Raccoons on a Miami boat? Totally works here. This Miami Ocean Tours outing pairs Raccoon Island wildlife time with Haulover sandbar swimming and sunbathing, all wrapped in an easy 3-hour cruise. I like that you get real water time instead of just passing by, and I also like that Captain Henry brings a clean, friendly vibe with gear that makes the stops practical. The main thing to plan for is cost on top of the base price, plus dolphins are a maybe, not a promise.

From 10800 Collins Ave on Miami Beach, you head out on Biscayne Bay and get quick tastes of the shoreline, then slow down for the fun parts. You’ll have a mobile ticket, the tour is offered in English, and it’s private, meaning only your group is on board.

If you want a day that feels like Miami living at water level, this is a strong choice. You just need to bring swimwear and expect conditions to matter, since the operator requires good weather for the experience.

Key highlights before you go

• Private group up to 6 on a 3-hour water plan
• Floating mat plus snorkeling gear included for both swim moments
• Raccoon Island time on the sandbar-style escape for wildlife watching and optional water time
• Haulover sandbar stop built for shallow, clear water and hanging out
• Indian Creek pass-by for a view of Billionaire’s Bunker style waterfront homes

Entering the Biscayne Bay groove from Miami Beach

This is the kind of Miami outing that starts calming down your brain fast. The meeting point is at 10800 Collins Ave, right on the Miami Beach side, so you are not doing a long trek across town before the boat time begins. It also helps that the area is near public transportation, in case that matters for your group.

You’ll cruise Biscayne Bay toward Raccoon Island for about 15 minutes, which is short but useful. Think of it as your onboard warm-up: a first look at the water, shoreline, and how your captain reads the conditions.

Captain Henry is consistently described as professional and friendly, and that matters because it sets the tone for the whole day. You are not just buying a boat ride, you’re buying guidance, like when and where to move around for photos, swimming, and getting set up with the included gear.

Price and logistics: what the base number really means

The base price is $349.00 per group for up to 6 people, and the experience runs about 3 hours. If you split it across a full boat, it can work out to a reasonable per-person day on the water.

But there are two add-ons listed as not included:

• Fuel surcharge $100.00 per booking
• Captain fee $150.00 per booking

So you should budget $349 + $100 + $150, which lands at $599 total per booking for up to 6 people, before any taxes or platform fees that might apply at checkout. That math is important because it changes the value equation. With fewer people on board, the per-person cost rises quickly.

What helps the value is what you actually get once you’re moving. You’re not paying just for cruising. You’re paying for stop time at Raccoon Island and Haulover sandbar, plus the water-friendly extras like the floating mat and snorkeling gear. That turns the trip from a quick sightseeing loop into a real half-day feel.

Also, this is booked about 26 days in advance on average, which tells me people plan it as a “must-do” slot rather than a spontaneous add-on.

Stop 1: Miami Beach cruise toward Raccoon Island

This first leg is designed to orient you quickly. You depart from Miami Beach and cruise Biscayne Bay toward Raccoon Island for around 15 minutes. Admission is listed as free for the first stop, but the real “value” here is the onboard moment: you’ll see Miami from the water before you go into the wildlife and swimming parts.

Why I like this pacing: it gets you comfortable on the boat before you start hopping between swims and shore moments. It also gives your captain time to assess the water and keep the day smooth.

A practical tip from the way Captain Henry handles outings: he has been described as giving clear direction on where to park and where to meet. That sounds small, but it saves time and stress, especially with groups that include kids or people who don’t love figuring out logistics at the last minute.

Stop 2: Sandspur Island, aka Raccoon Island, for wildlife time

Your second stop is on Sandspur Island, commonly known locally as Raccoon Island. You get about 1 hour here, and the focus is pretty clear: watch the raccoons in their island setting, with swimming and snorkeling if you want.

This is the part of the day that usually grabs people by surprise, in a good way. In a city known for beaches and boats, this island stop adds a quirky wildlife element that feels different from the usual Miami “stand here, take photos” routine.

The “drawback” to keep in mind is also part of what makes it fun. Wildlife time is never fully predictable the way a museum exhibit is. You are going for a good chance at spotting raccoons, but you are still dealing with nature and behavior.

What helps is that you’re not rushed. An hour is enough to enjoy the island vibe, get your bearings, and decide whether you want to swap from watching to water time.

Snorkeling gear is included, and that matters here because water access is part of the experience. If you want a simple plan, you can do it like this: raccoon watching first, then snorkeling during the calmer stretch.

Stop 3: Haulover sandbar for shallow water and floating-mat time

Then comes the signature relaxation stop at Haulover sandbar, also around 1 hour. The description is spot-on for what you’re hoping for: shallow, crystal-clear water where swimming and floating are easy.

This is where the included floating mat earns its keep. You are not hunting for towels-and-chill solutions on your own. The mat is there, and it turns the sandbar into a true hangout spot, not just a quick dip.

