Stiltsville is a row of 7 wood houses built on stilts in Biscayne Bay south of Miami — the last survivors of a community of 27 that flourished in the 1930s-60s as private fishing camps and (during Prohibition) speakeasies. Today they’re a National Park Service property and one of the most photogenic yacht stops in South Florida.
A yacht charter that includes Stiltsville runs $1,000-$2,500 USD for 4 hours from any Miami marina. This guide explains what you’ll actually see, why these houses still stand, and how to time the visit.
Why are there houses on stilts?
Stiltsville began in the 1930s as a cluster of unregistered fishing shacks in shallow water 1.5 km south of Cape Florida — far enough from shore to dodge Prohibition-era liquor laws. By the 1950s, 27 stilt houses operated as private retreats, gambling clubs, and the famous Quarterdeck Club (members included senators and Hollywood stars).
Hurricane Andrew (1992) destroyed all but 7. Federal law now bans new construction and the surviving houses are leased to nonprofits for preservation. You can see them from the water but can’t enter without prior NPS permission.
The 7 surviving houses
A-Frame, Bay Chateau, Ed Knight, Hicks Pavilion, Jimmy Ellenburg, Leshaw Cottage, Miami Springs Powerboat Club. Each has its own paint scheme — photographers love the contrast against the turquoise water.
Departure marinas and route
All three Miami marinas reach Stiltsville. The cruise is 35-50 minutes one way:
- Bayside Marina (downtown waterfront): 40-min route through Biscayne Bay. Most common departure for cruise-day visitors.
- Miami River Marina (downtown / Brickell): 45 min. Bonus skyline shots from the river.
- Sea Isle Marina (Edgewater): 50 min via Star Island. Combine for a Star Island + Stiltsville combo without backtracking.
The water around Stiltsville is shallow — 2-3 m. Sport boats (38-48 ft) get closer to the houses than large yachts. If photos with the houses framed close are the priority, ask for a 50 ft or smaller yacht when you book.
USD pricing tiers
Stiltsville on its own is too short for a charter — typically combined with Star Island, Key Biscayne, or Crandon Park. Total trip pricing:
- 4-hour basic (Star Island + Stiltsville): $1,000-$2,500 USD depending on yacht size. Most popular package.
- 6-hour extended (Stiltsville + Star Island + Haulover sandbar): $1,500-$3,500 USD. Best for full-day groups.
- 8-hour day trip (above + lunch in Key Biscayne): $2,500-$5,000 USD. Best for special occasions.
Best time of day
For Stiltsville specifically:
- 10am-noon: high sun, water at its most turquoise. Best for "Caribbean-looking" photos.
- 4pm-sunset: warm golden light hits the houses from the west. Best for moody portrait-style shots.
- Avoid midday in summer: glare and heat. Same photos but harder to enjoy them.
Tide note
Low tide exposes mud flats around the houses — less photogenic. High tide is much better. Our captains check NOAA tides when scheduling.
Stiltsville with kids and families
Stiltsville is well-suited to family charters — calm shallow water, no swimming required (you stay on the yacht), and the houses’ history is genuinely interesting for kids 6+. Captains share the prohibition / hurricane stories. Pair Stiltsville with a Key Biscayne beach stop for a half-day kids itinerary.
How to book
WhatsApp +52 56 3954 1062 (English / Spanish team) with date, group size, and your other preferred stops. We confirm yacht options + USD quote within an hour. 50% deposit locks the date. Related reading: Star Island yacht tour (most-paired with Stiltsville) or the Miami yacht charter guide.