Private Stiltsville Boat Tour

Out on the shallow flats just south of Cape Florida, a cluster of wooden houses stands on stilts in the middle of Biscayne Bay, with stories going back to the 1930s. Stiltsville is part of Biscayne National Park and is reachable only by water. With Coastal Runners, you see it on your own private boat and pair it with the park's best islands and sandbars.

Stiltsville + Boca Chita: The Best of the North Park

Most Stiltsville tours leave from downtown Miami and turn around. From Black Point in Homestead, we can build a full day that cruises past Stiltsville and Soldier Key, stops at Boca Chita Key's lighthouse, and finishes with a swim at a sandbar. We recommend 6 or 8 hours for this route. Add the Miami skyline from the water if you like.

Rates

Mako My Day, our Mako 253: 4 hours $900 | 6 hours $1,100 | 8 hours $1,300, plus fuel

Sea Casita, our Beneteau Flyer 10: 4 hours $1,400 | 6 hours $1,900 | 8 hours $2,400, plus fuel

Up to 6 guests, private. $300 deposit to book.

A Little Stiltsville History

The first shack went up in the 1930s, when "Crawfish Eddie" Walker built on stilts over the flats. By 1960 there were 27 structures, famous for fishing clubs and parties. Hurricanes and fires took most of them: Hurricane Andrew left seven in 1992, and a January 2021 fire destroyed the Leshaw house, so six houses stand today. They sit inside Biscayne National Park and are cared for through the Stiltsville Trust; going aboard requires a Trust permit.

Good to Know

We view the houses from the water. Boarding requires a Stiltsville Trust permit (NPS).

Routes depend on wind and sea conditions. Captain Pablo makes the final call.

Included: captain, ice and water, life jackets, snorkel gear, noodles, onboard toilet and shade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the Stiltsville houses?

No, we see them from the boat.

How long does a Stiltsville trip take from Homestead?

It's a longer run north, so we recommend 6 or 8 hours to combine it with other stops.

Is Stiltsville in Biscayne National Park?

Yes.

Can we swim at Stiltsville?

The flats are shallow. Whether we stop depends on conditions, and nearby sandbars are usually better for swimming.

Custom Trips Beyond the Park

Biscayne National Park is our home water and our main focus. On request, Captain Pablo also runs custom trips north to Miami or south into the Keys, including Key Largo and the Christ of the Abyss statue.

See Miami's houses on the water your way

Call 305-842-1119 or tap the Book a Stiltsville Trip button below.