REVIEW · MIAMI
Miami Boat Tour, Haulover Sandbar, Raccoon Island and more
Book on Viator →Operated by Miami Ocean Tours · Bookable on Viator
Three hours on Biscayne Bay beats traffic any day. This private outing mixes wildlife spotting with real swim time—Raccoon Island, the Haulover sandbar, and a cruise past Miami’s most exclusive waterfronts.
I especially like how hands-on it feels: you get a floating mat plus snorkeling gear, so you are not just looking at water from above. And the hosting matters here—Captain Henry has a calm, professional style, and he’ll keep the day moving at a pace that works for your group.
One thing to watch: the $349 price is the base group rate, then there are extra costs like a fuel surcharge and a captain fee. Also, dolphins are a possibility rather than a promise, and the whole cruise depends on good weather.
In This Review
- Quick Hits Before You Go
- Biscayne Bay, Raccoons, and a Real Swim Break
- How the 3-Hour Private Cruise Runs (and Why That Matters)
- Stop 1: The Quick Biscayne Bay Cruise Toward Raccoon Island
- Stop 2: Sandspur (Raccoon) Island for Wildlife and Swim Time
- Stop 3: Haulover Sandbar for Shallow Water, Floating, and Sunbathing
- Passing Indian Creek Island and Watching for Dolphins
- What’s Included (and What It Actually Means On the Water)
- Price and the Extra Fees You Should Plan For
- A Simple Checklist That Matches the Day
- Who This Boat Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)
- Should You Book This Raccoon Island and Sandbar Cruise?
- FAQ
- Where does the Miami boat tour start?
- How long is the tour?
- How much is it, and is it per person?
- What stops are included?
- What’s included in the price?
- What extra fees should I expect?
- Is snorkeling gear provided?
- Is this tour private?
- What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?
Quick Hits Before You Go
- Raccoon Island (Sandspur) stop: the main wildlife moment with time to swim and snorkel.
- Haulover sandbar floating time: shallow, clear water plus a mat for relaxing.
- Captain Henry’s hosting: friendly, professional, and quick with local info; he also adapts if weather shifts.
- Includes the essentials: water, ice cooler, floating mat, and snorkeling gear.
- All-in cost needs planning: fuel surcharge and captain fee are not included in the base price.
Biscayne Bay, Raccoons, and a Real Swim Break
This tour is built around a simple idea: don’t just cruise past Miami—use the water. You spend part of the trip cruising Biscayne Bay, then you actually get to hang at two water-focused stops where swimming and snorkeling are the point.
The standout theme is that you get variety in a short window. One moment you’re looking for raccoons on their island, and the next you’re sliding into shallow, clear water on a sun-and-relax sandbar. If you like your vacations a little more active (and a little less museum), this is a strong match.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Miami
How the 3-Hour Private Cruise Runs (and Why That Matters)
This is a private experience for your group (up to 6 people) and it runs about 3 hours. That time matters because it keeps the day tight: enough to feel like a proper boat outing, without turning it into a half-day marathon.
You’ll start at 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, and you return there at the end. A big practical win: it’s listed as near public transportation, so you are not forced into a full car hunt just to meet your captain.
You also get a mobile ticket, so you can usually keep things simple on the day. And since this trip is often booked about a month out (around 26 days in advance on average), I’d plan ahead rather than hoping for last-minute luck.
Stop 1: The Quick Biscayne Bay Cruise Toward Raccoon Island
Your first phase is a short cruise—about 15 minutes—on Biscayne Bay with the goal of getting you to Sandspur (Raccoon) Island. This stretch is not about a long stop yet. It’s about setting the vibe, getting out on the water early, and starting your wildlife-viewing mindset.
Even on a short hop, you’ll get that Miami-from-the-water perspective: beachfront geometry, coastal homes, and the overall “this city is built on water” feeling. If you’re prone to feeling rushed on tours, this opener helps because it’s not a hard, do-everything schedule right away.
Stop 2: Sandspur (Raccoon) Island for Wildlife and Swim Time
This is the stop most people book for: the Sandspur Island, commonly called Raccoon Island. You’ll have about 1 hour here, which is a useful length of time. Long enough to get a good look around, but not so long that you feel stuck if conditions aren’t perfect.
Here’s what you can expect: you’re going for a chance to see playful raccoons on their island setting. You also have the option to swim and snorkel if you want to make the water part of your experience, not just the backdrop.
I like that the plan is flexible. Captain Henry has been described as accommodating and able to keep the day smooth even when plans need to shift due to weather. So even if the timing or comfort level changes, you still get real time at the island rather than a quick photo stop.
Practical note: you are on the water, so being ready to hop in (swimwear under your clothes, towel, and sunscreen) makes the whole stop better. If you wait until the last minute, you lose the best part of that hour.
Stop 3: Haulover Sandbar for Shallow Water, Floating, and Sunbathing
After the island stop, you move to Haulover Inlet and the Haulover sandbar. This is another 1-hour highlight, and it’s built for hanging out. The water here is described as shallow and crystal clear, which is exactly the combo that makes snorkeling more fun and swimming feel easy.
