Stiltsville Charter

Stiltsville is the most quietly photogenic spot in Biscayne Bay. Seven wooden and concrete-block houses standing in open water on stilts a mile off Cape Florida, all that remains of a Prohibition-era club scene that once had 27 structures and a reputation for being beyond the reach of the mainland authorities. The captain can cruise you slow through the cluster while narrating which houses survived which hurricane, which were owned by gambling clubs, and which are now part of Biscayne National Park. Bring a camera. Mid-morning light catches the white wood against the bay water in a way that does not happen anywhere else in Miami. After the photo loop the captain anchors in the shallow flats nearby. Water is clear, depth is comfortable, and the snorkeling is decent on calm days. Lunch onboard or pull a paddleboard out and explore the surrounding mangroves. This is a thoughtful, slower charter for guests who want a unique Miami location instead of a party scene. Pair with a sandbar visit on the return trip if you want energy on the back half. Pair with the photographer add-on if the group is in town for a milestone moment, the structures make a stunning backdrop.

Destinations

• Stiltsville
• Cape Florida State Park (offshore)
• Biscayne National Park flats

Itinerary

1. 11:00 AMDepart marina southbound.
2. 11:30 AMCruise the Stiltsville cluster. Captain narrates history of each remaining house.
3. 12:00 PMAnchor in the flats nearby. Swim, snorkel, lunch onboard.
4. 02:00 PMOptional return loop past Cape Florida lighthouse.
5. 03:00 PMReturn to marina.

Eligible Vessels

Pricing

Standard 4-hour rate. No surcharges.

Recommended Add-Ons

Frequently Asked

• What is Stiltsville?

  A cluster of houses built on stilts in open water off Cape Florida starting in the 1930s. Hurricanes destroyed most. Seven remain and are now part of Biscayne National Park.

• Can we go inside the houses?

  No. The remaining structures are closed to the public. Captain can drive close enough for photos but the structures are off-limits to landing.

• Is it crowded?

  No. Stiltsville is one of the quieter Miami destinations. You usually have the cluster mostly to yourself.

• Is the water good for snorkeling?

  Decent on calm days. Visibility is moderate. The nearby Biscayne National Park flats have better snorkeling for those who want it.

• Can we pair this with a sandbar visit?

  Yes. The Key Biscayne sandbar is on the way back. Captain can build a half-and-half charter.

• Best time of day?

  Mid-morning for clean light on the structures, or late afternoon for golden-hour photography.

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