Raccoon Island Miami Tour — Wildlife Cruise, Island Walk & Sandbar Floats

The Raccoon Island Miami tour starts from $79 per person for the 4-hour wildlife cruise. That covers the boat ride across Biscayne Bay, the guided island walk, the sandbar swim with floats, bottled water, and a licensed captain and crew. Budget an extra $10 per person in cash for the customary crew gratuity, and optional add-ons like the drink package or picnic lunch cost more.

Raccoon Island sits in Biscayne Bay and there is no road access — you reach it by boat. This tour departs from Pier 3 at the Venetian Marina & Yacht Club, 1635 N Bayshore Dr, Miami. Walk to the Pier 3 entrance gate and arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. The captain cruises you out across the bay as part of the 4-hour experience.

Yes. Raccoons are common across South Florida, and a small population lives on this mangrove island in Biscayne Bay — which is how it earned the nickname Raccoon Island. On the guided walk, the crew helps you spot raccoons and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Sightings vary day to day since these are wild animals, but the island is a reliable place to see them.

You can — several Biscayne Bay operators run SUP and kayak trips to the island, and we feature a couple in the tours section. That said, it is a long paddle and weather-dependent. This featured tour uses a comfortable powered boat with shaded seating and an onboard bar and restroom, so you save your energy for the island walk and the sandbar swim instead of paddling.

With a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 424 guests, it is one of the highest-rated wildlife tours in Miami. For $79 you get a 4-hour cruise, a guided island walk, a sandbar swim with floats, dolphin and manatee spotting, and a pass by the Billionaire Bunker. Guests consistently call it a trip highlight, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before makes booking low-risk.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and water shoes for the island walk and the shallow sandbar. Bring a photo ID if you plan to drink alcohol, and around $10 per person in cash for the crew gratuity. Bottled water is provided, but no outside drinks are allowed. Wear something you do not mind getting wet, and pack a hat for the open-deck cruise.

Yes. The tour includes a dedicated swimming stop at the Haulover sandbar, where the water is shallow and calm — floats are provided so you can relax on the water. There is also time to wade near Raccoon Island itself. Swimming is weather and conditions dependent, so the captain may adjust the stop on the day for safety, but a swim is part of the standard 4-hour itinerary.

Very. The cruise is built around a family-friendly wildlife experience — calm bay waters, shaded comfortable seating, a guided island walk kids enjoy, and a shallow sandbar swim with floats. The crew keeps a safety briefing at the start, and there is a restroom onboard. It works well for mixed-age groups looking for an easy, hands-on day on Biscayne Bay.

The Billionaire Bunker is the nickname for Indian Creek Island, an ultra-exclusive private island in Biscayne Bay home to celebrities and billionaires. It is one of the most expensive and secure addresses in the United States. On this tour the captain cruises Indian Creek so you can see the famous waterfront mansions and luxury estates from the water — a sightseeing highlight near the end of the route.

No — feeding the raccoons or any wildlife on the island is not allowed. They are wild animals, and feeding them harms their health and natural behavior. The guided walk is about observing and photographing wildlife in its habitat. The crew will show you the best spots to see raccoons and explain the island's ecosystem while keeping a respectful distance.

Yes, booking ahead is strongly recommended. This 4-hour tour is highly rated and departures fill quickly, especially on weekends and in peak season. Reserving online secures your spot and lets you choose your date and any add-ons. Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before departure, so there is no downside to booking early to lock in availability.

The tour runs about 4 hours from the Venetian Marina. The time is split across a safety briefing, a Biscayne Bay cruise with sightseeing and dolphin spotting, a guided wildlife walk on Raccoon Island, a swimming stop at the Haulover sandbar, a cruise past the Billionaire Bunker on Indian Creek, and the return. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early so you do not miss the departure.