Speed, sunshine, and celebrity homes await.

This private Miami outing pairs a fast twin-engine boat with close-up sightseeing like Billionaire’s Bunker Island and Millionaire’s Row, plus classic Bay-time at Haulover sandbar. You also get a real wildlife wildcard with Raccoon Island encounters.

I really like how much control you get over the day. Captain Henry can shape the route to your pace, and the boat setup feels built for comfort, with a sun deck, cuddy cabin, Kenwood sound system, and USB or Bluetooth hookups.

One consideration before you book: raccoon sightings can be less reliable on weekends when the island is crowded, and the $399 price is only part of the bill because there’s an extra captain fee added by hour.

Key things to know before you go

• Captain Henry customizes your route so the day can match how long you want at each stop
• Haulover sandbar is the main swim anchor, with a common plan of a 2-hour stop
• Raccoon Island is hit-or-miss on weekends, when raccoons often stay in the mangroves
• You pass major celebrity areas like Billionaire’s Bunker Island and Millionaire’s Row, with Tom Brady and Jeff Bezos named as part of the draw
• Bring your own beach-day basics like towels and your preferred alcohol or snacks since the tour provides ice, water, and key gear

A private twin-engine boat day in Miami, without the cruise-ship chaos

If you want Miami from the water, a private boat day hits different. This is a powerful, twin-engine boat, and that matters because it lets you cover the Bay at a fun pace while still having real time to enjoy the stops. You’re not stuck in rigid group pacing, and you can trade “watching a screen” energy for sun, wind, and wide views.

The boat is set up for comfort and easy fun. There’s a sun deck for soaking up the day, a cuddy cabin for shade if you need it, and a transom fresh water shower for rinsing off. Sound is handled too, with a Kenwood system plus USB and Bluetooth hookup, so your crew can keep the vibe going without yelling over engine noise.

For me, the best part of this style of tour is that the day can be tailored. Want more time floating and swimming? You can plan for it. Want to focus on certain areas like the celebrity stretches? You can ask and shape your route around that.

Haulover sandbar time: where the day turns into a swim-and-relax party

Haulover sandbar is the “everyone understands this stop” part of the trip. It’s the Bay’s go-to shoreline hangout, and the tour is built around spending time there. A typical 4-hour plan includes about a 2-hour stop at the sandbar, though Captain Henry may adjust timing based on how you set your priorities and how many total hours you choose.

Why that sandbar time is valuable: it’s not just sightseeing from a moving boat. You actually get a break from traffic views and sky-high buildings. It’s water-time, and the experience becomes more social. The boat includes a floating mat, which helps make the stop feel effortless, like you’re settling into a comfortable base rather than scrambling between boat and beach.

You’ll also have snorkeling gear included, so if the water visibility and conditions cooperate, you can add a little underwater exploring. The fresh water shower at the back of the boat is a nice touch, because you don’t have to wipe sand off with baby wipes and good intentions.

The practical tip: pack smart beach stuff because you’ll use it. Towels are required, and you’ll want a hat and swimwear ready to go. Sunscreen is also key, and the tour specifically notes no spray sunscreen since it can stain things. That’s one of those small details that can save your trip from an avoidable mess.

Raccoon Island: the wildlife stop that needs the right expectations

Raccoon Island is one of those Miami experiences that sounds cute on paper and becomes real in the wild. The plan includes a stop for interacting with raccoons, but there’s an important reality check: on weekends, the island can get overwhelmed with visitors, and some people bring pets. When that happens, raccoons often hide in the mangrove forest.

So what you should do with that info? Go in with flexibility. If you’re there mid-week, you may have a better chance. If you’re there on a crowded weekend, treat the raccoon encounter like a possibility rather than a guarantee, and don’t let a missed sighting ruin the day.

Still, there’s enough here to make the stop worth including. The experience is different from another standard “celebrity homes from the boat” cruise because you’re watching animals up close in a natural setting. And on at least some trips, the raccoon interaction has included people offering snacks like bananas, which gives the moment an extra layer of memory-making.

Even if the raccoons decide to stay hidden, you’ll have the Bay, the mangrove scenery, and the sense of doing something slightly off the typical tourist path.

Billionaire’s Bunker Island and Millionaire’s Row: what you’ll see from the water

This tour is clearly built around celebrity spotting, and it includes specific named highlights. You’ll see Billionaire’s Bunker Island, described as home of Tom Brady and Jeff Bezos and more. You’ll also cruise past Millionaire’s Row and visit other famous areas depending on how Captain Henry builds your route.

From a viewer’s perspective, the value of these stops isn’t “reading every plaque.” It’s the feel of the coastline. From water level, the scale of the properties and the privacy factor hit harder than they do from land. You’ll get a moving photo opportunity loop, with the boat acting like your platform.

One thing I’d ask you to plan for: if you care about the details of specific islands, don’t assume the narration will automatically match your interests. The tour’s approach is to show you “secret hideaways” and provide information, and Captain Henry can tailor how the day feels. If Star Island or specific areas matter to you most, it’s smart to tell Captain Henry up front so your time focuses where you want it to.

How the timing works on a 4-hour private cruise

This is a 4-hour private tour, and the pacing usually includes a long-ish stop for the sandbar plus a raccoon island or other stop depending on your route. You’ll also have the flexibility to add hours if you want more time on the water, with Captain Henry able to customize your itinerary.

