Raccoons in Miami? On a boat? Somehow it works. This private Biscayne Bay cruise takes you to Raccoon Island (often called Sandspur) and the Haulover sandbar for shallow, clear water fun, with a pass by Indian Creek’s famous homes and a shot at dolphins. I really like the hands-on feel—Captain Henry runs the day with a friendly, professional attitude—and I love that snorkeling gear, a floating mat, and chilled water are part of the package. The main catch is cost creep: the base price is $349 per group, but there’s also a $100 fuel surcharge and a $150 captain fee per booking.

You’re not waiting around with strangers, either. This is just your group (up to 6), the tour is about 3 hours, and the day starts right at 10800 Collins Ave in Miami Beach, then heads back there when you’re done. Plan for weather to matter, and know dolphins are a maybe, not a promise.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Private boat time up to 6 people in about 3 hours, with no mixing with other groups
• Raccoon Island (Sandspur) for about an hour of wildlife spotting plus swimming and snorkeling if you want
• Haulover sandbar at the Haulover Inlet with shallow, crystal-clear water and a floating mat
• Indian Creek Island pass for views of ultra-exclusive homes, including names like Tom Brady and Jeff Bezos
• Snorkeling gear + floating mat + water cooler with ice included for on-water comfort
• Dolphins possible on Biscayne Bay but not guaranteed, so you’ll stay pleasantly flexible

Miami Boat Tour at a Glance: What You’re Really Buying

You’re paying for three things here: time on the water, easy-to-enjoy swim breaks, and a guide who actually helps you get the most out of each stop. The base price is $349 per group (up to 6) for about 3 hours, which can be a fair value if you spread it across a full boat.

But read the fine print on the cost. Not included are a $100 fuel surcharge and a $150 captain fee per booking. Add those to the base rate and you’re closer to $599 for the group, give or take any changes by how the booking is processed. For six people, that’s roughly $100 per person. For a couple, it’s more like $300 per person.

Is it worth it? If your goal is a private, low-stress day—boat, shade breaks, swim time, and wildlife viewing without hunting for the right spot yourself—then the pricing starts to make sense fast.

Meeting Up at 10800 Collins Ave: Start Easy, Stay Simple

The meeting point is clear and specific: 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154. The tour ends back at the same place, so you’re not dealing with a tricky drop-off.

Two practical advantages here:

• It’s close to public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving.
• Because it’s private, your timing doesn’t hinge on everyone else’s lateness. Captain Henry’s communication style comes up in the feedback, with people appreciating clear parking and meet-up instructions.

Tip: bring the basics you’d want on a day on the water—sunscreen, a towel, and a dry bag. The boat setup is designed for time at the sandbar, not a quick in-and-out photo stop.

The Cruise Out of Miami Beach: Quick Views, No Rush

The day starts with a cruise from Miami Beach across Biscayne Bay, heading toward Raccoon Island. The first segment is short—about 15 minutes—but that’s exactly the right length for getting oriented. You’ll be looking at the water, the shoreline, and the direction you’re headed, without turning the whole trip into “travel time.”

This portion matters because it sets the tone: you’re already in open water, surrounded by coastline views, and the captain can point out what’s worth noticing while you’re moving. Even if you don’t care about boats, this is the moment you’ll feel why a charter feels different from a typical hop-on cruise.

Stop 1: Raccoon Island (Sandspur) for Wildlife You Can Actually See

About an hour is spent at Sandspur Island, which locals connect with Raccoon Island. This is the star stop. You’re there for one reason: playful raccoons in a beach-island setting that feels like you jumped a few miles away from the city.

What I like about this stop for real-life planning:

• The time window is long enough to enjoy the island atmosphere, not just a drive-by.
• You can pair wildlife watching with water time, since the stop includes swimming and snorkeling if you wish.

A few things to think about as you’re there:

• Keep a respectful distance. This is their space, and the best viewing is usually calm and patient.
• If you want to snorkel, use the gear included (snorkeling gear is part of the package) so you’re not hauling extra stuff.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is the kind of stop that tends to land. It’s not “check the box” tourism—it’s an actual moment of surprise.

Stop 2: Haulover Sandbar (Haulover Inlet) for Floating, Swimming, and Hanging Out

Next comes Haulover Inlet and the Haulover sandbar, where the water is shallow and the view is often described as crystal clear. You get about an hour here, and the setup is made for relaxing: floating mat time, swimming, floating around, and sunbathing.

This stop is especially good if you want a Miami day that’s more like a beach day than a museum day.

Here’s what to expect:

• The water is the main event. Bring your goggles if you like seeing what’s under the surface, and use the snorkeling gear if you brought an urge to explore.
• You’ll likely see other boats, especially on weekends, since this area is a boater gathering spot.

One practical consideration: sandbar conditions can be breezy. If you’re sensitive to sun, plan your sunscreen timing early so you don’t end up lathering mid-float.

