Miami Beach Expands Free Water Taxi Service for 2026 World Cup Fans

Miami's tourism sector recorded a historic 28.3 million visitors in 2025, generating a total economic impact of US$32.2 billion. Colombia led international arrivals with 409 000 travelers, ahead of Brazil and the United Kingdom. The World Cup, hosted partly in Miami, is credited with boosting hotel occupancy, restaurant activity and investment interest in South Florida.

To manage the expected surge of 750 000‑1 million visitors for the tournament's final weekend, Miami Beach is offering a complimentary water‑taxi service on July 18‑19, 2026. The 40‑foot vessels will run between Venetian Marina and Maurice Gibb Memorial Park, carrying up to 55 passengers per trip and cutting a 20‑minute crossing in half the usual road travel time. The program, run by Water Taxi of Fort Lauderdale LLC, is funded at roughly US$1.2 million by the city and a state grant, complementing a broader US$46 million regional transportation upgrade that includes free shuttle buses and park‑and‑ride services.