Raccoon Island Exploration on SUP/Kayak

Raccoon Island is the unusual draw here: you paddle past mangroves, then reach a small island where raccoons may come close. I like the mix of quiet nature and close-up wildlife, and the route gives you more than a quick stop for photos.

I also like that the outing includes equipment, snacks, and drinks, with guides pointing out local wildlife along the way. The main caveat is that the trip involves real paddling, and the open-water stretch can feel hard in wind or chop. Confirm the meeting spot and group size before you go.

• The mangroves are part of the adventure: Expect a calm, leafy passage before the more exposed paddle toward the island.
• Raccoons are wild animals: They may approach, but sightings and behavior can vary from trip to trip.
• Kayaking is the dependable option: The tour offers kayaks or SUPs, but some outings appear to use paddleboards for guides rather than participants.
• The stated group limit is 11: Some departures have reportedly been much larger, so ask the operator what to expect on your date.
• Bring bug spray and a waterproof phone pouch: Mosquitoes can be intense, and you should expect to get wet.
• Allow about 2½ hours: The tour starts and ends at 10800 Collins Ave, though finding the right dock can take extra attention.

Mangroves first, open water next

The trip is about 2½ hours, and the paddle is a key part of the experience, not just transport to the raccoons. In some departures, a boat takes you from the meeting point to a kayak launch or floating platform. From there, you paddle through mangroves and continue across open water to Sandspur Island. The exact sequence may vary, so confirm how your departure is arranged.

The mangrove section is the gentler introduction. You move through a narrow waterway framed by trees, while your guide points out local plants and wildlife. Guides on past outings have included Alejandra, Tony, Sean, Angie, Liam, Katie, and others. Your assigned crew can differ, but the guide matters here: a good one can turn a short paddle into a closer look at the ecosystem.

After the sheltered water comes a more exposed stretch. Wind and chop can make this part noticeably harder, especially if you have not kayaked before or do not feel strong in your upper body. It is manageable for many first-timers, but this is still exercise. Eat something beforehand, listen to the guide, and do not assume that a calm mangrove passage means the whole route will be calm.

One point worth checking before you book: the experience is promoted as a kayak or stand-up paddleboard trip, but some accounts describe participants using kayaks while guides use paddleboards. If you specifically want to paddle a SUP, ask the operator to confirm that participant boards are available on your date.

Sandspur Island and its resident raccoons

Sandspur Island is also known as Raccoon Island. Once you arrive, there is time to explore, swim, and look for wildlife. The visit is listed as about an hour, although the overall tour lasts roughly 2½ hours. Raccoons are the headline act, but fish, crabs, and large sea snails have also been spotted.

The raccoons may approach people, which makes for an unusual and memorable encounter. Their behavior is not guaranteed, though. Some outings have seen many animals, while others have had fewer. Treat the island as a wild place, not a petting zoo: follow the crew’s instructions, give animals room, and do not try to pick them up.

Food and wildlife need a little care. Snacks and drinks are included, and some crews have offered fruit on the island. Do not bring food to feed the raccoons unless the operator specifically tells you to. Feeding wild animals can affect their health and behavior, and the crew’s guidance should take priority over social-media tips.

The island itself may be less polished than the name suggests. A small beach has been described as having plastic litter, so do not expect a manicured nature park. That is also a reminder to pack out anything you bring and leave the shoreline cleaner than you found it.

What the $99 price covers

At $99 per person, the cost buys more than a kayak rental. You get equipment, a guide, transport by boat to the launch area on some departures, time on the water, a stop at the island, and snacks and drinks. For a visitor who wants a guided wildlife outing without organizing their own gear or route, that package can be good value.

The price makes most sense if you want both parts of the experience: paddling through the mangroves and seeing the island. If your only aim is to see raccoons, the paddle and boat transfers may feel like extra effort. If you enjoy being on the water and learning about the local environment, the route gives the outing more substance than a short wildlife stop.

Group size is a more complicated part of the value. The tour is described as having a maximum of 11 people, yet some departures have reportedly carried groups closer to 30 or 40. That difference could change the feel of the trip, from a close guide-led outing to a busy group moving through a narrow mangrove channel. Ask So Flo Water Adventures directly to confirm the expected group size for your date.

Make the dock and weather work for you

The meeting address is 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach. It is a large marina, and the exact dock can be confusing to find. Some people have described difficulty identifying the correct walkway, including an unmarked section called Dock E. Arrive early, look carefully for the boat or crew, and call the operator if you are unsure. Do not rely on a last-minute message through a booking app; urgent messages may not be seen right away.

Wear clothes and shoes you are comfortable getting wet. Sand or water shoes are useful for walking around the island, and a waterproof pouch helps protect your phone while paddling. Bring insect repellent, especially after rain or in mosquito-heavy conditions. One outing left participants with many bites, so this is not a minor precaution for anyone sensitive to mosquitoes.

Weather matters. Wind can make the open-water paddle tougher, while rain does not necessarily end the trip. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable getting in and out of a kayak and paddling for a portion of the outing. If you have concerns about strength, balance, or the water, contact the operator before booking and ask what support is available.

Who will enjoy this outing most

This tour suits families with older children, couples, and friends who like wildlife and do not mind getting wet. It can work for first-time kayakers, too, if you are willing to take instruction and accept that the open stretch may take effort. The crew can help you get comfortable, but they cannot make wind or chop disappear.

It is a particularly good choice if you want a nature break from Miami’s urban and beach attractions. The mangroves give you a different view of the area, and the raccoons make the stop distinctive. Families should consider party size and seating arrangements on the boat: larger groups may not all sit together, and photo opportunities can be harder to coordinate when the boat is full.

If you are mainly interested in the animals, keep expectations flexible. The raccoons are wild, their numbers vary, and close encounters depend on what they do that day. If you want a quiet paddle, remember that the island stop and other groups can make the experience lively rather than secluded.

Should you book the Raccoon Island trip?

I would book this if you want an active, unusual outing that combines mangroves, a bit of exercise, and a chance to see raccoons in the wild. The strongest reason to go is the combination: the paddle gives the trip a sense of place, while the island offers a memorable wildlife stop.

Before paying, confirm three things with So Flo Water Adventures: the exact dock and check-in instructions, the expected group size, and whether you will personally use a kayak or SUP. Then pack bug spray, water-safe footwear, and a phone pouch. If those details suit you, $99 is a reasonable price for a guided outing with gear, transport, snacks, and time on the water.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

Plan for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The visit to Sandspur Island is listed as about one hour.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida, and ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour by kayak or stand-up paddleboard?

The experience is offered by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Confirm with the operator which equipment participants will use on your departure.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes equipment, snacks, and drinks. Alcoholic beverages are also listed among the included features.

How many people can join?

The stated maximum is 11 people, although some departures have reportedly been larger. Contact the operator to confirm the expected group size.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.