Adventure brief
President’s Day Cruise in Miami – Open Bar & Champagne Experience
Celebrate President’s Day on Biscayne Bay with a two-hour open-bar or champagne cruise that pairs skyline views, music and festive energy. Departing from Bayside Marketplace, this easy cruise is ideal for couples, groups and visitors who want Miami by water.
On a clear winter afternoon or a neon-lit evening, the President’s Day Cruise from Miami Aqua Tours turns Biscayne Bay into a party stage and a panoramic lookout. Departing from Miami Aqua Tours at 401 Biscayne Blvd — the dock in front of Bayside Marketplace — this two-hour, open-bar or champagne cruise is an easy, lively way to see Miami’s waterfront: downtown’s glass towers, the Venetian Causeway and its chain of islands, Star Island’s gated mansions and the low, green rims of Fisher Island. Biscayne Bay is a shallow subtropical lagoon threaded with mangrove islets, seagrass flats and occasional coral patches; from the boat you’ll glimpse the bay’s ecological edges as well as its architecture.
The route takes you past Kaseya Center, the Hard Rock Café, through the Venetian Islands and around the glimmering edges of Miami Beach — a compact tour that offers skyline frames, bridge silhouettes and close-up waterline views that city streets can’t provide. Choose the Open Bar option for a flowing selection of beer, wine, champagne and select liquors, or the Champagne Cruise for a bottle per couple and a quieter vibe. Music on board underpins the mood, while a bi-lingual tour guide points out landmarks and photo angles.
The vessel carries up to 150 people, has restrooms onboard, and runs a relaxed, festive atmosphere ideal for groups, couples and visitors looking for an accessible night out on the water. Practical details that matter: arrive early — the dock is at Bayside Marketplace on Biscayne Boulevard — and bring valid ID if you plan to drink; travelers must be 21+ for alcohol. The tour operator’s cancellation window allows full refunds up to 24 hours before departure.
Expect souvenir photos for purchase and a cash bar for premium selections. This cruise stands out in Miami’s outdoor scene because it compresses the coastal experience into two hours: ecological shoreline, celebrity-lined islands, and skyline perspectives all delivered without the logistics of a longer boat charter. It’s an easy addition to a Miami weekend — pair it with a stroll through Bayside Marketplace, a sunset walk on Miami Beach, or a seafood dinner on the waterfront.
Leave no trace: pack out trash, use reef-safe sunscreen and respect wildlife in the bay. Whether you want champagne at sunset, lively music and friends, or a relaxed sightseeing run, this President’s Day cruise offers a vivid, visitor-friendly way to know Miami from the water. Onboard staff manage boarding and safety briefings, while bilingual narration adds context about landmarks, local culture and boating conditions; bring sunscreen, light jacket for breezy evenings and camera with a wide lens to capture the arc of skyline as the boat swings around Venetian Islands and traces the glittering edge of the nearby bay.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Arrive Earlyessential
Boarding begins 15–20 minutes before departure; arrive early to secure waterfront seating and photo angles.
- 02Bring Valid IDessential
You must be 21+ to drink—bring government-issued ID for open-bar service and onboard checks.
- 03Sun Protectioninfo
Biscayne Bay is exposed; apply reef-safe sunscreen and wear a hat for daytime cruises.
- 04Motion Sickness Prepwarning
If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding and choose a mid-ship seat for stability.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Valid government ID
Required for alcohol service and age verification.
EssentialReef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the bay’s marine habitats on sunny cruises.
summerEssentialLight jacket
Evenings on Biscayne Bay can be breezy—bring a layer for comfort.
winterCamera or smartphone with wide lens
Capture skyline panoramas, bridge silhouettes and waterfront reflections.
EssentialLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Walk the Venetian Causeway for low-traffic bridge views, Watch skyline reflections near the western side of Star Island after sunset
Local fauna
Bottlenose dolphins, Brown pelicans
Historic heritage
Biscayne National Park was established in 1980 to protect the bay’s islands, reefs and marine ecosystems, an important regional conservation effort.
Mindful exploration
Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid single-use plastics and follow crew instructions to minimize disturbance to seagrass beds and marine life.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Bow of the boat facing downtown Miami, Pass-by of Star Island for waterfront mansions and reflections, Near the Venetian Causeway bridges for bridge silhouettes and sunset color
- Subjects
- Skyline silhouettes and city lights, Coastal wildlife like dolphins and pelicans, Architectural details of the Venetian Islands and bridges
- Best times
- Sunset, Golden hour, Night (city lights)
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts two hours from the Bayside Marketplace dock.
Where do I check in?
Check in at Miami Aqua Tours’ dock at 401 Biscayne Blvd in front of Bayside Marketplace; look for staff in Miami Aqua Tours shirts.
Am I allowed to drink?
Yes—open bar and champagne options are offered, but you must be 21+ with valid ID to receive alcoholic drinks.
What is the refund policy?
Full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time in the local timezone.
Is the boat accessible and are there restrooms?
The vessel has restrooms onboard; accessibility specifics are not listed—contact the operator for mobility assistance before booking.
What’s included with the open bar and champagne options?
Open Bar includes beer, wine, champagne and select drinks; Champagne Cruise includes one bottle of champagne per couple and music onboard.