Ghosts, Gangsters, and Corruption Cruise on Miami’s Biscayne Bay

3.0
(1 reviews)
Miami, USA

1 hour 15 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Forget the glitz. Are you ready to discover the secrets and scandals of Miami's notorious underworld on this 75-minute river cruise? Step aboard for a 75-minute journey through the dark side of Miami’s waterfront. Glide past the sparkling skyline as your guide brings to life the stories of smuggling, gangsters, and the drug era that once ruled these waters.

Hear true tales from our true-crime enthusiast of daring bootleggers along the Miami River, secretive deals on Brickell Key, and haunted mansions on Star Island where the ghosts of the past still linger. From mysterious lights on Flagler Monument Island to shadowy figures along the Venetian Islands, this tour blends history, crime, and the supernatural for an unforgettable experience.

Perfect for thrill-seekers, history buffs, and anyone who loves a touch of the paranormal — don’t just see Miami, experience the secrets hidden beneath its waters. Book your seat and get ready for stories you won’t hear anywhere else!

What's Included

Live narrated Crime, Ghost & Mafia story experience
Skyline sightseeing and photo opportunities
Views of Brickell, Star Island, Venetian Islands
Commentary in English and Spanish
75 minute boat tour on Biscayne Bay
Gratuities
Food and drinks (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Enter Bayside Marketplace and walk directly ahead to the water. Once at the water - turn right and head towards the Hard Rock Cafe. Water Taxi dock is down the stairs on the left at Mambo’s Bar, just before the Hard Rock Cafe. Check in with the Water Taxi staff as soon as you arrive

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately)
  • Bayside Marketplace (Pass by)

    Bayside may look bright today, but locals still whisper about spirits from the old waterfront docks that once saw storms, shipwrecks, and vanished sailors. Some say their shadows still drift between the shops and the water’s edge at night.

    Admission ticket free
  • Biscayne Bay (Pass by)

    These waters once hid more than just boats—rum smugglers and gang runners used Bayside’s dark corners to disappear enemies and evidence. People swear that on quiet nights you can still hear footsteps on the empty docks, long after the guilty were gone.

    Admission ticket free
  • Miami River (Pass by)

    This was once Miami’s smuggling highway — rum-runners, drug traffickers, and gun boats slipped through these waters at night during the 1920s–80s. The Miami River Cartel crews used these channels to offload drugs before speeding into the maze of side canals.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Before the luxury towers, this was an isolated construction island used for secret meets by Miami money washers in the 1980s Cocaine Cowboys era. It was a perfect place to exchange duffel bags full of cash under the cover of cranes and machinery.

    Admission ticket free
  • Star Island (Pass by)

    In the 70s and 80s, some mansions here were rented out as “stash houses” for traffickers — massive estates used to store cash and drugs. Rumors linger that a few basements still have hidden safes sealed behind concrete.

    Admission ticket free
  • Flagler Monument Island (Pass by)

    Bootleggers used the island as a drop-off and pick-up point for liquor during Prohibition. It was far enough from shore to avoid police but close enough to escape fast.

    Admission ticket free
  • Venetian Islands (Pass by)

    The canals between these islands were the “go-fast lanes” for speedboats carrying contraband. Some of Miami’s early mafia-connected figures owned homes here and used private docks for secret meetings.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    The bridge has seen countless high-speed chases over the years — from drug runners to fugitives trying to escape into Miami Beach. At night, patrol officers say it’s one of the eeriest stretches of road in the city.

    Admission ticket free
  • Fisher Island (Pass by)

    Before it became ultra-luxury, smuggling crews used parts of the shoreline as secret landing zones. A few old-timers claim tunnels exist beneath certain buildings from the island’s early development days.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • No Luggage or Large Bags
Supplied by Attractions4us LLC

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Tags

Ghost Tours
Water Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

3.0 Based on 1 1 review
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