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SeaBubbles really did bring an electric, self-stabilizing hydrofoil boat to Miami—but the February 2019 appearance was a U.S. debut and prototype demonstration, not proof that a permanent SeaBubbles passenger service launched there. The craft lifted its hull above the water on submerged foils, carried a small number of passengers, and was presented as a possible future for short urban water trips.
As of August 2026, SeaBubbles promotes newer versions of its boats and mobility services, but the available evidence does not establish a scheduled SeaBubbles route in Miami.
What happened in Miami?
On February 19, 2019, New Atlas reported that SeaBubbles was making what the company described as its U.S. debut in Miami. The event involved a compact electric hydrofoil prototype intended to demonstrate the technology—not the launch of a fully operational Miami water-taxi network.
That distinction matters. A demonstration can show that a vessel can operate on suitable water, while a commercial route also requires docks, charging, trained crews, insurance, maintenance, permits, passenger-safety procedures, and a viable schedule.
#1 Best Overall
- Advanced watercraft utilizing hydrofoil technology for efficient and smooth travel above water surface
- Designed for high-speed water transportation with reduced drag and improved fuel efficiency
- Suitable for recreational use, commuting, and exploring coastal and inland waterways
- Stable multi-hull structure provides enhanced balance and passenger comfort during operation
- Durable marine-grade construction ensures long-lasting performance in various water conditions
What was the Bubble Taxi?
The Bubble Taxi was a small electric boat designed for urban or short-range passenger transport. The 2019 report compared its size to that of a family car and described a vessel powered by two propellers and a 20-kilowatt electric drive.
The capacity description was not completely consistent: the article described a driver and four passengers, while an image caption referred to up to six people. The safest summary is that the prototype was a low-capacity craft carrying roughly five people in its formal description, rather than a conventional high-volume ferry.
How hydrofoiling works
Hydrofoils are underwater wings. As the boat accelerates, water flowing over the foils generates lift. Once the vessel reaches sufficient speed, the foils raise much of the hull above the surface, reducing the area in contact with the water and therefore reducing drag.
The boat does not fly like an aircraft. It remains supported by submerged foils and still depends on adequate water depth, suitable conditions, and an operator who can respond to marine traffic and hazards. Raising the hull can also reduce the effect of small surface waves, potentially making a short trip quieter and smoother than one in a conventional small boat.
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- STINGRAY CLASSIC SENIOR 2: These no-drill hydrofoils give engine lift for a wide variety of boats and sizes of outboard / outdrive motors. This single piece hydrofoil is one of our most popular models ever. The Classic Senior is designed for 40-300 hp engines and comes in black, white, or grey.
- MORE RELIABLE: Our ultra-durable heavy-duty construction gives you better reduction of vacitation, ventilation, chinewalking, and porpoising. Our hydrofoils get boats on plane quick for improved safety, visibility, and reduced strain on the engine saving you money on fuel.
- ULTIMATE STABILITY: Just slide the hydrofoil on and drill where the holes are to achieve the perfect fit!
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What “self-stabilizing” means
The 2019 description referred to gyroscopic and altitude sensors, fly-by-wire steering, and automatic corrections for tilt. In practical terms, the system was intended to help control pitch and roll so the craft could ride more level.
That is automated ride control, not autonomous operation or a guarantee of safety. Stabilization cannot eliminate the risks posed by storms, wakes, floating debris, shallow water, obstacles, equipment failures, or operator error.
SeaBubbles’ later technical material describes the SmartBubble’s flight-control system as using an inertial measurement unit and rapidly adjusting foil flaps to counter rolling, pitching, and yawing. Those details describe a later-generation system and should not automatically be treated as the exact specification of the 2019 Miami prototype.
2019 prototype specifications
The following figures are approximately reported prototype or company figures from the 2019 coverage, not confirmed specifications for a current Miami service:
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- SUPERIOR QUALITY: Get on plane quicker and maximize your stabilization with the one and only StingRay! Our expertly engineered design is the gold standard for hydrofoils. The hydrodynamic construction generates more lift than any other stabilizer fins.
- STINGRAY CLASSIC JUNIOR 2: These no-drill hydrofoils give engine lift for small boats and inflatable water crafts with outboard / outdrive motors. Portions of the mid section can be removed for a customized fit. The Classic Junior is designed for 9.9-40 hp engines and comes in black, white, or grey.
