Miami Island Adventure: Boat Rental to Raccoon Island

Raccoon Island is the unusual draw here: a boat-only stop where you may see wild raccoons, reached by cruising through Biscayne Bay past Miami’s waterfront homes. The private 22-foot boat carries up to six, so your group can set the pace rather than share the ride with strangers.

I like the mix of wildlife and water time, and the chance to customize the outing with a swim, snorkeling, music, or a relaxed cruise. One important caution: raccoons are wild animals, and the operator advises against feeding or touching them, even though some visitors have done so.

The main drawback is that the advertised group price does not tell the whole cost by itself: a separate captain’s fee is listed, and the exact total needs checking before you book. Raccoon sightings can also vary, so choose this for the boat outing as much as for the animals.

• Private for up to six: Your group gets the boat and captain to itself.
• Two or four hours: The longer option gives you more time for the island and a possible swim or snorkel stop.
• Raccoon Island, also called Sandspur Island: This boat-only destination is the trip’s main wildlife draw.
• Biscayne Bay views: The route passes luxury homes, Billionaire Bunker, and a filming location associated with Dexter.
• Bring your own snacks and drinks: Water, ice, and a cooler are included, and you can bring food and beverages.
• Confirm the full price and gear: A captain’s fee is listed separately, and snorkeling equipment may not be in reliable condition.

A private boat ride with a wildlife wildcard

This outing pairs two very different sides of Miami. On the ride through Biscayne Bay, you get waterfront views and a look at striking private homes; at Raccoon Island, the scenery changes to a small, natural stop known for its raccoon population.

The boat is a 22-foot vessel, and the trip is private for your group of up to six. That makes it a practical choice for a family, a group of friends, or a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary. You can bring your own food, drinks, and decorations, and the Bluetooth sound system lets you set the mood.

The wildlife is the less predictable part. Some outings have found many raccoons, while others have seen only a few, or had little time with them. Treat the island as a chance to observe animals in their natural setting, not as a guaranteed close encounter.

Leaving from Miami Beach and cruising Biscayne Bay

The meeting point is 10800 Collins Ave in Miami Beach, and the trip returns there. From the boat, you’ll cruise through Biscayne Bay and pass waterfront properties associated with well-known figures, including Jeff Bezos, Tom Brady, Ivanka Trump, Gisele Bündchen, and Julio Iglesias. The homes are viewed respectfully from the water, not entered or approached on land.

The route also passes Billionaire Bunker, a name used for an exclusive residential area, and a house associated with the television series Dexter. If you enjoy seeing how Miami’s waterfront changes from one stretch to the next, this is a pleasant way to take in the city without spending the whole outing on land.

Think of the house spotting as scenery, not a celebrity tour with guaranteed sightings. These are private homes, and the route is about viewing them from the water. The captain may share information about the area, but the experience also leaves room for music, conversation, and simply watching the shoreline pass.

Reaching Raccoon Island, or Sandspur Island

Raccoon Island, also called Sandspur Island, is accessible only by boat and gives the trip its distinctive purpose. Your captain takes you to the island, where you may see raccoons along the shore. Reports of sightings vary considerably: some trips have encountered a large group, while others have spotted only a handful.

That variation matters when you’re deciding how to book. The captain can help locate the animals, and Captain Monica is particularly praised for knowing where to go and making the outing engaging. Captains named Jack and Cece have also received positive feedback. But you cannot request or count on a specific captain unless the operator confirms it.

Please follow the operator’s guidance around the animals. Raccoons are wild, and the company does not recommend feeding or touching them, both for your safety and for the animals’ well-being. Some people have brought snacks for the raccoons, but that is not a responsible plan to build into your outing. Enjoy watching from a respectful distance instead.

If your main reason for booking is a close wildlife encounter, remember that nature does not run on a schedule. Raccoon numbers and activity can change, and the island may be busier at some times than others. One family suggested choosing four hours to allow more time to find raccoons if the island is crowded. That extra time may make the day feel less hurried, but it cannot guarantee a sighting.

Choosing between two and four hours

The two-hour trip is the shorter way to get out on the water, see some of the bay, and visit the island. It can work if you have a tight schedule or want a compact outing. The trade-off is less flexibility: if you want to linger, swim, snorkel, or wait for a better chance to spot raccoons, two hours may feel short.

Four hours gives you more breathing room. You may have time to spend longer at the island, take a swim or snorkel break near Haulover Sandbar, and enjoy the cruise without watching the clock as closely. That option is especially worth considering for families with children or groups who want the boat ride to be a substantial part of the day.

