Stiltsville Miami Tours

What Makes Our Stiltsville Miami Tours Unique?

• A personalized experience – Our guided tour is limited to just six passengers, ensuring a relaxed setting where you can engage with your guide.
• Get an up-close view of the remaining Stiltsville houses while learning their history from your guide.
• Get insider knowledge on our Miami boat from our local guide who knows the area inside out.
• Learn the stories of Stiltsville’s past, including tales of hurricanes, illegal activities, and resilient residents and how that affected nearby Key Biscayne and Coconut Grove.
• Hear how Stiltsville Trust, made up of owners, works with Biscayne National Park to manage these colorful shacks in the sea.
• See the ceramic art mosaics created by the global artist Invader Space Invader that adorn two of the houses.

How do I Get to Stiltsville Miami?

You can only get to Stiltsville Miami by boat and the most convenient way is on a Miami boat tour and cruise. 

Does Anyone Still Live in Stiltsville?

People don’t still live in Stiltsville full-time. Most of the houses are now historical structures used only as weekend or summer private getaways. Popular houses in the area now include the A Frame House, Sessions House, Jimmy Ellenburg House, and Bay Chateau, all part of our tours. The houses are now owned by the National Park Service but managed by a group of owners through the Stiltsville Trust. 

What’s Included in Your Miami Stiltsville Tour?

Your Miami Stiltsville tour includes the following:

• A comfortable and safe Zodiac RIB boat built for exploration.
• Knowledgeable and engaging local guides who will share fascinating stories.
• Opportunities to take stunning photos of the Miami skyline and Stiltsville.
• An unforgettable experience that blends sightseeing with history, culture, and a national park.
• A boat tour agency with a Biscayne National Park Permit enabling visits to Stiltsville houses
• Complimentary bottled water
• Group photos using your camera

What’s Not Included?

Your tour does not include the following:

• Food and other beverages.
• Gratuities for the crew are not included but are greatly appreciated.
• Parking at Miami Beach Marina
• Hotel Pickup/Drop-off

The Colorful History of Stiltsville Houses

With so many wonderful things to do in Florida, it’s a real treat to encounter a surprise like Stiltsville in Miami. Located in Biscayne National Park and nearby Key Biscayne, Stiltsville has a story as colorful as the houses themselves. Its origins trace back to the 1930s when Captain Eddie “Crawfish” Walker defied convention and built the first shack on stilts above the tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay. He started selling fishing supplies and beer out of his colorful shack and this marked the birth of a community like no other. Over the years, and because of its proximity to nearby Coconut Grove, more houses were constructed, including the famous Calvert Club, Bikini Club and the Quarterdeck Club.

As you cruise toward the unique houses and through Biscayne National Park, you’ll uncover tales of the past—stories of illegal alcohol during prohibition, Al Capone, gambling, and even police raids on clubs like the Bikini Club. During this era, Stiltsville wasn’t just a collection of shacks; it was a collection of characters and a place where celebrities, wealthy individuals, and even politicians sought refuge and recreation.

Exploring Stiltsville’s Artistic Side: The Space Invader Mosaics

While Stiltsville boasts an incredible Florida history, it also features a vibrant artistic touch and our boat tours will feature these artistic elements. Two mosaics created by the renowned international artist Invader Space Invader adorn some of the houses. Followers of the artist come from all over the world to take our Miami boat tour and see the art pieces that were placed on houses as an art installation during the Miami Beach Art Basel event. These mosaics add a unique and modern twist to the historic structures, showcasing the dynamic blend of the past and present that defines Miami FL.

Top Rated Stiltsville Miami Tour!

Fascinating Facts About Stiltsville

• Stiltsville is located within Biscayne National Park, making it a unique part of this natural treasure and one of the most unique places we visit on our Miami boat tour.
• Most of the houses in Stiltsville border Biscayne Channel, which was once the primary access point to the bay for people going fishing or cruising on a Miami boat tour.
• South Florida historians believe that as early as 1922, there were approximately twelve “shacks” on the flats of Stiltsville and these were only accessible by boats.
• The Quarterdeck Club and Bikini Club, popular social spots, were featured in a Life magazine article in 1941.
• Hurricane Betsy in 1965 reduced the number of structures to only seventeen, but those with less than fifty percent damage were allowed to remain.
• Today, there are six houses still standing, each with its own unique story.

Book Your Stiltsville Miami Tour Today

Miami had more than 26 million visitors in 2024, and only a few visitors to Miami ever get the chance to see Stiltsville FL up close, making this a truly unique and exclusive experience. Don’t miss your opportunity to explore this historic site, hear its stories, and see a side of Miami most people never experience.

Reserve your Stiltsville adventure now and explore a hidden chapter of Miami’s past!

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