Airport
Miami Seaplane Base (MPB)
Miami Seaplane Base (MPB) is a public-use seaplane facility on Watson Island, serving downtown Miami and the surrounding region. It provides a convenient gateway for private charters, seaplane tours, and onward travel to Miami Beach, South Beach, the Bahamas, and the Florida Keys.
Passengers
Luggage
About Miami Seaplane Base
Miami Seaplane Base is a public-use seaplane facility on Watson Island, about 2 miles east of downtown Miami. It serves as a gateway for private charters and seaplane tours, connecting travelers to destinations in South Florida and the Bahamas. The site has a long aviation history; a seaplane terminal was established on Watson Island in 1926, and the base has continued to support water-based aviation since then.
The base sits on a man-made island between downtown Miami and Miami Beach, using the Port of Miami's deep-water channel area for a water runway. It is publicly owned by the City of Miami and operates as a seaplane base rather than a conventional commercial airport, with private-use terminal facilities and a seaplane ramp and apron.
Because of its location on Watson Island, the base offers quick access to downtown Miami, the MacArthur Causeway, and Miami Beach and South Beach about 4 miles away. Ground transportation to hotels, business districts, and cruise terminals is straightforward by taxi, ride-hailing, or private transfer.
Facilities at the base are limited and centered on seaplane operations. Travelers typically use charter operators or seaplane tour companies for flights to destinations such as Bimini, the Bahamas, and the Florida Keys, or arrange onward road transport from Watson Island.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Miami Seaplane Base does not have a conventional multi-terminal passenger airport layout. It operates as a public-use seaplane base with private-use terminal facilities, a seaplane ramp, apron and a water runway on Watson Island.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Miami Seaplane Base
Transfers
Book private transfers from Miami Seaplane Base on Watson Island to downtown Miami hotels, Miami Beach, South Beach, cruise terminals and other locations across the city.
Hourly Chauffeur
Arrange a professional chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from the seaplane base, business meetings, events or journeys around Miami and the surrounding area.
Car Rental
Rent a car for independent travel from Watson Island to Miami, Miami Beach, the Florida Keys and other destinations across South Florida.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organize minibuses or charter buses for groups traveling between Miami Seaplane Base, hotels, event venues, cruise terminals and other destinations in the Miami area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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