Want a scenic way to commute into Miami Beach without bothering with a car, bus or scooter?
Behold, the water taxi is here to stay.
More than a year after the pilot program debuted, the City of Miami Beach has launched the water taxi as a permanent, free service starting Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Here’s what to know.
Where can I take the water taxi?
The free water taxi service operates between two points:
- Maurice Gibb Memorial Park at 1790 Purdy Avenue in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood of Miami Beach
- Venetian Marina and Yacht Club at 1635 North Bayshore Drive on the Miami side of Biscayne Bay
The 40-foot vessels can each hold a maximum of 55 passengers.
When can I take the water taxi?
Water taxis will run approximately every 60 minutes on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and every 30 minutes on weekdays from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The service will not initially operate on weekends, but the city did not say when it might do so.
How long is the ride?
The water taxi takes 20 minutes, and will also connect riders to other transit options once they arrive on dry land.
How does the water taxi work with other transportation options?
“Enjoy seamless connections and stress-free parking with easy access to multiple transportation options on both sides of the bay — hop on the South Beach Trolley or Freebee in Miami Beach or connect at OMNI Station in Miami,” the city says on its website.
Additionally, a CitiBike station is available at the northwest corner of Purdy Avenue and 18 Street.
Officials say personal bicycles and scooters may be brought on board at the captain’s discretion, provided there is sufficient space.