- MORE RELIABLE: Our ultra-durable heavy-duty construction gives you better reduction of vacitation, ventilation, chinewalking, and porpoising. Our hydrofoils get boats on plane quick for improved safety, visibility, and reduced strain on the engine saving you money on fuel.
- ULTIMATE STABILITY: Just slide the hydrofoil on and drill where the holes are to achieve the perfect fit!
- UNBEATABLE PERFORMANCE: Get the best for your boat, get a StingRay! We've used years of marine engineering experience to design and refine the most durable, highest-performing tools and accessories for your boats. StingRay is made in the USA and we're proud to serve customers all across America!
| Item | 2019 prototype report |
|---|---|
| Propulsion | Two propellers |
| Electric drive | 20 kW, approximately 27 hp |
| Foil takeoff speed | Approximately 13 km/h (8 mph) |
| Reported hydrofoiling speed | Approximately 28 km/h (17 mph) |
| Flight height | Approximately 40 cm (16 in) |
| Battery | 21.5 kWh |
| Claimed operating time | Up to two hours |
| Claimed range | Up to 40 km (25 miles) |
| Charging time | Approximately five hours |
| Reported production target | About 20 knots, larger batteries, longer range, and 35-minute fast charging |
These numbers should not be combined with the projected production targets. The prototype’s approximately 28-km/h reported speed was different from the planned production boat’s approximately 20-knot target, and the latter was a forward-looking claim rather than a verified delivery specification.
What SeaBubbles said about production
The 2019 report said production versions were expected to be faster, use larger batteries, travel farther, and charge more quickly. It also cited an approximate historical price of US$200,000, attributed to TechCrunch.
That old estimate is not a current price. SeaBubbles’ current website lists starting prices of €290,000 excluding VAT for The Bubble and €650,000 excluding VAT for the Smart Bubble. Those prices are not necessarily the final cost of a U.S. purchase: delivery, configuration, taxes, import expenses, training, insurance, charging equipment, docks, and maintenance may all be additional.
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SeaBubbles’ current boats
The Bubble
SeaBubbles currently describes The Bubble as a compact electric boat for urban mobility, sightseeing, and leisure. SeaBubbles lists capacity for four passengers plus a pilot, a top operating speed of 12 knots (22 km/h), automated flight stabilization, and foil takeoff at roughly six knots in about three seconds. Closed and open-air versions are listed, with a starting price of €290,000 excluding VAT.
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- SUPERIOR QUALITY: Get on plane quicker and maximize your stabilization with the one and only StingRay! Our expertly engineered design is the gold standard for hydrofoils. The hydrodynamic construction generates more lift than any other stabilizer fins.
- STARFIRE: The first model of hydrofoils to feature No-Drill installation was the Starfire! Incredible style that sparkles in the sunlight and maximized top speed make this a favorite of many. Engine lift is increased for your of outboard / outdrive motors at a horsepower range of 40-300 hp.
- MORE RELIABLE: Our ultra-durable heavy-duty construction gives you better reduction of vacitation, ventilation, chinewalking, and porpoising. Our hydrofoils get boats on plane quick for improved safety, visibility, and reduced strain on the engine saving you money on fuel.
- NO-DRILL INSTALLATION: Installation has never been this easy or simple! Our original No-Drill installation uses set screws to get your boat performing better with no holes drilled into the engine's cavitation plate. Another innovation to make your life easier from StingRay!
- UNBEATABLE PERFORMANCE: Get the best for your boat, get a StingRay! We've used years of marine engineering experience to design and refine the most durable, highest-performing tools and accessories for your boats. StingRay is made in the USA and we're proud to serve customers all across America!
The Smart Bubble
The larger Smart Bubble is aimed at water-taxi services, urban travel, and leisure. SeaBubbles lists six to ten passengers, a speed of 16 knots (30 km/h), retractable foils, and a starting price of €650,000 excluding VAT.
A later SeaBubbles technical document describes the SmartBubble as an approximately 8-by-3.5-meter platform for short-range passenger transport. It also describes battery-electric and hydrogen-compatible powertrain options. These are current or later-generation product details, not specifications of the boat demonstrated in Miami in 2019.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did Miami get a SeaBubbles taxi service?
