Dive into the heart of the city. From thrilling outdoor adventures to immersive cultural tours, discover our curated list of the absolute best things to do in Miami.
Flat-bottomed boats propelled by massive aircraft propellers skim across the shallow 'River of Grass' just west of the city limits. The loud engines roar as the boat navigates tight channels cut through the dense sawgrass. Guides cut the engines to drift silently near resting alligators and wading herons. It offers an exhilarating rush combined with a close look at a deeply fragile ecosystem.
Paddlers navigate the twisting, narrow waterways created by the thick root systems of the coastal mangroves. The dense canopy overhead provides immediate relief from the relentless Florida sun. The still water reflects the tangled branches, creating a quiet, almost maze-like environment. Crabs scuttle up the roots and seabirds nest in the branches just above the kayaks.
Charters take swimmers out to the shallow patch reefs that dot the clear waters of the bay. Schools of brightly coloured tropical fish dart around the coral formations just beneath the surface. The warm, relatively calm water makes it an easy excursion for those unaccustomed to rough ocean currents. Occasional sightings of sea turtles or gentle manatees reward those who explore quietly.
Catamarans and monohulls catch the steady Atlantic breeze to cruise past the towering downtown skyline. Passengers lounge on the decks as the boat slices through the chop of the open ocean. The perspective from the water reveals the sheer scale of the barrier islands and the massive cruise ships leaving port. Evening sails provide a spectacular view of the sun dropping behind the city buildings.