The sandbar vibe also depends on the day. On weekends, you may see other boats around, including food offerings and jet ski rentals. That can add energy and activity, especially if you like watching other people enjoying the water. If your group prefers quiet, plan for the fact that weekends are typically busier by nature.

What you can do in this stop:

• Swim in shallow water
• Float and sunbathe
• Relax and reset between wildlife and city views

This is also the moment for the simplest group photos. Everyone looks happy when they are in the same water light, and you’ll have the floating mat to create a natural “everyone on one spot” picture.

Passing Indian Creek Island and the dolphin chance

Between the sandbar stop and your return cruise, you’ll pass Indian Creek Island, often talked about as Billionaire’s Bunker. This is the small-island, highly exclusive waterfront community where Tom Brady and Jeff Bezos (and others) are associated.

You are not landing there, so you won’t get a walk-through. But you do get something Miami does well: seeing wealth and architecture from the waterline, with views that feel more intimate than looking from a roadway.

Then you cruise back along Biscayne Bay. There’s a good chance you might see dolphins, but it’s not guaranteed. The wording is honest here: dolphins are a common sighting, but your best move is to treat it as a bonus. If you do see them, it’s one of those “wait, that’s real” moments. If you don’t, you still get the value of the full water plan already built into the timing.

What’s included on board, and what to bring anyway

Included for your group:

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

That list is practical, because it covers the essentials for the stops that involve time in the water. Ice and cold water matter in Miami heat, and the floating mat removes one more thing you might have to pack.

Snorkeling gear being included also helps you avoid last-minute rentals. You can show up with swimwear and focus on enjoying the water, not shopping for equipment.

A few things you should consider bringing for comfort, even though they are not listed as included:

• Sunscreen and a hat
• A dry bag for phone and wallet
• Towels for after swimming
• Your own snacks and drinks if that fits your group

Captain Henry has been described as accommodating about letting people bring their own snacks and drinks, which is a big plus for families and for groups who want to avoid feeling rushed during the ride.

Also, wear swim shoes if your group likes extra traction. You are dealing with sandy shore moments around the island and sandbar.

Weather, timing, and how to plan your half-day

This experience requires good weather. That doesn’t mean it only runs on perfect sunshine, but it does mean you should keep your schedule flexible if you’re choosing a specific date. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The good news is the structure of the day is built to work well in typical conditions. You’re out for about 3 hours, with two meaningful blocks of time: around 1 hour at Raccoon Island and about 1 hour at Haulover sandbar. The cruise segments are shorter, so you’re not stuck for long stretches if conditions get choppy.

One more planning point: if you are going with kids, the floating mat and the two swim-capable stops are exactly what you want. Short attention spans do better when there are clear activity options throughout the ride.

Captain Henry’s hosting style: clarity, gear, and pacing

This tour’s biggest “value multiplier” is the way Captain Henry runs the day. Based on the pattern of feedback, he keeps things easy and organized, and that shows up in details like:

• arriving on time
• communicating exactly where to park and where to meet
• pointing out what you might see, including wildlife and homes along the route
• staying professional while letting people enjoy their own pace

That pacing is a big deal. Some boat experiences feel strict, like you’re on a schedule tour even when you want to relax. Here, the vibe comes across as flexible during the swim and island moments, which is how you keep families happy and couples from feeling rushed.

People also highlight that the boat is clean and that Captain Henry provides gear like a water mat and snorkeling glasses as part of the overall setup. Clean boat plus solid gear equals fewer hassles, and you spend more time actually enjoying the water.

Should you book this Miami Ocean Tours boat trip?

I’d book it if you want a private Miami boat day that mixes wildlife spotting with real swim time, without turning your schedule into a logistics puzzle. The combination of Raccoon Island for the unique animal encounter and Haulover sandbar for the shallow relaxation stop is a smart way to spend 3 hours on Biscayne Bay.

I would pause if your group hates added fees or you’re trying to keep the day ultra-budget. With the fuel surcharge and captain fee, you should expect the booking total to be higher than the base price. And if you are chasing dolphins as the main goal, treat dolphin sightings as a bonus, not the center of the plan.

If you pick a day with good weather and go with a flexible attitude, this is the kind of tour where everyone usually leaves with at least one story they can’t believe happened in Miami.

FAQ

How much does the Miami boat tour cost for up to 6 people?

The price is $349.00 per group for up to 6 people.

Are there additional charges besides the $349 price?

Yes. Fuel surcharge is $100.00 per booking, and a captain fee is $150.00 per booking. These are listed as not included.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 3 hours.

What is included in the tour?

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

What stops are included during the tour?

You cruise from Miami Beach toward Raccoon Island, spend time at Sandspur Island (Raccoon Island) for about 1 hour, stop at Haulover sandbar for about 1 hour, pass by Indian Creek Island, then return cruising along Biscayne Bay.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, though they are described as a common sighting.

What happens if weather is bad, or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. For cancellations, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and within 24 hours you do not get a refund.