From Biscayne Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, there are countless opportunities for team building, spousal programs and pure relaxation on Miami’s waters

Miami is a city defined by water as much as by land. With the barrier islands of Key Biscayne and Miami Beach serving as buffers between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, it’s easy to feel like there’s water all around you. For meeting planners in Miami, there’s no shortage of fun activities and events to plan on the water, whether it’s team building, spousal programs or simply relaxing with your group.

The Beaches

Miami is famous for its miles of beautiful shoreline, so the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean are an obvious place to start when it comes to enjoying the water. Plan a beachfront reception or picnic in partnership with your host hotel on some of Miami’s most popular beaches, like South Beach, Sunny Isles Beach or Surfside.

Miami is also home to state park beaches where your team can enjoy a more outward bound experience by exploring nature trails or testing their skills at mountain biking. These parks include Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Beach, Oleta River State Park and Matheson Hammock Park Beach.

Boating & Sailing

Consider a classic tour of Miami’s million dollar homes on Star Island and the dazzling downtown skyline with your group by embarking on an Island Queen Cruise aboard their 140-passenger boat with air-conditioned cabins and outdoor viewing decks.

For a different kind of adventure at sea, Ocean Force Adventures sets out from the Miami Beach Marina aboard six-passenger, high-speed Zodiacs to the historic Stiltsville homes of in Biscayne Bay.

For a thrill ride, hop aboard the Thriller Miami Speedboat where you’ll zoom around sights like PortMiami, Star Island, Monument Island, Fisher Island and South Beach at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.

You can also work on classic team building skills by taking sailing lessons or chartering a boat from a wide variety of companies including Y Charter Miami, Tropical Boat Charters, Yolo Boat Rentals and Shake-A-Leg.

Kayaking, Canoeing & Standup Paddleboarding

Miami’s waterways are tranquil and calm throughout the year, making them the ideal place for kayaking, canoeing and standup paddleboarding. Whether your team is in the mood to get competitive or they simply want to enjoy the natural beauty around them, this is one of the most unique ways to experience Miami’s waters.

In Key Biscayne, head to Sailboards Miami Water Sports, Virginia Key Outdoor Center or Crandon Park. At Matheson Hammock Park, look for Eco Adventures. And in South Beach, arrange your excursion with Sunset Harbour’s family-owned South Beach Kayak.

Snorkeling

Miami’s waters are connected to the third largest barrier reef in the world, known as the Florida Straits. This means, there’s a wide variety of both natural and artificial reefs to discover in Miami perfect for beginner snorkelers. Outfitters like Tarpoon Lagoon, South Beach Divers, Grove Scuba and Diver’s Paradise can arrange private snorkel trips for your team.

Fishing

From the shallow flats of Biscayne Bay to deep sea fishing on the Atlantic’s Gulf Stream, Miami makes for a superb launch for a fishing trip. And what says team building more than an afternoon fishing charter? There are plenty of expert fishing guides to choose from to meet your needs. A few to consider include Top Gun Fishing Charters, Miss Britt Charters, Outcast Sportfishing and Bouncer Dusky 33. For party boat charters where you’ll fish with a larger group at a lower cost and receive helpful instruction, seek out the Reward Fleet or the Kelley Fleet. Whatever your team decides to do, Miami’s gorgeous waters are waiting for you with perfect weather year round.