Indian Creek Island Pass: Billionaire Homes from the Water

Along the way, you’ll pass by Indian Creek Island, often described as one of the most exclusive places in the U.S. It’s associated with major wealth and celebrity ownership, and the tour description specifically calls out names like Tom Brady and Jeff Bezos.

This is a pass-by stop, not a land visit. So treat it like a moving viewpoint: you’ll get water-level views of the coastline and the kind of home scale that’s hard to understand from shore.

It’s a nice contrast to the raccoon-island vibe. You go from wildlife on a small island to big-name wealth behind private waterfront property—all in one smooth day.

Dolphins on Biscayne Bay: Worth Hoping For, Not Stressing About

On the return cruise along Biscayne Bay, you’ll have a chance at dolphins. The wording is clear: it’s not guaranteed, but dolphins are common sightings.

How to approach this without disappointment:

• Keep your eyes up when the captain slows or turns for wildlife.
• Enjoy the whole ride even if dolphins don’t show. The coastline views and the overall boat experience still land as the core value.

If dolphins do appear, it’s one of those moments that feels like Miami’s real personality—wildlife mixed with high-rises and mansions only a short distance away.

What’s Included on the Boat: The Comfort Stuff Matters

This tour includes the “make it easy” items that change how fun the day feels:

• Water
• A cooler with ice
• A floating mat
• Snorkeling gear

Those are big deals. A lot of boat days are expensive because you end up buying or renting the gear separately, then forgetting to bring what you need. Here, you can show up with just a bathing suit and call it planned.

Snacks and drinks: based on Captain Henry’s reported flexibility, you can bring your own snacks and drinks, which helps if you’re budgeting or want something specific for kids. (Still, keep it practical: stow items so they don’t become trip hazards on a moving boat.)

Price and Costs That Aren’t Included: Read This Part Carefully

Here’s the practical math.

• $349 per group (up to 6) for the tour
• $100 fuel surcharge per booking (not included)
• $150 captain fee per booking (not included)

So, plan on about $599 per group for a standard booking. That changes the equation depending on how many people you bring.

A value-friendly way to think about it:

• If you can fill all 6 seats, it can feel like a strong deal for a private water day with swim and snorkeling time.
• If you’re only two people, it’s more of a splurge, but the private setup may still be worth it if you care about control over the day and quick access to the best swim spots.

Also, because it’s private, you’re not stuck with a fixed group rhythm. That’s part of why private charter days can feel more worth it than larger group tours.

Weather and Last-Minute Changes: Stay Flexible

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the day, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Even with good forecasts, boating is the real world. Conditions can change. In past experiences, the plan has been adjusted at the last moment due to weather, while the captain still worked to deliver a great Biscayne Bay day.

My advice: treat this like a small window into nature and plan the day with a calm mindset. You’ll get a better trip if you’re not locked into the idea that every stop must happen exactly the same way under every condition.

Who Should Book This Miami Boat Day?

This tour fits best if you want:

• A private boat experience with only your group
• A mix of wildlife spotting (raccoons) and water time (sandbar + snorkeling)
• A relaxed schedule that feels like a real day off
• A captain who shares what you’re seeing and keeps things friendly and organized

It’s also a solid choice for families because the stops are simple and fun—beach time, floating time, then raccoons.

Who might want to skip it?

• People chasing a strict “only land sights” itinerary.
• Anyone who expects dolphins as a guaranteed part of the day.
• Tight-budget planners for small groups, since the extra fees matter.

Should You Book This Miami Boat Tour?

If your ideal Miami day includes a private boat, a floating mat, snorkeling gear ready to go, and the chance to see raccoons up close, then yes—this one is worth booking. The stops are built around what you can enjoy quickly: clear water, easy swimming, and standout wildlife moments.

I’d book it especially if:

• You can bring a full group of friends (up to 6) to spread the total cost.
• You want the flexibility and comfort of a private charter rather than sharing time and space with strangers.
• You like the idea of seeing Miami from the water instead of just driving past it.

Before you commit, do one thing: check the weather in Miami for your travel day and pick a plan that has some breathing room. When the day works, it’s a fun mix of wild and wealthy—and the sandbar time is the kind of “how is this real?” memory you’ll still talk about later.

FAQ

How long is the Miami Boat Tour?

The tour is about 3 hours.

What does the tour cost for a group?

The price is $349 per group (up to 6). A $100 fuel surcharge and a $150 captain fee per booking are not included.

What stops are included during the cruise?

You’ll cruise from Miami Beach toward Raccoon Island, spend time at the island for wildlife and optional swimming/snorkeling, then go to the Haulover sandbar for shallow water swimming and floating. You’ll also pass by Indian Creek Island and cruise back along Biscayne Bay.

What’s included on board?

The tour includes water, a cooler with ice, a floating mat, and snorkeling gear.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, USA.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. The tour notes that you might see dolphins, but it’s not guaranteed.