Miami: Duck Tour of Miami and South Beach

If you’re looking for a lively way to see Miami’s standout attractions, the Duck Tour offers an engaging blend of land and water exploration. This 90-minute adventure takes you through the colorful streets of South Beach and then splashes into Biscayne Bay, providing a perspective that’s both entertaining and memorable. With a lively guide, some good laughs, and stunning views, it’s a great choice for first-timers and those craving a relaxed, fun-filled overview of Miami.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines the city’s most iconic sights—like the Art Deco district and Millionaires Row—with the thrill of riding an amphibious vehicle. Plus, the chance to see Miami’s luxurious shoreline homes up close is a highlight. That said, a potential consideration is the weather—it’s an outdoor tour, so rain or strong sun could impact your experience.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of humor, architecture, and scenic views without the fuss of multiple bookings or lengthy excursions. Families, first-time visitors, and anyone looking for a relaxed yet engaging way to explore Miami will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Unique Land and Water Experience: Combines a land tour of South Beach with a splashdown in Biscayne Bay for diverse views.
• Engaging Guides: Known for knowledgeable and entertaining guides who enrich the experience.
• Iconic Sights: Pass by the Art Deco district, Fisher Island, and Millionaire’s Row, with lively commentary.
• Excellent Value: At $48 per person for 90 minutes, it’s a budget-friendly way to see Miami’s highlights.
• Authentic Experience: The tour offers insights into Miami’s architecture, history, and celebrity homes.
• Weather Dependency: Since it’s outdoors, weather conditions can influence your comfort and visibility.

The tour begins at the Duck Tours South Beach ticket office, where you’ll check in and collect your boarding passes. The group is typically small enough to keep things intimate but large enough to create a fun atmosphere. After a brief safety briefing—featuring Coast Guard-certified captains and flotation devices—you’ll board a distinctive amphibious vehicle called Watson Willy, a head-turner that fits right into Miami’s colorful vibe.

South Beach Land Tour

Once underway, your guide—often someone like Lexi or Toni—will steer you through the Art Deco district, known for its pastel-colored buildings and 1930s design. The guide’s lively commentary makes this part educational and fun, sharing stories about famous stars and Miami’s development. Multiple reviews mention guides being “knowledgeable and entertaining,” which really adds to the experience. You’ll hear fun facts about Miami’s architectural history and get a sense of the city’s glamour.

The group narrator often sets a lively tone, sometimes with fun music, making the land portion feel like a celebration of Miami’s unique style. Reviewers have highlighted the stories about the homes of the rich and famous along Millionaires Row, where multi-million dollar mansions line the shoreline. From Fisher Island to the celebrity-filled coast, you get a close look at Miami’s luxurious lifestyle.

Splashdown in Biscayne Bay

After touring the streets, the vehicle makes a dramatic splash into Biscayne Bay. This is the moment that makes the Duck Tour stand out—literally. As you float into the bay, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Miami skyline, with the city’s high-rises shimmering alongside the water. Passengers enjoy seeing Fisher Island from an up-close perspective, along with the multi-million dollar homes of wealthy residents.

Many reviews rave about this part, describing it as “fabulous” and “fascinating,” especially once the vehicle hits the water. With the guide pointing out landmarks and homes, you’ll get a sense of Miami’s vibrant waterfront lifestyle. The contrast between the colorful buildings on land and the glamorous mansions by water creates a compelling visual story.

What Makes It Special?

The combination of land and water touring in one vehicle means you don’t have to switch boats or buses, which adds convenience. The guide’s commentary, often described as “hilarious” and “informative,” helps make the experience both educational and engaging. The tour’s pacing allows enough time to appreciate each sight without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Duration: 1.5 hours, which strikes a nice balance between sightseeing and avoiding fatigue.

Price: $48 per person. Considering the amount of ground and water covered, this is quite reasonable—many reviewers agree it’s good value for money. One reviewer called it “much better value than a bus tour,” thanks to the combination of land and water.

Starting Times: Check the availability for the specific time slot that suits your schedule—these can vary throughout the day.

Inclusions: The tour includes the vehicle, guide, and flotation devices. It’s fully guided with live commentary in English.

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off is not included, so plan to arrive at the meeting point. The check-in process involves going to the ticket office beforehand.