There is no evidence in the supplied material that SeaBubbles established a scheduled passenger route in Miami, sold public rides at scale, or became the operator of Miami’s water-taxi network. The accurate description is a 2019 U.S. debut, demonstration, or prototype showcase.
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Miami Beach did later announce a separate free commuter water taxi beginning January 20, 2026. According to the city announcement, the service connects Sunset Harbour with the Miami-side Venetian Marina and Yacht Club, is operated by Water Taxi of Miami Beach, LLC, and uses 40-foot vessels capable of carrying up to 55 passengers. The announcement does not identify those boats as SeaBubbles craft.
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- SeaSierra hydrofoils improve handling and provide better maneuverability, enhance thrust and control, cut planing time, keep the boat on plane at lower speeds
- Fit Yamaha Mercury Johnson Evinrude Honda Suzuki Tohatsu 8 9.9 15 20 25 30 35 40 HP outboard motors
- Fit most stern drives and outboards 8 to 40 hp, there are some smaller outboards (down to 4 HP) that it will fit as well. Except for Mercury 40, 50, and 60 hp 4-Strokes, Volvo with exhaust through the cavitation plate, Mercury Bravo II, Mercury Bravo III with only one anode on bottom of cavitation plate (rare)
- The Boat Motor Whale Tail Hydrofoil Stabilizer Dimension 13.39" X 13.7"
- Package Contents: Comes with 1 hydrofoil stabilizer, 4 sets of stainless steel screws and nuts, and a drill bit for easy installation
The difference is substantial: a small four-to-ten-passenger hydrofoil is a very different vehicle and business model from a conventional 55-passenger commuter water taxi.
Why commercial deployment is difficult
SeaBubbles’ original urban-mobility concept envisioned on-demand trips supported by mooring stations for boarding, disembarking, and charging. The European Commission’s CORDIS project material describes those requirements as part of the proposed deployment model.
A real route would need:
- Suitable docks or floating stations.
- High-voltage charging and electrical capacity.
- Waterways with adequate depth and appropriate traffic conditions.
- Local maritime approvals, insurance, and safety procedures.
- Trained pilots and maintenance personnel.
- Inspection and servicing of foils, actuators, sensors, batteries, and propulsion systems.
- Operating limits for storms, high winds, wakes, debris, and poor visibility.
Hydrofoils offer potential advantages: reduced wetted area and drag, a ride above some surface chop, no direct exhaust emissions during electric operation, and potentially less wake than some conventional boats. But those are engineering advantages or company claims, not proof that every route will be cheaper, faster, or more efficient in real-world conditions.
The trade-offs include added mechanical and software complexity, sensitivity to debris and shallow water, battery-range limits, and lower passenger capacity. Foils and actuators may also require more specialized maintenance than a conventional hull. A premium craft costing hundreds of thousands of euros may need high utilization, tourism revenue, hotel partnerships, or public support to make a route economical.
Would Miami be a suitable market?
Miami offers obvious use cases: hotel transfers, marina connections, sightseeing, resort transport, and short trips across protected sections of Biscayne Bay. But the same environment presents challenges, including heavy boat traffic, wakes, bridges, marinas, shallow areas, saltwater corrosion, heat, humidity, storms, and hurricane preparation.
The best fit would likely be a defined short route in protected water with purpose-built docking and charging infrastructure. A debris-prone, shallow, heavily trafficked, or storm-exposed route would be more demanding. The economics would also differ depending on whether the craft served commuters, tourists, hotels, or private owners.
SeaBubbles’ mobility services are aimed at organizations developing fleets and water-mobility projects, not at consumers looking for a normal online booking for a Miami ride. A pre-order or contact form is likewise not the same as immediate U.S. delivery or a public passenger service.
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Timeline
- February 19, 2019: New Atlas published its report on SeaBubbles’ U.S. debut in Miami.
- 2019: The demonstrated craft was described as an electric hydrofoil prototype with approximately 28 km/h speed, 40-km claimed range, and a five-hour charge time.
- Later product development: SeaBubbles introduced the larger Smart Bubble as a separate model for higher-capacity mobility applications.
- January 20, 2026: Miami Beach announced a separate free commuter water-taxi service using larger conventional vessels.
- August 2026: SeaBubbles’ current product pages promote The Bubble, Smart Bubble, and mobility-development services, but do not establish a current SeaBubbles passenger route in Miami.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
