Miami Boating Guide
Most people visit Miami for the beaches, the nightlife, and the celebrity mansions. But there's one experience that stops tourists and locals alike in their tracks — and almost nobody knows it exists until they're standing on it, raccoon in hand.
Raccoon Island — officially called Sandspur Island — is a small, uninhabited mangrove island tucked inside Biscayne Bay, just a short boat ride from Miami Beach. It has no bridge, no road, and no public access. The only way to get there is by boat.
What makes it special? A colony of wild raccoons lives on the island year-round, completely unbothered by humans. They've become so accustomed to boats pulling up that they'll walk right up to the swim platform and eat out of your hand.
There's nothing else like it in Miami. Or in most of Florida, for that matter.
In an era where every Miami tourist attraction has been photographed a million times, Raccoon Island still surprises people. The reactions are genuine every time — guests who expected a standard boat tour suddenly find themselves hand-feeding wild animals in the middle of Biscayne Bay with the Miami skyline behind them.
It's also endlessly photogenic. The raccoons are curious and playful. The water around the island is crystal clear. And because it's only reachable by private charter, you rarely share the moment with more than a handful of other boats.
A typical Raccoon Island visit lasts 20–30 minutes as part of a longer private boat tour. Here's what usually happens:
The raccoons are wild, so they set the terms. Most days they're friendly and curious. Occasionally they're less interested — that's nature, and part of what makes each visit feel authentic.
You can't get there on your own unless you have a boat. The island sits in Biscayne Bay and has no public dock or beach access. The best way is to book a private boat charter from Miami Beach that includes Raccoon Island as a stop on the itinerary.
Most tours depart from Miami Beach and combine Raccoon Island with other highlights: the celebrity mansion cruise past Star Island, a sandbar swim at Nixon or Haulover, and open water cruising through Biscayne Bay.
We include Raccoon Island on most of our private boat tours from Miami Beach. Our captains have visited the island hundreds of times and know exactly when and where to anchor for the best raccoon encounters.
Private tours start from $400 for up to 8 guests, all-inclusive. No hidden fees.
Call or WhatsApp us at 305-746-9309 or visit onelifemiamiboatrental.com to book.
Private boat tours from $400 · Up to 8 guests · All-inclusive · Miami Beach
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