Miami shore excursions are big on speedboat sightseeing tours. Credit: Pixabay license

Miami shore excursions emphasize bus and speedboat sightseeing trips for cruise and hotel visitors who flock to this southern Florida cruise port.

Miami is a popular hotel destination in part because it is the busiest cruise port in the world. Cruise ships embark from Miami and other Florida cruise ports like the nearby Fort Lauderdale on their way to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

So cruise passengers who fly into Miami to begin their cruises often have time to take shore excursions. They also may have time to take them before flying out again.

Sightseeing Tours

Visitors have plenty of choices to take among inexpensive sightseeing tours by bus or boat.

A hop-on hop-off bus tour that gives people more freedom to explore city sights is among the least expensive options at about $35 per person. These open-air buses with recorded commentary visit such places as South Beach, Wynwood, Coconut Grove and Little Havana neighborhood.

In-depth, four-hour tours with a live guide will cost about $65 to $85 per person. These deeper and longer tours visit more attractions in the city.

Another option is a half-day excursion that combines bus and boat for about $45 per person.

Visitors also can go on plenty of Miami shore excursions via the water. Some operators offer a 90-minute tour for about $30. They place more emphasis on gliding past the homes of rich and famous people who live by the water, otherwise known as Millionaires Row.

Anyone who wants more excitement can take a 45-minute speedboat tour for prices starting at $45. The tour includes the Cruise Ship Channel, PortMiami, the U.S. Coast Guard Station, Flagler Monument Island, mansion on the Venetian Islands and Star Island, South Point Park and Fisher Island.

Key West Day Trips

Anyone with plenty of available time can take a full day trip from Miami to Key West starting at $65 per person.

The drive is three hours and 45 minutes one way, but the bus crosses 34 islands and 42 bridges including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Passengers will spend nearly half of the 15-hour day at Key West.

Everglades Shore Excursions

Nature lovers may want to try a Florida Everglades tour that includes a nature walk and airboat ride. This five-hour tour has prices starting at about $150 per person.

A full-day tour with a naturalist, lunch, two one-hour boat rides and other amenities will cost about $250 per person. Visitors will view rare orchids, bromeliads, manatees, dolphins and other plants and wildlife.

Other Excursions

Fishing enthusiasts have plenty of excursions to try with prices running from $400 to $800 per person. Prices depend in part on the length of the tour, which last anywhere between four and 12 hours. Group rates may cut the price per person.