That flexibility is a big deal because Miami days can be weather-driven. If the sandbar is lively and you’re having a great time, you might want to keep that momentum. If the water or conditions aren’t behaving, you might shift your focus toward more cruising and less lingering.

A practical note for planning your day: you’ll want to build in time to snack and hydrate. The boat provides a cooler with ice and water, but you need to bring your own food and drinks. If you want alcohol, bring your own beverages, and follow the no-glass rule.

Comfort and vibe: sun deck, shower, and a real soundtrack

This boat feels designed for a laid-back day. You’ve got a sun deck for hanging, plus a cuddy cabin that helps if the sun gets too intense or you want a quieter moment out of the wind. There’s also a transom fresh water shower, which turns post-swim cleanup from a hassle into a quick rinse.

For the onboard vibe, the Kenwood sound system is the kind of included detail that actually changes the feel of a trip. With USB and Bluetooth hookup, your group can control the music instead of relying on whatever the captain has queued up.

Onboard supplies are also partly handled for you. A cooler with ice and water is included, and snorkeling gear and a floating mat are part of the package. That means you can pack lighter and spend money where you care, like your snacks and beach day treats.

Price and logistics: the $399 boat price plus the captain fee you must budget

Here’s the part you need to treat like math, not like a surprise. The listed price is $399 per group up to 6, and the fuel and dock fee are included in that boat price. But you also have a captain fee of $70 per hour, paid directly to Captain Henry. The tour runs for 4 hours, so that captain portion typically lands at $280 for a full 4-hour day.

Then there’s tipping. Captain’s gratuity isn’t included, and it’s customary to tip the captain after the tour, often in the 5% to 20% range.

So the all-in cost can vary based on your group size and your gratuity. If you book with 6 people, the math is gentler, because you spread the captain fee across the whole group. If you’re a smaller group, you’ll still get the private experience, but value per person will feel less sharp.

One more practical detail: paddle board is available for $70. That can be a fun add-on if your crew wants another way to explore the water, but it’s not automatically included.

What to bring, and what will get your day shut down

This is where you can make the trip smooth or messy. The tour asks you to bring essentials like sun protection and swim gear. You’ll want:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel (you will need it)
• Food and drinks, plus snacks
• Sunscreen, and note that spray sunscreen is not allowed because it stains everything

You’ll also want to plan around the no-glass rule. If you bring glass, you’re responsible for any damages or injuries. I’d swap to canned drinks or a plastic container if your group likes to bring refreshments.

The tour also lists clear items that aren’t allowed, including pets (assistance dogs allowed), weapons or sharp objects, fishing, bikes, and sprays or aerosols. If you’re traveling with kids, plan to keep the day simple and stroller-free within the rules.

One more day-saver: bring a plan for your own alcohol. The boat provides water and ice, but it does not provide beverages beyond that.

Who should book this Miami private tour, and who might want a different plan

This experience is a great fit if you want a private, flexible water day with a mix of big-name sightseeing and real-time relaxation. It’s also ideal for families and friends who want to hang together rather than join a loud, mixed group. With up to 6 guests, it works well for a small crew that wants to talk, swim, and control the pacing.

It’s not the best match if you need a more accessible setup. The tour notes it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. It also lists limits like people over 243 lbs (110 kg), people with recent surgeries, and people over 95 years.

Also keep in mind that if raccoon encounters are a top priority, your timing matters. The island can get crowded on weekends, and that can push raccoons into the mangroves, lowering your chances of seeing them.

Final call: should you book this Sandbar, Billionaire’s, and Raccoon Island tour?

Yes, if you want a private Miami Bay day that balances three things: swim time, celebrity-area cruising, and a wildlife stop that can feel special when conditions are right. You’re paying for access, flexibility, and a boat day that your group can shape to your pace, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.

I’d book especially if:

• you’re traveling with a group close to the maximum of 6
• Haulover sandbar swimming is a must for your trip
• you like having a guide who can adjust your route, like Captain Henry does
• you’re okay with raccoons being an opportunity, not a guaranteed sighting, especially on weekends

I’d think twice if:

• you’re booking mainly for guaranteed raccoon spotting every time
• you need lots of detailed house-by-house narration, and you haven’t told Captain Henry what you care about
• you’re trying to keep total costs low after adding the $70 per hour captain fee and a customary gratuity

If you go in with realistic expectations and pack the basics, this is a fun, practical way to see Miami from the water and turn your day into something your group will remember.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is listed as 1075 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132. You message for the exact meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 4 hours.

What is the price, and how many people can join?

It’s $399 per group, up to 6 guests.

Is the captain fee included in the $399 price?

No. There is a captain fee of $70 per hour, paid directly to the captain. Fuel and dock fee are included in the boat price.

Do I need to tip the captain?

The captain’s gratuity is not included. It’s customary to tip after the tour, often in the 5% to 20% range.

What’s included on the boat?

You get a Kenwood sound system with USB and Bluetooth hookup, a sun deck, snorkeling gear, a cooler with ice and water, and a floating mat. Water and ice are included.

Do I need to bring towels and swim gear?

Yes. Towels are required, and you should bring swimwear.

Can I bring alcohol and food?

You should bring your own food and snacks. You can bring your own alcohol beverages if desired.

What won’t be allowed during the tour?

Pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed). Glass objects are not allowed, and sprays or aerosols are also not allowed. Fishing and weapons or sharp objects are not allowed.