8 Absolutely Perfect Boat Trip Destinations in Miami

One thing is for sure with Miami residents: we love a day on the boat. Get us out on the water and let’s live life to the fullest. All that sun (and probably day drinking) is bound to make you hungry, and finding the perfect meal for the best day on the boat is key.

From a build-your-own taco bar to stone crab and chicken to family-sized bowls of some of Miami’s most famous bites, there’s really no shortage of great places offering easily transportable, large-format food for people who want to hang out outside all day.

Here are 8 places in Miami to get a group meal on a boat for a day that’s a real crowd pleaser every time.

For a real Miami classic: Chicken Kitchen

Chicken Kitchen has consistently been one of the absolute best options for a day on the boat. It’s a local chain with locations all over town, meaning you’re likely to be near a location if you’re heading to the marina. Family-sized (serves 4 to 5) or party-sized (serves 8 to 10) chop-chop bowls are the go-to here. Pair a bowl or two—we recommend the Cuban one with chicken, black beans, tomatoes, and lettuce—with a quesadilla platter and maybe a family-sized salad and a serving of balsamic tomatoes, and you’re good to go. They even provide plates, cutlery, and plenty of curry mustard (and other sauces, too). And the best part? You don’t have to order ahead. In fact, you can even order the large bowls through Uber Eats and have them delivered right to your dock just before you set sail. You can just as easily walk into one of their locations and order immediately.

For those who like it as classic as possible: Publix

Those from Miami (or actually Florida and the South in general) know that Publix is ​​the absolute favorite when it comes to feeding a large group with delicious food. From mini sandwiches to fruit and veggie platters to the legendary chicken tender platters, there’s no shortage of easy-to-order, ideal boat day food at this popular supermarket. The ultimate order will definitely include a chicken tender platter, perhaps a mix-and-match deli wrap platter, a fruit platter and a cookie platter. Make sure to stock up on plenty of sauces for the tenders. Orders can be placed online and must be made 24 hours in advance.

For the days with the fancy boat: Joe’s Stone Crab

There’s nothing more iconic in Miami than the stone crabs from Joe’s Stone Crab. As the first restaurant to ever serve stone crabs, this spot has perfected the art of preparing delicious stone crabs year-round. Ordering from Joe’s on your boat day is easy thanks to Joe’s Takeaway. Pair these stone crabs with Joe’s legendary chicken, peel-and-eat shrimp, Joe’s coleslaw, a chopped salad, and Miami-style fish and chips, aka fried grouper in lemon garlic spices, served with yuca fries and mango guava sauce and garlic aioli for the dreamiest order. Don’t forget to order key lime pie because everyone deserves a sweet treat.

For those who can’t get enough sushi: Poke OG

From omakase boxes to large portions of seaweed salad, crab salad, and zucchini noodles, Poke OG is one of the most refreshing options for a day on the boat. Opt for a few omakase boxes, each containing 10 nigiri, maki rolls, 5 sashimi, edamame, and seaweed salad, for easy options to choose from, or go all out and build your own poke bowl bar. With two mixes to choose from (tuna, salmon, Japanese yellowtail, shrimp, watermelon, or tofu), rice, veggies, toppings, and even nori sheets so you can make your own hand rolls, this is a super solid option for a day on the boat that’s easy to customize for a larger group. Orders can be placed in advance on Poke OG’s website.

For taco and tequila lovers: Coyo Taco

Who doesn’t love putting together their own taco bar at sea? Coyo Taco makes it easy with their catering options – with your choice of protein, all the ingredients you need for tacos (or burrito bowls), a salsa bar, chips, plenty of guacamole, rice and beans – ideal for a day on the boat where people can eat at their own pace and make the taco creations of their choice. Add a few quesadillas and a serving or two of esquite (street corn) and you’re set. Orders can be placed on Coyo Taco’s website.

For those who want to stay healthy during the boating day: Carrot Express

Staying healthy on a day on the boat is easy thanks to Carrot Express. No matter what time of day your day starts, this spot offers a wide variety of options from all-day breakfasts to wrap and ciabatta platters, family-sized salads, power bowls, dessert platters, juice packets and more. Wrap and sandwich platters serve up to 10 to 12 people and include your choice of two different variations including the Chicken Caesar Wrap with chicken breast, romaine lettuce, kale, homemade croutons, parmesan cheese and homemade Caesar dressing or the Pesto Passion with grilled free-range chicken, arugula, tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, balsamic glaze, lemon and olive oil. Salads are served family style and also serve 10 to 12 people. Choices include the Oriental Crunch Salad with mixed greens, romaine lettuce, avocado, carrots, bean sprouts, toasted cashews, toasted sesame seeds and crispy tortilla strips, tossed with honey-lime peanut vinaigrette. For something heartier, Power Bowls are big enough to serve 10-12 people, including the popular Mario’s Favorite Chicken Bowl with arugula, kale, spinach, almonds, peas, sultanas, quinoa, cilantro and brown rice in a tangy citrus sauce. Carrot Express’ dessert tray offers a choice of three different treats, with guests having to choose between homemade vegan banana bread, chocolate chip walnut cookies, oatmeal cookies and guava cookies. Catering orders can be placed online here and must be placed 24 hours in advance.

For burger lovers: Shake Shack

Burgers on a boat? Look no further. Did you know that Shake Shack’s menu includes a bulk order section? These orders are perfect for groups of up to 12 people and include a variety of sandwich options – including ShackBurger, Chicken Shack, Veggie Shack and even SmokeShack. A perfect classic order would be the ShackBurger Box and the Crinkle Cut Fry Box. Orders can be placed through shakeshack.com or using the app.

For those looking for a chic option: Maman

This New York City spot in the heart of Wynwood offers the ultimate boat day lunch for those looking for fancy French sandwiches and small bites. Grab a platter of 16 half sandwiches, including bestsellers like the Katie Sandwich featuring herbed chicken with basil aioli, roasted red peppers, arugula and roasted tomatoes on a baguette or Bibian’s Turkey Sandwich featuring sliced ​​turkey with kale spring peas and ricotta spread, pickled onions and melted Swiss cheese on seeded sourdough bread. Those who prefer small bites can choose from a selection of mini sandwiches or mini quiches, sold by the dozen and including delicious options like the Croissant de Sud, Mini Everything Croissants and Quiche Sophie made with spinach, feta and artichoke quiche. Of course, a sweet ending is key, and Maman offers cookies by the dozen, from Oprah’s favorite Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies to S’mores Cookies and Lime Cilantro Sugar Cookies. To place an order, visit Maman’s website or use the Maman app.