Meeting Point: The ticket office is the starting point, where you’ll check in before boarding the amphibious vehicle.

Weather: Since the tour is outdoors, rain, wind, or sun might impact the experience. Reviewers have noted that rain can turn the splashdown into a soggy affair, though the guide might have tips for weather-related adjustments.

Accessibility: The vehicle is designed for general use, but specific accessibility info might need to be checked directly with the provider.

Tips: Tips are not included in the ticket price, and gratuity for guides is always appreciated if you enjoy the tour.

Authentic Experiences and Review Insights

Guide quality is a standout feature. Robin praised Lexi and Captain Peter, saying they “made a lovely morning educational and fun,” which is a common theme among reviews. Kathleen mentioned that her guide was “enthusiastic and informative,” and even with a subdued group, the guide kept everyone engaged.

Several reviewers specifically note the knowledgeability and humor of guides like Rick and Toni; their stories about Miami’s architecture, celebrities, and history add real depth. The playful tone, combined with interesting facts, ensures the tour feels less like a generic sightseeing ride and more like a personalized, entertaining journey.

The views during the water segment are consistently described as “fabulous,” with many travelers noting that seeing Miami’s skyline from the bay offers a fresh perspective. The chance to glimpse the luxury homes along Millionaire’s Row captivates those interested in Miami’s glamorous side.

Families especially enjoy the playful nature of the tour, with reviews mentioning kids loved the duck quacker toys and the engaging commentary. The boat—or rather, the amphibious vehicle—becomes a conversation piece itself, with its quirky design and the fun of splashing into the bay.

What Could Be Better?

While the experience is generally praised, some reviewers mention minor drawbacks. For instance, a few had difficulty hearing the commentary clearly at the back of the vehicle, suggesting that additional speakers or clearer audio might improve the experience. Also, weather is a factor—being an outdoor adventure, rain can dampen the mood and even the scenery. It’s wise to check the forecast beforehand, especially during rainy seasons.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Duck Tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a quick, fun overview of Miami’s most iconic sights. It’s also perfect for families and groups looking for an engaging, light-hearted activity that combines education, scenery, and a little splash of adventure. If you’re into architecture, luxury homes, or Miami’s celebrity scene, you’ll appreciate the detailed commentary and stunning shoreline views.

For those with limited time or a budget-conscious mindset, this tour delivers a lot of value—covering both land and water in just 1.5 hours at a reasonable price. It’s an easy, entertaining way to get a feel for the city’s vibe and see some of its most photogenic spots.

While weather considerations are worth keeping in mind, the overall experience tends to be well-loved by travelers who enjoy guides with personality, scenic views, and a touch of humor. It’s less about exhaustive sightseeing and more about having a memorable, engaging snapshot of Miami’s bright, lively personality.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You will need to arrive at the meeting point for check-in.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, providing a balanced mix of land and water sightseeing.

What is the price per person?
The cost is $48 per person, which many reviewers find offers good value given the scope of sights covered.

Are flotation devices provided?
Yes, flotation devices are included and are provided for safety during the splashdown in Biscayne Bay.

Are the guides knowledgeable and entertaining?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Lexi, Toni, Rick, and Sammy as being very knowledgeable, funny, and engaging.

Can I expect to see celebrity homes?
Yes, the tour passes along Millionaire’s Row, showcasing some of Miami’s most luxurious waterfront properties.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most reviews indicate that kids enjoy the experience, especially the playful commentary and duck toys, making it family-friendly.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for outdoor activity—bring sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a rain jacket if rain is forecasted.

How do I know the starting times?
Check the tour availability and times when booking; they can vary, so plan ahead.

The Miami Duck Tour offers a lively, engaging way to explore the highlights of South Beach and Biscayne Bay in one easy ride. With well-rated guides, stunning views, and a price point that appeals to many travelers, it’s a smart choice for those wanting a relaxed yet fun overview of Miami’s famed coastline and architecture. While weather can influence the experience, most guests leave with plenty of great photos and stories to tell.

Whether you’re a first-timer eager to see Miami’s glamour or a family looking for a memorable outing, this tour delivers with a good dose of humor, insight, and scenic beauty. It’s not just sightseeing; it’s an experience that captures the lively spirit of Miami in a compact, enjoyable package.