Logistics & Field Guide

How to Get to Raccoon Island (Sandspur Island) in Miami

Sandspur Island is an uninhabited 15-acre island in Biscayne Bay with no bridges, roads, or pedestrian walkways. Learn about the 4 main ways to get there: Guided Boat Tours, Private Yacht Charters, Kayak Rentals, or Tiki Shuttles.

Key Island Access Facts

Water Access Required

Distance from Mainland

~0.5 Miles Across Intracoastal

Vehicle Access

Watercraft Only (No Bridges)

Recommended Route

Captained Boat Charter / Tour

Transport Breakdown

Choose Your Mode of Transportation to Raccoon Island

Compare trip duration, costs, safety considerations, and pros & cons for each watercraft option.

Easiest & Most Popular 5.0 / 5

Option 1: Guided Boat Tour (Recommended for 90% of Visitors)

Cost: $55 – $95 per person • Time Required: 1.5 to 3.5 hours

Guided boat tours provide the smoothest way to explore Sandspur Island. Commercial captains handle all water navigation, tide timing, and shallow sandbar docking. Most cruises combine island raccoon beach visits with scenic mansion tours along Indian Creek and swim stops at Haulover Sandbar.

Advantages

Zero stress: licensed USCG captain navigates
Life jackets, safety gear & fuel included
Combines celebrity mansion tours & sandbars

Considerations

Fixed departure schedule

Verdict: Best overall value for families, couples, and first-time Miami tourists who want a relaxing, hassle-free day on the bay.

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Private Party Boat Yacht Charter to Raccoon Island

Best for Groups & Parties 4.9 / 5

Option 2: Private Party Boat / Yacht Charter

Cost: $290 – $350 per group • Time Required: 2 to 4 hours

A private charter grants exclusive access to a motorboat or yacht for up to 6–10 guests. You get a dedicated captain, a custom itinerary, giant floating water lily pads, high-powered Bluetooth audio systems, and full BYOB privileges to bring your own beverages and ice.

Advantages

100% private boat for up to 6-10 people
BYOB allowed (bring your own drinks & snacks)
Bluetooth sound system & floating water mats

Considerations

Higher upfront total price (budget-friendly per person)

Verdict: Ideal for birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, and friend groups seeking a private island sandbar experience.

Book

Kayak SUP Paddling to Sandspur Raccoon Island

Active & Eco Paddlers 4.2 / 5

Option 3: Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) from Oleta River

Cost: $35 – $60 rental fee • Time Required: 30-45 min paddling each way

Renting a single kayak, tandem kayak, or paddleboard from BG Oleta River Outdoor Center inside Oleta River State Park lets you paddle across the Intracoastal Waterway channel directly to Sandspur Island. You can explore saltwater mangrove estuaries and spot marine life along the route.

Advantages

Eco-friendly & active physical workout
Explore mangrove estuaries along the way

Considerations

Must cross open Intracoastal channel with boat wakes
Physical paddling effort required

Verdict: Great for athletic visitors launching from Oleta River State Park. Caution advised during high winds or heavy weekend boat traffic.

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Tiki Boat Express Shuttle to Raccoon Island

Quick Direct Transfer 4.6 / 5

Option 4: Tiki Boat Express Shuttle

Cost: $55 per person • Time Required: 1.5 hours total experience

The Tiki shuttle is a casual, tropical-themed boat drop-off service. It provides direct round-trip transport from North Miami docks to Sandspur Island beach, giving you a dedicated window to explore the shoreline and greet raccoons before heading back.

Advantages

Direct drop-off & pick-up right on the beach
Fun tropical boat design & casual vibe

Considerations

Shorter total cruising duration on the water

Verdict: Excellent choice for travelers looking for a quick, straightforward island drop-off without additional sightseeing loops.

Book

Interactive Navigation Map

Visual Water Routes & Departure Docks

Explore the exact boat and kayak routes across Bay waters connecting mainland launch points to Sandspur Island.

Oleta Kayak / SUP Route (~0.6 mi)

Pelican Harbor Boat Cruise Route (~1.4 mi)

Haulover Sandbar & Shuttle Route (~1.8 mi)

Navigation & Docks

Where Do Boat Tours Depart From & Parking Info

Detailed marina addresses, parking availability, and arrival logistics for North Miami boat charters and kayak launches.

Pelican Harbor Marina

1275 127th St, North Miami, FL 33181

Primary departure point for shared motorboat cruises and private party yacht charters heading to Sandspur Island.

Parking & Rideshare: On-site paved parking lots available. Uber and Lyft drop-offs can pull directly up to the main dock walkway. Arrive 20 minutes before departure.

Haulover Park Marina

10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154

Popular departure location for Haulover Sandbar swim charters and Raccoon Island combination boat tours.

Parking & Rideshare: Large county public parking lot (payable via PayByPhone app). Easy road access from Sunny Isles Beach and South Beach.

Oleta River State Park Launch

3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160

The main launch site for self-guided kayak rentals, paddleboards, and eco-tours bound for Sandspur Island.

Parking & Admission: State Park entrance fee ($6 per vehicle with 2–8 occupants; $4 single occupant). Park in the lot adjacent to BG Oleta River Outdoor Center.

Water Safety

Cruising & Paddling Safety: Tides & Water Currents

Essential advice for navigating North Biscayne Bay safely in motorized vessels or kayaks.

Low Tide vs High Tide Visiting Times

Visiting Raccoon Island during mid-to-low tide provides the widest sandy beach area and shallowest water for wading alongside shorelines. Check our homepage Live Weather & Tide Widget before heading out onto the water.

Navigating the Intracoastal Channel

The water channel separating the mainland from Sandspur Island sees active motorboat traffic. Kayakers and SUP paddlers should stay strictly within designated slow-speed / no-wake zones, cross channels perpendicularly, and watch for boat wakes.

Transport FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Raccoon Island

Answers to common questions regarding island access, boat ride times, and parking options.

Can I drive my car directly to Raccoon Island?

No. Raccoon Island (Sandspur Island) is an uninhabited spoil island situated in North Biscayne Bay with no bridges, causeways, or roads. You must park at a mainland marina or state park and travel by boat, yacht, or kayak.

How long does it take to get to Raccoon Island by boat?

Most commercial boat tours take 15 to 20 minutes to reach Sandspur Island from North Miami marinas, providing a pleasant coastal cruise past luxury waterfront estates along the way.

Can I take an Uber or Lyft to the boat departure docks?

Yes! Rideshare drop-offs via Uber and Lyft are very convenient at Pelican Harbor Marina, Haulover Marina, and Oleta River State Park. Drivers can drop you off right near the dock entrance walkways.

Explore Raccoon Island Guide Pages

All 12 Tours Catalog How to Get There Guide Sandspur Island History Passenger Reviews (4.9★) Travel Blog & Event Guides