Raccoon Island is oddly wonderful. This guided kayak or SUP trip takes you from North Miami into the mangroves, then out to Sandspur Island for a truly hands-on wildlife experience with raccoons. Along the way, you get practical coaching and plenty of talk about what you’re seeing in the water and trees.

I love the mix of guided paddling and real nature time. The guides (I’ve seen names like Alejandra and Tony pop up often) manage the pace well, point out birds and wildlife, and keep the group moving so you spend your energy where it matters.

One thing to keep in mind: the open-water stretch can feel choppy when the weather is windy, and the mosquitoes can be intense on the island if conditions are right.

Key things I’d plan around

• A short kayak section with a boat assist so you’re not paddling the whole way from Miami Beach
• Mangrove wildlife spotting while you’re actually in the ecosystem, not watching it from land
• Raccoon time on Sandspur Island where they tend to show up fast once you arrive
• Equipment plus snacks and drinks included (yes, including alcoholic beverages)
• Small-group feel capped at 11, which usually means more attention during setup and paddling
• Weather and bug prep matter, especially wind and mosquitoes

Price and what you really get for $99

At $99 per person for about 2 hours 30 minutes, this isn’t a budget-only activity. But it also isn’t just a rent-a-kayak situation. You’re paying for four things that add up fast if you try to piece it together yourself: guided coaching, water time that actually reaches the raccoon island experience, included gear, and on-board snacks/drinks.

The biggest value play is the combination. You’re not only kayaking through mangroves, and you’re not only visiting an animal site. You get both, plus a guide who talks through the ecosystem while you paddle. In a place like Miami, that matters because the best wildlife spotting usually happens when someone can point at the clues you’d otherwise miss.

Setting off from 10800 Collins Ave: the start that can feel confusing

The tour meets at 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach and returns there. That’s straightforward on paper, but dock areas can be big and easy to misread—especially if you arrive late or expect obvious signage.

My practical advice: arrive early and plan for a walk. If you’re unsure where to check in, confirm with the operator the day of and give yourself time to find the right spot without stressing the whole morning. The paddling day runs on the water schedule, so being a little early is a real advantage.

Getting geared up: equipment, training, and a calmer start

This experience includes all the equipment, so you’re not shopping for a kayak helmet or life vest the night before. You’ll also get help getting set up, including guidance for how to handle your board or kayak.

Several guides are mentioned in the feedback—people reference staff like Tony, Alejandra, Sean, Liam, and Adam—which is a good sign that you’re likely to get friendly, hands-on direction rather than a “good luck out there” vibe. You should still expect a short learning curve, especially if you’ve never paddled before. The good news: the tour is designed so most people can participate.

And yes, you’ll probably get wet. Between the water itself and the time spent exploring the island, bring the mindset that your clothes are along for the ride.

Mangrove kayaking through North Miami: why this part is more than scenery

The mangrove stretch is where the trip becomes Miami-in-real-life. Instead of simply traveling to the island, you paddle through a living buffer zone—trees, shallow water, and wildlife habitat that behaves differently than open sea.

Here’s what makes it enjoyable for you: the pace is slow enough to look around, but the guides keep things organized so you’re not bored. People often describe this segment as relaxing, and the guide talks help you notice details like birds and other signs of life.

There’s also a subtle fitness angle. Even when the water feels calm, you’ll be using your arms and core to keep steady. If you’re not in shape, it’s still doable—but you’ll want to take it seriously for your first 20 minutes.

The boat to the kayak platform: saving energy for the good part

A theme in the feedback is that you’re not paddling the entire way from Miami Beach. Instead, you typically take a boat to a kayak area or floating dock, then kayak the final stretch.

That design is smart. It lets you spend your effort on the mangroves and the island approach, where the wildlife and experience are happening. If you’ve ever tried to do something similar on your own, you know how quickly energy disappears when you’re focused on distance instead of looking for wildlife.

So if you’re going with a mixed-experience group—one strong paddler and one who’s newer—that boat leg helps even things out.

SUP vs kayak: which one feels better on this route

You can do this as kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). The practical question for you is balance and comfort.

• If you’re stable and want a “sightseeing from above” feel, SUP can be fun for spotting movement in the water.
• If you want the easiest control for beginners, a kayak usually gives you more predictable steering.

Either way, you’ll likely be coached on how to start, turn, and keep your rhythm. And because the route includes both mangroves and more open water, the day can feel different depending on which part you struggle with most: stability, steering, or paddling effort.

Sandspur Island (Raccoon Island): the part most people came for

Once you reach Sandspur Island—often called Raccoon Island—the experience shifts from “paddling” to “wildlife moments.”

You get time to explore, and you may also have a chance to swim. Guides commonly guide the nature learning once you land, and many people describe the raccoons as curious right away. Several comments emphasize how quickly they come out after the kayak touches shore, like they’re waiting for activity to begin.

