your expectations accordingly: this is an active group experience, not a polished private yacht charter.

Start at North Bayshore Drive

You meet at 1635 N Bayshore Drive, Miami, and the tour returns to this same point. Check-in takes place 45 minutes before departure, which is a useful detail to take seriously. Arriving at the last minute could leave you rushing through waivers, identity checks, or boating-license requirements.

The meeting point is near public transportation, according to the supplied details. The activity ends where it begins, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer from the water.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Those items are not just packing suggestions. You may spend part of the afternoon wet from spray or water rides, and Miami’s sun can feel stronger when it reflects off the bay.

You should also arrive ready to show a valid photo ID if you plan to drive a jet ski. Parents accompanying anyone under 18 must show proof of identity and sign the waiver at check-in.

Stop 1: Miami Beach from the water

The first part of the outing includes views toward Miami Beach. From a boat, the city reads differently than it does from the street. You see the shore as a long strip of sand and buildings, with the water giving you room to frame the skyline in a single view.

This is the calmer side of the experience. It gives you time to settle in, take photos, and see Miami from offshore before the louder water activities begin. I would keep your phone protected, since spray and wet hands are likely once the rides get underway.

The sightseeing portion also gives the crew a chance to serve snacks and drinks. Included choices are soft drinks, wine, beer, bottled water, and free snacks. This helps with the price, since food and drinks at waterfront locations can quickly add to a day out.

The food is not a full lunch. Lunch is specifically excluded, so you should eat beforehand or plan another meal after returning. The snacks may help keep you comfortable, but I would not treat them as a substitute for a proper meal, especially if you are spending time in the sun and on jet skis.

Stop 2: Miami’s skyline and open water

The second listed stop is Miami, which keeps the city itself in view as the boat moves through the area. The main attraction here is the combination of skyline scenery and open water. You get the kind of broad city views that are difficult to find from a sidewalk or busy beach.

The exact balance between cruising and activity time can vary with conditions and the selected package. The description refers to jet boat rides with tubing and/or jet skis, along with time on a party platform. That means you should check which option you are booking rather than assuming every activity is included for every participant.

Music forms part of the setup. The party platform includes water toys and music, making this a better fit for people who enjoy a social soundtrack while they float or wait their turn. It may not suit you if your ideal boat ride is quiet, slow, and focused on commentary.

The boat ride itself has been praised for its views and atmosphere, while the jet skis are often described as the most exciting part. I would plan to use the cruising time for photos and conversation, then save your energy for the rides.

Jet skis, tubing, and the banana boat

The jet ski option is the main reason many people will consider this outing. You can get speed and a more active ride rather than simply sitting on a boat. The package also includes tubing and a banana boat style inflatable ride if that option is selected.

Past outings have included rides on a large inflatable pulled by jet skis, along with banana boat sessions. Those activities are simple but effective: you hold on, get sprayed, and accept that staying dry is not the goal.

The weight limit matters. Each jet ski can carry up to 300 pounds, or about 136 kilograms. That limit may affect who can ride together, so check your group’s arrangements before booking.

The age rules are detailed:

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

Anyone born after January 1, 1988 must have a Florida boating license to drive. Anyone born before 1988 does not need that license under the stated rule, but still needs valid photo identification. The Florida boating test is not included in the price, and license information is sent after booking.

I would handle this requirement before the day of the tour. A license problem at check-in could prevent you from driving, even if the rest of your group is ready to go. The rules also apply to the driver and passenger setup, so parents bringing teenagers should read them closely.

The party platform and included drinks

The floating party platform is where the experience shifts from sightseeing to social time. Water mats, music, and other water toys give you options if you do not want to ride a jet ski every minute.

I like this part because it lets different people enjoy the same outing in different ways. One person can ride, another can float, and someone else can stay aboard with a soft drink and watch the action. That flexibility is useful for groups with mixed energy levels.

Beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are included while sightseeing and during the boat experience. The drinks help explain some of the package cost, especially for a group that might otherwise buy refreshments at a marina or beach bar.

Still, keep the setting in mind. Alcohol and jet skis require good judgment, and the outing is not a place to overdo it. A past departure had problems with very intoxicated people and smoking, which made the boat feel uncomfortable and crowded. That does not describe every departure, but it is a fair reason to choose a weekday or a less hectic date if you prefer a more controlled atmosphere.

What the best moments feel like

The strongest part of the outing is the change of pace. You might begin by looking across the water at Miami’s buildings, then move into a fast boat ride, a jet ski session, or a pull behind an inflatable. That variety keeps three hours from feeling repetitive.

