A new way to travel is about to make waves. Beginning December 1, 2025, visitors and locals can glide across Biscayne Bay aboard a water taxi service connecting downtown Miami and Miami Beach with a welcome alternative to the gridlock that often defines the city during Miami Art Week for Art Basel Miami Beach.
This new pilot program merges convenience with experience, offering passengers a scenic, breezy, and stress-free route between the Miami’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
A Scenic Route Across Biscayne Bay
The water taxi begins operations on Tuesday, December 1, providing a direct and picturesque connection across Biscayne Bay just in time for Miami’s biggest week in art and design.
Passengers can board in Miami Beach at Maurice Gibb Memorial Park, located at 1790 Purdy Avenue (at 18th Street). On the Miami side, service will operate from Venetian Marina & Yacht Club, 1635 N. Bayshore Drive, a short walk from major downtown hotels and cultural venues.
Each journey lasts approximately 18 minutes in clear conditions, offering open-water views of the skyline, bridges, and yachts making for quite the scenic and quintessential Miami experience.
Service Schedule and Routes
To accommodate the surge of visitors during Miami Art Week, the water taxi will run on an extended schedule:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to midnight
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes
A dedicated shuttle loop will meet riders at Maurice Gibb Park, connecting them to major art fair venues, including Art Basel Miami Beach, Design Miami, Untitled Art, and other key Miami Art Week destinations across the city.
The seamless integration between the water taxi and shuttle network ensures that attendees can move freely and quickly between art events, exhibitions, and installations without the usual traffic delays
Complimentary Access and Easy Booking
The service is free of charge throughout this pilot period.
Tickets and seat reservations can be made through the official city event portal or directly via Art Week Miami Beach’s website. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to guarantee a spot, especially during peak hours when demand is expected to be high.
By introducing this free water transit option, Miami Beach aims to reduce congestion, promote sustainable transportation, and enhance the visitor experience during one of the most celebrated cultural weeks of the year.
Why It Matters
The launch of this service represents more than just a convenience — it’s part of a broader effort to redefine how residents and visitors navigate the city during major events.
- Eco-Friendly Alternative: Reduces car congestion and emissions across the Venetian Causeway and MacArthur Causeway.
- Enhanced Visitor Experience: Offers a memorable way to travel between events, combining efficiency with Miami’s signature waterfront views.
- Cultural Connectivity: Strengthens the link between art, design, and public infrastructure, making Miami’s art scene more accessible than ever.
As the Miami prepares to welcome thousands of collectors, artists, and enthusiasts from around the world, this new water taxi service ensures that the journey will be just as enjoyable as the destination.
Plan Your Ride
- Start Date: December 1, 2025
- Departure Points:
- Miami Beach: Maurice Gibb Memorial Park, 1790 Purdy Avenue
- Miami: Venetian Marina & Yacht Club, 1635 N. Bayshore Drive
- Duration: Approximately 18 minutes each way
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes
- Hours: 10:00 a.m.–midnight (Wed–Sat); 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (Sun)
- Cost: Free for Art Basel Miami Beach 2025 and Miami Art Week visitors
- Booking: www.artweekmb.com
Key Takeaways
- 🚤 Free, fast, and scenic travel across Biscayne Bay
- 🎟️ No tickets required, simple online reservation at Art Week Miami Beach.
- 🕒 Runs every 15 minutes during peak Art Week hours
- 🌴 Ideal connection between downtown Miami and Miami Beach
- 🌇 Eco-conscious choice with panoramic skyline views
- Easy Booking: Reserve free tickets online