Visit Stiltsville Miami

Name: Ocean Force Adventures
Address: 300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL, 33139
Telephone: (305) 372-3388

Written by Ocean Force Adventures | Published July 24, 2025

How to Visit Stiltsville Miami by Boat

Visiting Stiltsville Miami is one of the most unique and authentic ways to experience the hidden history of South Florida.
Floating a mile offshore in the clear waters of Biscayne Bay, Stiltsville Miami is only accessible by boat — and offers visitors a rare look at Miami’s colorful past.

Whether you’re planning a Biscayne National Park boat tour or simply curious about these famous stilt houses, this guide will explain everything you need to know about visiting Stiltsville Florida the right way.

Why Visit Stiltsville Miami?

Stiltsville is a collection of seven historic houses built on wooden pilings over the shallow flats of Biscayne Bay.
Originally constructed during the 1930s, these offshore structures became a playground for celebrities, politicians, and Miami locals seeking fun just beyond the reach of city laws.

Today, the surviving Stiltsville houses — including the famous A-Frame House, Sessions House, and Jimmy Ellenburg House — are protected as part of Biscayne National Park.
Visitors who reach Stiltsville are rewarded with incredible views, marine wildlife sightings, and a glimpse into one of Miami’s most legendary eras.

Don’t miss seeing the Space Invader mosaics hidden on some of the historic homes — a modern twist to this vintage community.
Learn more about the Space Invader art at Stiltsville.

Take one of our guided boat tours to Stiltsville with daily departures from Miami Beach.

A man holding an iphone to photograph a house in Stiltsville during a guided boat tour to Biscayne National Park.

Is Stiltsville Part of Biscayne National Park?

Yes. In 1985, Stiltsville officially became part of Biscayne National Park, one of America’s largest marine parks.
This designation helps protect the fragile environment and preserves the historical significance of the houses.

Visiting Stiltsville is not just a sightseeing trip — it’s an opportunity to explore a living chapter of Miami’s history inside a federally protected national park.

Who Owns the Stiltsville Houses?

Biscayne National Park owns the submerged land where the Stiltsville houses are located.
However, the remaining homes are managed, maintained, and occasionally used by the original families under a non-profit organization called the Stiltsville Trust.

This unique public-private partnership ensures that the history and character of Stiltsville are preserved while still protecting the fragile marine environment surrounding the structures.

Can You Visit Stiltsville Without a Guided Tour?

Technically, yes — but there are important things to consider.

You must have access to a private boat, the skill to navigate shallow and shifting waters safely, and a thorough understanding of Biscayne National Park rules and boundaries.
Landing on the houses without a permit is prohibited, and tides and weather can change quickly, making navigation risky.

Most visitors choose to experience Stiltsville through a guided Biscayne National Park boat tour with an authorized operator — offering safe access, expert narration, and a deeper understanding of the area.

A calm day in Stiltsville with view of the LeShaw house and Sessions house in background against a bright blue sky.

A manatee gets a bit of freshwater from a boat's hose during a guided tour in Stiltsville.

How to Visit Stiltsville Miami by Boat

Step 1: Choose Your Tour

Estimated time: 2 hours
Decide whether to join a small group or opt for a private Miami boat tour. Both tours depart from Miami Beach Marina (Pier E) and are part of our authorized Biscayne National Park boat tours.
Cost: $169 for small group • $795-$895 for private experience

Step 2: Book in Advance

To secure your tour:

Use our online Book Your Stiltsville Miami Tour Here link
Or text us at (305) 372‑3388
Booking ahead guarantees your spot and helps with park permit coordination.

Step 3: Arrive & Check In

Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before departure at Pier E, Miami Beach Marina (300 Alton Road).
Our professional guides and USCG-licensed captains will greet you, help with boarding, and provide safety instructions.

Step 4: Enjoy the Tour

Departure time: As listed when booked (typically morning or mid-afternoon)
Highlights:
1. Cruise through Biscayne Bay to Stiltsville
2. Visit the seven historic houses—like the A‑Frame and Sessions House
3. Spot marine life and fish along the way
4. See the eye-catching Space Invader mosaics on the stilted homes

Tours are fully narrated, sharing stories about Crawfish Eddie, the Quarterdeck Club, and local Miami culture.

Step 5: Return & Debrief

Your boat returns to Miami Beach Marina at Pier E. You’ll dock and disembark around 2 hours after departure.
Our team is available to answer questions, provide local recommendations (like things to do in Miami), and offer insider tips to explore more of Biscayne National Park or Miami’s waterfront highlights.

Quick Overview Summary

Step	Action	Time Estimate	Cost
1	Select tour (small group or private)	2 hours	$169 – $895
2	Book via website or phone	N/A	Included
3	Arrive at Pier E, Miami Beach Marina	10–15 min early	Included
4	Boat tour, narration & wildlife	~2 hours	Included
5	Return and post-tour Q&A	N/A	N/A

Why Take a Guided Biscayne National Park Boat Tour to Stiltsville?

When you tour with an authorized operator, you get more than just a boat ride — you experience the rich history, culture, and natural beauty that make Stiltsville one of Miami’s most fascinating hidden gems.

Guided Stiltsville Tour	Private DIY Boat Trip
Authorized National Park Service permit holder	Risk of violating protected area rules
Professional guides share Stiltsville’s history	No narration or historical context
Safe, comfortable boats designed for Biscayne Bay	Must bring/rent your own vessel
Guaranteed close-up views of Space Invader mosaics, marine life, and historic homes	Possible missed sights due to shallow waters or navigational hazards
Stress-free, educational experience	Risky, time-consuming planning

Explore Stiltsville with Ocean Force Adventures

At Ocean Force Adventures, we’ve been guiding visitors through Stiltsville Miami Florida and Biscayne National Park for over 17 years.
As an official National Park Service permit holder, we offer small group and private boat tours that combine authentic history, incredible sightseeing, and expert storytelling.

Our tours feature: