Go to Miami, Florida and see the homes of the “rich and famous”… while on a jet ski!? Yes, it’s true.
In July 2008, I spent a week in Miami. One of my friends who had visited the city earlier that year advised me to take a boat tour to see the homes of Miami’s elite.
To be honest, these types of tours are not really my style. I don’t care to learn more about the opulent lifestyles of celebrities and wealthy socialites. I’d rather visit a place like Vizcaya, snorkel in Key West, or swim with dolphins at the Miami Sea Aquarium.
While researching things to see and do in Miami, I came across a unique 2 hour tour offered by Jet-Ski Tours of Miami. It included a jet ski rental, instruction, free time to speed around Miami harbor, a tour to see the luxurious homes on Star Island, and a brief stop on another island for a light drink and snack.
The opportunity to ride a jet ski affirmed my decision to go on this cheesy tour. I had always wanted to learn how to ride one.
Sporting an angry and painful sun burn (the Florida sun had not been kind to my pasty white skin), I gingerly made my way to the meeting point. Upon arriving, I was met by the rest of my group. It was small, not more than 5 of us. The day was sunny and hot. Perfect!
We were provided with brief instructions on how the jet skis worked and were then asked to slowly follow the tour group leader out into the harbor.
After receiving more detailed instruction, we were given free time to get used to the jet skis and race around Miami harbor on our own. The only condition – keep the tour guide in our sight.
It was so much fun! I soon forgot the pain of my sunburn and how tired I was. I channeled my inner speed demon and gleefully sped around at the jet-ski’s highest speed.

The group eventually came back together and headed off to see the homes of the rich and famous. This part of the tour actually turned out to be more fun than I thought.
Some of the more interesting homes we saw:




We also stopped by a little island for a light snack of pop and chips:

I would do this tour again in a heartbeat! For more information check out Jet-Ski Tours of Miami’s website. This 2 hour tour will cost you approximately $260.