Meet Kim Falconer | Founder & Captain • Ocean Force Adventures Miami Boat Tours

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Falconer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

My journey into entrepreneurship and founding Ocean Force Adventures Miami Beach boat tours was driven by a combination of passion, opportunity, and a desire to offer a unique experience to travelers in Miami.

Having worked as a senior executive in Public Relations for a large publicly held firm, I reached a point where I wanted to pursue something that would not only be professionally fulfilling but also a genuine source of joy in my daily life. Growing up as a South Florida native, my childhood was steeped in water-related activities, from fishing to diving and boating trips with my family. These experiences instilled in me a deep love for the outdoors and the stunning marine environment that Miami has to offer.

During a visit to Hawaii and observing the use of Zodiac RIB boats for whale watching, I recognized an opportunity. These boats, known for their durability, comfort, and smooth rides, were not as prevalent in Florida at the time. This discovery sparked the initial idea for Ocean Force Adventures Miami boat tours.

Subsequent research into the Miami tourism industry revealed a gap in the market. Many boat tour and yacht rental companies were catering to a broad audience, but there was a niche waiting to be filled – the discerning and educated traveler seeking not just a tour but an immersive experience that told Miami’s story. This insight became the foundation of Ocean Force Adventures. We aimed to provide not merely a tour of Miami but an expedition-style journey that allowed guests to truly experience the city from the water and hear the stories that make Miami the global destination it is today. Our small group format creates interactions among like-minded travelers and provides an opportunity for authentic engagement with Miami’s history, culture, people, and arts.

Miami, as a market, presents its own set of challenges. It’s a dynamic and competitive environment with constantly shifting demographics and tourism trends. To succeed, we need to be proactive and adaptable, continually addressing the evolving needs of consumers and the unique challenges of the city.

Fast forward to 2023, we celebrated our 15-year anniversary with pride. Throughout our journey, we’ve consistently ranked as the #1 Miami boat tour experience in Miami Beach since our inception in 2008. Our ability to maintain this position is a testament to our commitment to evolving and staying ahead of the curve in a fiercely competitive market.

In essence, Ocean Force Adventures was born out of a blend of my personal connection to Miami’s marine and boating world, a keen eye for a business opportunity, and the drive to offer travelers a truly exceptional experience of this magical city from the waters of Biscayne Bay.

What should our readers know about your business?

Certainly, I’d be delighted to provide more insight into Ocean Force Adventures and what sets us apart, as well as share our journey, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.

About Ocean Force Adventures:
Ocean Force Adventures is not just a boat tour agency; we are an embodiment of the spirit of Miami, offering a unique and authentic way to experience this vibrant city. Our guided historical and cultural small group and private boat tours are designed to tell the compelling story of Miami, from its earliest settlers to its status as a global destination today.

What Sets Us Apart:
What truly sets us apart from others in the industry is our commitment to delivering more than just a boat ride. We have redefined the traditional boat tour by offering an expedition-style experience that allows guests to explore Miami from the water. This experience is brought to life by our passionate team of captains and guides, including Captain Colin and Captain Nick, who possess an intimate knowledge of Miami’s marine environment and history.

Our dedication to providing personalized, small-group tours fosters interactions among like-minded travelers, enabling them to connect and engage with Miami’s culture on a deeper level. We cater to a discerning demographic, travelers who share interests in travel, food and wine, history, art, sports, beaches, and culture.

Our Journey and Challenges:
Our journey in the Miami tourism industry has been both rewarding and challenging. Breaking into the Miami market, known for its global footprint and competitiveness, was no easy feat. We started in 2008, and over the years, we’ve navigated the ups and downs of tourism trends, shifting demographics, hurricanes, viruses, and evolving consumer preferences.

One of the significant challenges was identifying and targeting our niche audience – the affluent and educated traveler seeking an immersive experience. To overcome this, we conducted extensive market research and tailored our offerings accordingly. We also invested in building a top-notch team, like Captain Colin and Captain Nick, who embody our commitment to excellence.

Lessons Learned:
Through our journey, we’ve learned the importance of adaptability and proactiveness in a constantly changing market. Staying ahead of the game meant continuously evolving our tours and services to meet the changing needs of consumers.

Our Message to the World:
We want the world to know that Ocean Force Adventures is more than a boat tour; we are an experience, a journey through Miami’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. We are proud to be the premier sightseeing boat tour in Miami, and our dedicated team of captains and guides, including Captain Colin and Captain Nick, are at the heart of what makes us exceptional.