You’ll have a floating mat available, which turns the sandbar into a lounge session. This is where your day shifts from “watch and spot” to “relax and float.” You can just float, suntan, and settle in—then snorkel if the water looks good in the moment.
One more detail that matters: weekends can be busier, with boats gathering and offering things like food and jet ski rentals. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it changes the vibe. On a weekend you’re more likely to feel a lively boat scene; on a weekday you may get calmer water time.
Passing Indian Creek Island and Watching for Dolphins
Between the sandbar and your return cruise, you’ll pass Indian Creek Island, described as one of the smallest, wealthiest, and most exclusive communities in the US—often nicknamed the Billionaire’s Bunker. The tour info even names high-profile residents like Tom Brady and Jeff Bezos, so you’re not guessing what people mean when they talk about “those houses.”
Then you head back cruising along Biscayne Bay. Dolphins are a common sighting, but it’s not guaranteed—you’ll get a chance, not a promise. I treat that as part of the fun: if you see them, it’s a bonus. If you don’t, you still have two swim-focused stops and a solid cruise day.
What’s Included (and What It Actually Means On the Water)
This is one of those tours where the included items are not just paperwork. They change how comfortable you feel once you’re out there.
Included:
- Water
- A cooler with ice
- Floating mat
- Snorkeling gear
From my perspective, the big win is not having to plan for gear. You can show up and go straight into snorkeling or floating without running around Miami Beach trying to rent equipment. The cooler also helps your day feel less “tour stress” and more “we’re on island time.”
Also, people have described a clean boat and easy comfort with the gear. That’s worth something. When the equipment works and the boat feels tidy, you spend less energy thinking and more energy enjoying.
Price and the Extra Fees You Should Plan For
The base rate is $349.00 per group (up to 6), for about 3 hours. That can look like a bargain if you split it among a full group.
But two costs are listed as not included:
- Fuel surcharge: $100.00 per booking
- Captain fee: $150.00 per booking
So the all-in total could be $599 per booking (base $349 plus $100 plus $150), depending on how the provider structures the final charge. With 6 people, that lands around $100 per person for the booking—still reasonable for a private boat day with snorkeling and a floating mat.
If you’re traveling as 2 or 3 people, the per-person number will climb. For small groups, I’d weigh what you want most: the wildlife-and-swim experience can be worth it, but do the math so you feel good about the value.
A Simple Checklist That Matches the Day
This tour is about water time, sun, and quick in-and-out movement. I’d pack like you’re going to a beach day plus a bit of cruising.
Bring:
- Swimsuit (under clothing if you can)
- Sunscreen and a hat (the sun on open water is no joke)
- A light cover-up for between swims
- A towel
- Your preferred snacks and drinks (Captain Henry has been described as letting people bring their own)
If you like snorkeling, keep an eye on fit and comfort once you’re on board. Having the gear included is great, but the moment you’re in the water is where small comfort details matter.
Who This Boat Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)
You’ll probably love this if:
- You want a private outing rather than a crowded group cruise.
- You care about actual swim time, not just a sightseeing ride.
- You like a mix of wildlife spotting and classic “float in clear water” relaxation.
You might think twice if:
- You’re expecting a guaranteed dolphin show. It’s possible, but not promised.
- You dislike days that depend on weather. The experience requires good conditions, and if weather is poor, plans can change.
- You’re traveling solo or as a tiny group and the per-person cost feels heavy after the added fees.
Should You Book This Raccoon Island and Sandbar Cruise?
Book it if you want a Miami day that feels personal, with two real water stops and the kind of onboard setup that lets you play right away. Captain Henry’s style comes through clearly in the way people describe the experience: friendly, professional, and willing to adjust when conditions demand it.
Skip it (or at least price it carefully) if you need strict certainty about wildlife sightings or you’re traveling with only one other person and the all-in cost doesn’t feel right once the fuel and captain fees are added.
If you’re aiming for a memorable, water-centered day on Biscayne Bay, this is a smart choice. The combination of Raccoon Island, Haulover sandbar floating time, and included gear is exactly what makes it worth considering.
FAQ
Where does the Miami boat tour start?
It starts at 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, USA, and it ends back at the same meeting point.
How long is the tour?
The tour runs for about 3 hours.
How much is it, and is it per person?
It’s $349.00 per group (up to 6).
What stops are included?
The tour includes:
- A short cruise by Miami Beach toward Raccoon Island
- A stop at Sandspur Island (Raccoon Island) for about 1 hour
- A stop at Haulover sandbar at Haulover Inlet for about 1 hour
It also includes a pass by Indian Creek Island and then a return cruise along Biscayne Bay.
What’s included in the price?
Included items are water, a cooler with ice, a floating mat, and snorkeling gear.
What extra fees should I expect?
Not included are a $100 fuel surcharge per booking and a $150 captain fee per booking.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and snorkeling is an optional activity at the stops.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, with only your group participating.
What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?
There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
