Aerial drone view of the stern of the 1 Life Boat Rental Nautic Star anchored in clear turquoise water near the Haulover sandbar in Miami
Miami Beach · Private tour · Haulover & Nixon sandbars

Miami sandbar day —
waist-deep, crystal clear

Anchor over the shallow turquoise flats of Haulover or Nixon Sandbar, drop the ladder and spend the day swimming, floating and playing your music — no beach crowds. Private charter, captain included, from $200/hr.

Our own boat, anchored over the turquoise shallows near Haulover Sandbar

Home/Tours/Sandbar Day
USCG-licensed captains
Captain, fuel, water & ice included
100% private — your group only
Free cancellation 24hrs
No OTA fees — book direct
Departs 2400 Collins Ave
The sandbars

Miami’s best free beach
is in the middle of the bay.

Swim and float at Nixon Sandbar or Haulover Sandbar — crystal-clear shallow water, no beach crowds. Anchor, relax, play your music.

A sandbar is a shallow sand flat in Biscayne Bay where the water is often only two to four feet deep, even far from shore. Instead of fighting for towel space on the beach, you anchor the boat, put the ladder down and spend hours standing, wading and floating in warm turquoise water with the Miami skyline on the horizon.

Miami has two sandbars that private charters use most — lively Haulover and laid-back Nixon — and they make for very different days. Tell us the vibe you’re after and your captain picks the right one for your group, based on the tide, the wind and the crowds that day.

Want the side-by-side comparison first? Read Haulover Sandbar vs. Nixon Sandbar: which one should you visit?

Top-down drone shot of the 1 Life Nautic Star anchored alone over shallow, sandy-bottomed turquoise water on a Miami sandbar
Two to four feet of water, a sandy bottom you can stand on, and nobody else on your boat.
Duration
3–6 hours
2hr minimum; 4 hours is the classic sandbar day.
Ideal group
2–8 guests
Up to 8 on the Nautic Star; up to 13 on the Axopar 38, Pardo 40 or Sunseeker 74.
Best time
Late morning – afternoon
Full sun, warm water. Weekdays are quieter at Haulover.
Departs
2400 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, across from 1 Hotel.
Haulover or Nixon?

Two sandbars.
Two very different days.

Both give you the same magic — clear, shallow water you can stand in. What changes is the energy around you.

01
Haulover Sandbar — the social one
One of the most popular boating spots in Miami. On weekends and holidays it’s a real scene: music, boats rafted up together, people wading between them. Close to Haulover Inlet, so the run from Collins Ave is short. Pick it if the energy is part of the fun.
02
Nixon Sandbar — the calm one
Calmer water, fewer boats and far more room to spread out. The better choice for families with young kids, couples, or anyone who wants the crystal-clear-water experience without the crowd that comes with it.
03
Your captain reads the water
Tide, wind and crowds change daily. Our USCG-licensed captains know both sandbars and choose where to anchor so the water is shallow, clear and calm for your group — or take your request if you have one.
04
Your music, your floating mat
Four Bluetooth speakers on board for your playlist, and a floating mat on request so the whole group can lounge on the water. Pool floats tied off to the swim ladder work great too.
05
Wildlife on the way
Dolphins often cruise past on the way to and from the sandbar, and manatees are frequently seen in the calmer, grassy shallows. They’re wild, so nothing is guaranteed — but a slow sandbar day is one of the best chances to see them.
06
Easy to combine
Add Raccoon Island, a celebrity-homes cruise past Star Island, or time the ride back for sunset. It’s a private charter — there’s no script.
What to expect

A typical sandbar day.

Here’s how a 4-hour sandbar charter usually runs — stretch or shrink any part of it, it’s your boat.

Aerial view of the Nautic Star 25ft with its bow lounge, teak swim platform and black bimini top, anchored in sparkling clear water at a Miami sandbar
Bow lounge for sunbathing, teak swim platform and ladder at the stern — the Nautic Star is built for sandbar days.
What’s included

Everything for the day.

One rate, one boat, your group only. Here’s exactly what a sandbar day covers.

Duration & timing

When to go & how long to book.

Late morning to mid-afternoon is sandbar prime time: the sun is high, the water is warm and the shallows glow turquoise. If spotting dolphins matters most, start earlier — the bay is usually calmest in the morning.

Weekends vs. weekdays: Haulover is at its liveliest on weekends and holidays. For more space at either sandbar, go midweek. Tides also matter — your captain times the anchorage for the shallowest, clearest water.

Miami is a year-round sandbar destination. Summer brings the warmest water (and the occasional afternoon storm, so earlier slots are safer); winter and spring bring dry, sunny days with slightly cooler water.

2 hours
$400 · quick dip
A short run to the nearest sandbar and about an hour in the water. Great if you’re short on time.
3 hours
$600
Relaxed sandbar time plus one extra — a celebrity-homes pass or wildlife cruise.
4 hours
$800 · most popular
The classic sandbar day: 2–3 hours anchored, with time to reach either Haulover or Nixon.
6 hours
$1,200 · best value
Sandbar, Raccoon Island and the celebrity mansions in one unhurried day.

Before you board

Questions

Sandbar day FAQ.

More on deposits, BYOB and departure points in the general FAQ.

Which is better, Haulover Sandbar or Nixon Sandbar?

It depends on your group. Haulover is livelier — music, lots of boats and a social scene, especially on weekends. Nixon is calmer, with fewer boats and more space, which suits families, couples and relaxed groups. Tell us the vibe you want and your captain picks the best one for the day’s conditions.

How deep is the water at the sandbar?

Usually two to four feet — waist-deep for most adults — depending on the tide and exactly where you anchor. Your captain positions the boat so you can stand comfortably.

How long should we book for a sandbar day?

We recommend 4 hours for the full experience: enough time to reach either sandbar and still spend 2–3 hours in the water. The 2-hour minimum works for a quick dip; 6 hours lets you add Raccoon Island and the celebrity homes.

Is a sandbar day good for kids?

Yes — especially at Nixon, where the water is calmer and less crowded. Life jackets are included for every guest, and children count as 1 guest toward the boat’s capacity.

Can we bring alcohol and food to the sandbar?

Yes, it’s BYOB. We provide water, sodas, ice and cooler space — just bring your drinks, snacks and anything else you want for the day.

Do you provide floats or a floating mat?

A floating mat is available on request — mention it when you book. You’re also welcome to bring your own pool floats.
Keep exploring

Pair it with…

Tour
Raccoon Island
Add a stop at Miami’s strangest island, where wild raccoons swim out to greet the boat. Pairs perfectly with a 4–6 hour sandbar day.
Tour
Celebrity homes
Cruise past the Star, Palm & Hibiscus Island mansions on the way out or back.
In-depth guide
How to spend a sandbar day
The long read: what a full day at the sandbar looks like, what to pack and what wildlife you might see.

Ready for a day at the sandbar?

Tell us your date, group size and whether you’re feeling Haulover or Nixon — we confirm the same day. $100 deposit, free cancellation 24hrs.

Reserve your boat 305-746-9309