Our brand stands for authenticity, immersion, and a commitment to delivering unforgettable moments on the waters of Biscayne Bay. We invite travelers to join us and discover the magic of Miami as seen from the sea, and we look forward to continuing to evolve and innovate in the years to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

If my best friend were visiting Miami for a week, I would curate an unforgettable itinerary that combines the best of outdoor adventures, culinary delights, art and culture, exploration of neighborhoods, and a touch of history. Here’s a week-long plan that would provide them with a fantastic Miami experience:

Day 1:

Morning: Start the trip with an exhilarating outdoor adventure. Choose from options like Ocean Force Adventures for a guided boat tour, exploring Miami’s marine beauty, history and culture.
Afternoon: Head to one of Miami’s iconic restaurants, such as Joe’s Stone Crab or Versailles Restaurant, for a taste of local cuisine.
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely stroll in one of Miami’s vibrant neighborhoods, like Little Havana, known for its cultural richness.

Day 2:

Morning: Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) to immerse yourself in contemporary art and stunning waterfront views.
Afternoon: Explore the Wynwood Walls, an outdoor gallery filled with colorful street art.
Evening: Savor a meal at a trendy restaurant in the Wynwood Arts District, like Hiyakawa, known for its pristine sushi, that’s almost as beautiful as its restaurant.

Day 3:

Morning: Discover the natural beauty of Miami by spending a morning in one of its lush parks, such as Matheson Hammock Park.
Afternoon: Explore the historic Coral Gables neighborhood, known for its Mediterranean architecture and boutique shopping.
Evening: Dine at a charming Coral Gables restaurant, such as Bulla Gastrobar.

Day 4:

Morning: Embark on a historical walking tour in downtown Miami. Miami Walking Tours explores the hidden gems and historical center of downtown.
Afternoon: Visit the vibrant Brickell neighborhood, known for its modern skyscrapers and dining options.
Evening: Enjoy a waterfront dinner at one of the restaurants along the Miami River such as Kiki on the River, or for a local touch of the best seafood, Garcia’s Seafood Grille.

Day 5:

Morning: Experience Everglades National Park with an airboat tour to encounter wildlife and pristine nature.
Afternoon: Relax on Miami Beach, perhaps at South Beach, and soak up the sun.
Evening: Explore the lively nightlife on Ocean Drive with its iconic Art Deco architecture and clubs.

Day 6:

Morning: Head to the Design District for high-end shopping and to admire art installations or take one of the free art tours that happen twice a month.
Afternoon: Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a historic villa with stunning gardens and architecture.
Evening: Indulge in a fine dining experience at a restaurant like Boia De or Zuma.

Day 7:

Morning: Spend the morning at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, a tropical paradise.
Afternoon: Explore the art and culture of Coconut Grove, including the Coconut Grove Arts Festival if the visit is in Spring..
Evening: Wrap up the trip with a farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant, like Klaw.

This itinerary combines the best of Miami’s outdoor adventures, culinary scene, art galleries, neighborhoods, parks, and museums. It offers a well-rounded experience that showcases the diverse and exciting aspects of this dynamic city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In the Ocean Force Adventures narrative, I want to extend a sincere shoutout to the remarkable team members who serve as captains and guides for our Miami boat tours. Their dedication, expertise, and passion have played a pivotal role in our success and the exceptional experiences we offer to our guests.

First and foremost, I’d like to recognize Captain Colin, whose profound knowledge of the local marine environment and the history of Miami consistently leaves our guests in awe. His ability to share captivating stories and insights during our tours elevates the experience, transforming it into more than just a boat excursion.

Next, I want to shine a spotlight on Captain Nick. His infectious enthusiasm for Miami’s rich culture and his skill in forging connections with our guests are truly remarkable. The warmth and depth of information he brings to the table enhance the enjoyment of every Ocean Force Adventures tour.

The whole team is amazingly dedicated. Their unwavering professionalism, expertise, and commitment to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our guests are the bedrock of our operations.

In addition to our outstanding team, I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to the local Miami community. Their support, whether it’s sharing their culture with our guests or offering insights into hidden gems around the city, has been invaluable in creating the authentic experience that defines our tours.

Lastly, I’d like to mention the countless travelers who have chosen Ocean Force Adventures for their Miami boat tour experience. Their enthusiasm and the positive feedback they provide inspire us to continually enhance and innovate, ensuring that we maintain our position as the premier sightseeing boat tour experience in Miami.

In summary, the success of Ocean Force Adventures is a collaborative effort, and I’m truly thankful to our team members, the Miami community, and our guests for their contributions to our story. Captain Colin and Captain Nick, in particular, embody our commitment to excellence and authentic experiences. They both deserve recognition and credit in our journey.

Website: https://oceanforceadventures.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceanforceadventuresmiami/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OceanForceAdven

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OceanForceAdventures.MiamiBoatTour

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MiamiBoatTour

Image Credits
Kim Falconer, Ocean Force Adventures