One of the most memorable aspects is that the raccoons often feel brazen in a way that’s hard to describe until you’re standing there. They come close to check you out, and if you’re feeding, they may even approach hands. That’s exactly why you should pay attention to how the guide frames it—this is a wild-animal encounter, not a petting zoo.

Also, the island walk can be part of the fun. Some people mention a hike-style portion where you learn about the mangrove types and you might even check out small sea life in shallow water.

Feeding raccoons: how to make it fun and not stressful

Raccoons tend to be food-motivated, especially when they realize treats are involved. You might see them competing with each other for attention, and they can look pushy in the first minute or two.

Here’s the rule I’d follow to keep it safe and smooth: feed only when your guide says it’s time, and don’t try to grab or chase the animals. If you want close-up photos, keep your body relaxed and let the raccoons come to you instead of leaning aggressively toward them.

Snacks on the water and island can include watermelon, and you may have access to other treats as well. Some people also recommend bringing your own fruit like grapes or other snacks that raccoons seem to love, but I’d treat that as optional and follow your guide’s lead first. The goal is to enhance the experience without turning it into a feeding free-for-all.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the “get wet” reality

Swim time is mentioned as part of the island experience, and some groups report having a chance to snorkel during the day when conditions and equipment align.

So plan for a mixed-movement afternoon:

• paddling your way there
• walking around the island
• getting splashed during swim or shallow-water exploring
• possibly adding snorkeling if the guide offers it

If you want good photos, waterproofing matters. People suggest a waterproof phone setup or a wet bag, and that’s a solid idea if you bring a phone you care about.

Small-group energy and guide styles

This tour is set up for a more personal experience, with a maximum group size listed at 11 travelers. That matters because you’re learning a water activity, and you want time with your guide if you need help.

In the feedback, I repeatedly see praise for specific staff members:

• Alejandra and Tony guiding small groups through mangroves and explaining the ecosystem
• Connor and Sean leading with humor and lots of wildlife details
• Liam and Adam helping families and first-timers feel comfortable
• crews like Captain Matthew and staff like Jenna showing friendly, practical help

Even with great guides, remember that groups are still groups. The best experience comes when you listen to instructions early, keep your gear organized, and move at the guide’s pace once you’re out on the water.

What can go wrong (and how to protect your morning)

Even with a fantastic concept, you’re dealing with real water and real animals. Here are the main issues to plan around.

Wind and choppy water

Some people describe tougher paddling when the day is windy and the open-water portion gets choppy. If you’re brand new, expect your arms to work a bit more than you’d like.

How to handle it:

• don’t go too hard at the start
• keep steady strokes
• tell the guide if you’re feeling wiped out so they can help you manage the pace

Mosquitoes on the island

This is the big one. Multiple comments stress mosquitoes can swarm, especially on the island and around parts of the mangrove area. If you react strongly to bites, take it seriously.

My advice is simple: wear insect repellent and bring long sleeves or lightweight coverage you don’t mind getting wet. One report mentions the guide team offered Benadryl cream afterward, which is helpful in the moment, but prevention is still the better plan.

Meeting-point confusion

A few negative comments mention missing the boat due to unclear dock navigation. You can reduce this risk by arriving early, staying alert to where the group is gathering, and asking questions immediately if something feels off.

Who should book this SUP or kayak raccoon trip

This works especially well if you want a Miami nature day that feels different from beach time. It’s also a strong pick if you enjoy animals but like your wildlife encounters guided and structured.

You’ll likely be happiest here if:

• you’re comfortable getting wet and walking on uneven surfaces
• you want a guided look at mangroves and local wildlife
• you like hands-on, close-up animal moments (done responsibly)
• you have mixed skill levels in your group and want support

It may be less ideal if you hate mosquitoes, or if you struggle with physical exertion in wind or choppy water.

My take: should you book it?

If you want a memorable, characterful Miami outing, I’d say yes—especially for animal lovers and people who enjoy guided eco-experiences. The value comes from the full package: boat-assisted paddling, mangrove learning time, and the unique Sandspur Island raccoon encounter, all with equipment and snacks/drinks included.

Just go in prepared. Bring mosquito repellent, wear water-ready shoes, and accept that the day is part paddling and part exploring, with real weather in the mix. If you do that, the experience tends to land as a standout.

FAQ

Do I get a kayak or SUP and life jacket?

Yes. The tour includes all equipment needed for the kayak or stand-up paddleboard experience, plus snacks and drinks.

How much does the Raccoon Island kayak and SUP tour cost?

It costs $99.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, USA. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What group size should I expect?

The maximum group size is 11 travelers.

Are snacks and beverages included?

Yes. The tour includes snacks and drinks, and alcoholic beverages are included as well.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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