The route and stops are customizable, but that does not mean every activity is guaranteed. Dolphins have been spotted on some trips, but they are not listed as a promised part of the outing. Likewise, snorkeling equipment is provided, but the availability and condition of masks may vary. If snorkeling is a priority, check with the operator before you book.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time at Haulover Sandbar

The trip may include a stop near Haulover Sandbar, where the water is described as calm and shallow. You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and relax. The choice is yours, which gives the outing more appeal than a sightseeing cruise alone.

Snorkeling gear is included, but don’t assume there will be a working set for every person in your party. One group of six found that only three masks worked properly, which made it difficult for everyone to take part together. If several people in your group want to snorkel, ask how many usable sets are currently available and consider bringing your own gear if you have it.

The boat also includes life jackets and safety equipment. Bottled water, ice, and a cooler are provided, and you can bring your own snacks and drinks. Bug spray is a sensible item to pack, especially if you plan to spend time on or near the island. Keep your belongings secure and follow the captain’s instructions around the boat and water.

What the captain adds to the day

A good captain can make the difference between a simple boat transfer and a memorable outing. The most enthusiastic praise is for Captain Monica, who is described as friendly, fun, and adept at finding raccoons and suitable places to stop. She has also been credited with handling a sudden rain shower by taking shelter beneath a bridge until the weather passed.

Other captains, including Jack and Cece, have also been praised for making the trip enjoyable and safe. Still, captain assignments are not guaranteed, and the experience can feel more or less social depending on who is at the helm. If you want a guided, chatty outing, say so when you book and ask whether a particular captain can be requested.

Weather affects the day, too. This trip requires good weather, and a storm may mean a change of date or a full refund. If rain appears while you’re already out, the captain makes the safety decisions. The boat ride is not worth pressing on through unsafe conditions.

Understanding the price before you commit

The advertised starting price is $150 per group for up to six people, but a separate captain’s fee is listed at $50 per hour. The supplied price details are not fully clear about how that fee is charged, so ask for the complete total for your selected duration before confirming. Do not assume the $150 figure is the final amount.

That clarification matters because the boat is private: the cost is for your group rather than each person, which can offer good value if all six places are filled. It can be a more personal outing than booking a seat on a shared boat, and you have room to bring your own refreshments and shape the time around your group. For a couple or a small family, though, the per-person cost may feel higher.

Ask about all fees and what the price includes, ideally in writing. There have been complaints about extra charges appearing after booking, so clear confirmation is worth a few minutes. The listed inclusions are bottled water, life jackets and safety equipment, snorkeling equipment, a Bluetooth sound system, ice, and a cooler. Food and other drinks are yours to bring.

Who should book this Miami boat outing

I’d consider this trip if you want a private outing on the water and like the idea of combining Miami views with a possible wildlife encounter. It suits families and small groups celebrating together, especially if you’re happy to bring your own snacks and spend part of the time simply enjoying the boat.

Choose four hours if you want a relaxed pace, a better chance to spend time at the island, or room for swimming and snorkeling. Two hours may suit a tighter schedule, but it can feel brief if the island is busy or the raccoons take time to find.

Look elsewhere if you need a guaranteed raccoon encounter, expect polished snorkeling gear for every person, or want a specific captain without confirmation. This trip’s best features are the private boat, the bay views, and the freedom to tailor the outing. The wildlife is a bonus, not a sure thing.

A few useful details before booking

The experience is offered in English, and you receive a mobile ticket. Booking averages about 21 days ahead, so plan early if you want a particular date. Confirmation is provided at booking, and all participants must sign a waiver when boarding.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If you cancel later, you will not receive a refund, and changes within that 24-hour window are not accepted. If poor weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this if your ideal Miami day includes a private boat, waterfront views, and the chance to see Raccoon Island at your own pace. I’d lean toward four hours for a group that wants both island time and a possible swim, and I’d confirm the full price and snorkeling gear before paying.

If you’re booking mainly to feed or handle raccoons, or need a guaranteed animal sighting, skip it. The strongest reason to go is the outing as a whole: the bay, the island, and time together on the water.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

You can choose a two-hour or four-hour outing.

How many people can join?

The private trip is designed for groups of up to six people.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida, and returns to the same meeting point.

Is the boat private?

Yes. Only your group participates.

Is a captain included in the price?

A licensed captain is part of the experience, but a separate captain’s fee is listed at $50 per hour. Confirm the exact total for your booking before you pay.

What is included on board?

The stated inclusions are bottled water, life jackets and safety equipment, snorkeling equipment, a Bluetooth sound system, ice, and a cooler.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own food, drinks, and decorations.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and a stop near Haulover Sandbar may be part of the trip. A snorkeling stop is not guaranteed, and you should check the availability and condition of the gear if it is important to your plans.

Will I definitely see raccoons?

No. Raccoons may be present, but sightings vary. The operator advises visitors not to feed or touch them.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.