The crew has received strong praise for being friendly, accommodating, and willing to help people enjoy the day. One private outing was described as especially thoughtful, while other accounts praised the staff, captain, music, and general service.

I would expect a relaxed, informal style rather than a formal narrated tour. The hosts are described as chill, and the experience seems built around fun and participation. That is good news if you want a birthday activity, a honeymoon outing, or a day with friends. It is less appealing if you want detailed facts about Miami’s buildings or a quiet captain-led sightseeing cruise.

The banana boat and jet ski portions are likely to create the biggest memories. Several outings were described as worth the cost because of the rides, with some people planning to book again. Those are the moments to prioritize if your schedule or energy means you cannot do everything.

Weather, timing, and cancellation risk

This activity requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy protects you from being sent onto unsafe water, but it also means your plans may change at short notice.

The standard cancellation policy is strict. If you cancel or request a change for any other reason, the amount paid is not refunded. I would avoid booking this on a day when your plans are uncertain.

Miami weather can shift, so keep some flexibility in your schedule if possible. A weather cancellation is frustrating, but water safety should come first. One past cancellation caused disappointment, and the operator stated that the customer was refunded the same day because conditions were unsafe.

Since the activity is often booked about five days ahead, you may not need to reserve far in advance. Still, group dates and popular weekends can fill faster, especially for birthday trips and other celebrations. I would book once you know your date is firm, then read the boating-license information immediately.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this experience to:

• Couples who want an active Miami date rather than dinner and a quiet cruise.
• Friends looking for jet skis, tubing, music, and drinks in one package.
• Families who understand the age rules and are comfortable with a lively group setting.
• Solo visitors who want an easy way to join a social water activity.
• Birthday groups and celebratory outings that want several activities in one booking.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to anyone seeking peace and quiet. Music, alcohol, water toys, and up to 31 people can create a high-energy atmosphere. The outing also works best for people who are comfortable getting wet and following safety instructions.

Families should check every participant’s age before booking. Young children cannot ride jet skis at all, and children under 16 need an adult with them on the jet ski. The operator allows service animals, and most people can participate, but jet ski access still depends on the rules, weight limit, identity documents, and license requirements.

Is $194 a fair price?

At $194 per person, I see this as a package for active water time, not as a basic cruise. The value improves if you use the jet ski or tubing option, enjoy the party platform, and make use of the included drinks and snacks.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want Miami views. A regular sightseeing cruise may be a better match for a quiet afternoon, though this package gives you far more to do. I would compare the cost with separate jet ski rentals, a boat outing, food, and drinks in Miami. The convenience of putting those pieces together has real value.

Group discounts are available, which may help for friends or family booking together. Ask about the exact discount before paying, since the supplied details do not give a percentage or group size.

Practical packing and preparation tips

Bring the following:

• Swimsuit and beach towel
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Valid photo ID if driving a jet ski
• Any required Florida boating license
• A light meal before departure

Apply sunscreen before check-in, not after you board. You should also protect phones and cameras from water, since the jet ski and tubing portions involve spray.

Arrive 45 minutes early. That time allows for check-in, identity checks, waivers, and boating-license questions without starting the experience in a rush.

Read the option details carefully before booking. Jet ski and tubing access may depend on the package you choose, so do not assume every listed activity is automatically included.

Should you book Big Dave Tours?

Book this if you want Miami sightseeing with real water action. The jet skis, banana boat or tubing rides, floating platform, music, snacks, and drinks make it a strong choice for a birthday, couple’s outing, or group afternoon.

Skip it if you want a quiet cruise, a full meal, or a private boat. I would also think twice if you are unsure about the weather, cannot meet the Florida boating rules, or dislike crowded party settings.

For the right person, the appeal is clear: three hours, several ways to enjoy the water, and a skyline view between rides. Just arrive early, confirm your activity option, bring the required documents, and treat the $194 price as payment for an active package rather than a simple boat ticket.

FAQ

Where does the Miami water experience begin and end?

It begins at 1635 N Bayshore Drive, Miami, Florida 33132, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

What drinks and food are included?

Included refreshments are snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Lunch is not included.

Do I need a boating license to drive a jet ski?

Anyone born after January 1, 1988 must have a Florida boating license to drive a jet ski. All jet ski drivers also need a valid photo ID. The Florida boating test is not included.

Can children ride the jet skis?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

If poor weather causes the cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Standard cancellations or amendments for other reasons are non-refundable.