Miami is truly the “Magic City.” Full of sun, fun, and excitement, the 305 is the place to be. At The Advantaged, we know that the best way to explore this unforgettable part of the world is with an exclusive private charter. Explore the history and excitement of this amazing city as you cruise around the islands of Miami. Therefore, here are some of the wonderful islands that you can explore while on a cruise around Miami.
Biscayne Bay
As late as 5,000 years ago, what we now know as Biscayne Bay didn’t even exist. In that period, sea levels were roughly 20 feet lower than they are today; meaning the area was likely to dry. Around 2,400 years ago, the bay formed as sea levels rose. And, it filled in depression in the natural limestone, creating Biscayne Bay.
The sandy islands which protect the bay from the ocean have developed since then. Coastal wetlands and the swampy Everglades further shaped them. They, until the last century, extended to the sea.
According to Discoverbiscaynebay.org, the unaltered bay was a “magnificent, shallow, subtropical estuary characterized by clear water and dominated by diverse and productive bottom communities of seagrasses and hard-bottom soft corals and sponges.” The clear waters were maintained by the natural filtration offered by the sandy bars and lush vegetation. Freshwater was directed into the bay from the Everglades, as well as fissures in the limestone. In fact, the waters in the bay were once renowned for their freshwater springs, which were a popular stopping point for passing ships to restock drinking water supplies.
It’s only since the extensive development and population growth of the Miami area of the 19th and 20th centuries that Biscayne Bay has evolved into its current state. The diverting of the Everglades into four canals from Lake Okeechobee in 1917, including the channeling of Miami River, resulted in the stabilization. In addition to the current look of the barrier islands. Including Miami Beach. Instead of a subtropical estuary and lagoon, today Biscayne Bay is a unique body of water. It is full of deep shipping channels, islands, and diverse marine life.
History of Miami and Miami Beach
Like Biscayne Bay, Miami has undergone a radical transformation over the last two centuries. Europeans first reached Miami in 1513, when Juan Ponce de Leon sailed into the Bay, making contact with the indigenous people at Chequescha, the original name of the settlement. While some Spanish missionaries visited and settled in the area, European visitors were rare until the 18th century. As European illnesses, such as smallpox ravaged the local populations, many of the Tequesta, the local tribe, sought refuge with the Spanish in Cuba.
In the 19th century, European settlement of the area slowly grew, with the arrival of British colonists who came to the area from the Bahamas looking for treasure. Many accepted Spanish land grants along the Miami River, where modern Miami slowly developed. The city experienced explosive growth with the draining of the Everglades in the first part of the twentieth century, as newly reclaimed land presented excellent prospects for agricultural development.
Like Miami, Miami Beach experienced rapid growth in the twentieth century. Originally a swampy, sparsely populated barrier island, in 1912 avocado groves were successfully planted. Incorporated as Ocean Beach in 1915 (though this was changed to Miami Beach the following year), the city quickly grew as dredging projects added more land area, and a causeway connected it to the mainland in 1920.
By the late 1920s, the famed art deco district of Miami Beach was developed. And, the city thrived under the elegance and extravagance of the period. The depression and the war took an economic toll on the city, but by the middle of the century, its fortunes once again turned around. Today, “the Billion Dollar Sandbar” is as extravagant as ever. It’s exciting nightlife, pristine beaches, and sunny skies continue to entice visitors from all walks of life.
Miami Beach Islands
If you’re visiting the Magic City and are looking for a memorable chartered excursion, look no further than the islands and turquoise waters around Miami and Miami Beach. From the high rises and hustle of Brickell and Downtown to trendy South Beach and Millionaires Row or the pristine beaches and laid-back vibes of Key Biscayne, the islands around Miami offer something for everyone. With high-end shopping, world-class dining, zoos, museums, and some of the hottest nightclubs. A charter excursion from The Advantaged exploring Miami has something to offer everyone in the family!
Stiltsville
While exploring all that the magical islands around Miami have to offer, don’t forget to check out Stiltsville. Resting just off the shore of Billy Baggs State Park, Stiltsville is something of a legend in Miami. A “neighborhood” of only seven houses located in Biscayne Bay. This enchanting landmark traces its roots all the way back to 1933. Originally just a single home, built by a colorful local character named “Crawfish Eddie” to sell chum to fishermen, soon Stiltsville became an exclusive retreat for some of Miami’s elite. The elite who flocked there to create invitation-only clubs – away from any prying eyes on the land. The most famous of these clubs were the Quarterdeck Club, opened in 1940 by Commodore Edward Turner. And, the Bikini Club, which was simply a run-aground ship.
From its height in the sixties, Stiltsville suffered much over the following decades from countless hurricanes. Especially Hurricane Betsy in 1965 and Andrew in 1992. While only seven houses are still left standing, the charm and mystique of Stiltsville remain. Just minutes from Miami Beach, a visit to Stiltsville is a magical and unforgettable experience. It is quintessentially Miami in all of its quirky wonders.
Star Island
One of the most sought-after locations in all of the 305, Star Island is a neighborhood in Miami known for its exclusivity and amazing views. Situated in the heart of Biscayne Bay, this amazing island is the exclusive haunt of veritable who’s who of celebrities who have palatial homes on the man-made island.
The Army Corps of Engineers in 1922 originally constructed what is now famous as Star Island. Created by the dredging of sand in the bay itself, the small island’s initial owner was Carl Fisher. He was one of the key developers in the early history of Miami Beach.
One of the smallest neighborhoods in all of South Florida; Star Island is also one of the most expensive areas to live in in the entire country. With prices in the tens of millions of dollars, only the most elite Miami celebrities can call this place home; with residents over the years including Gloria Estefan, Shaquille O’Neal, Rosie O’Donnell, and Phil Collins.
Explore and Cruise Around Miami and Its Islands and History with The Advantaged
No matter where you visit: Miami, Miami Beach, and Key Biscayne offer unbeatable experiences for everyone in your family – and there’s not a better way to experience them than on this exclusive luxury charter! At The Advantaged Yacht Charters, we offer an extensive array of only the finest packages specifically designed to bring you the best of the Magic City. Our packages are customizable to cater for your every need. Meaning that instead of worrying you can just kick back and enjoy everything Miami has to offer! So, what are you waiting for? If you want to experience a cruise around Miami, give us a call at (305) 358-0745 or contact us to set up a ride.