Miami: Sandbar, Billionare’s & Raccoon Island Private Tour

Experience Miami’s Exclusive Waterfront with a Private Boat Tour

The Miami: Sandbar, Billionaire’s & Raccoon Island Private Tour offers an engaging 3-hour journey through some of Miami’s most iconic and secluded spots. Starting from Bill Bird Marina, this tour is perfect for family groups or friends who want a personalized adventure on the water. With a price that includes fuel, water, and a cooler, the experience emphasizes comfort, flexibility, and access to the city’s secretive and luxurious corners.

This tour is led by Captain Henry, who customizes routes to meet your preferences. It’s a flexible, private experience that combines sightseeing, swimming, and wildlife encounters, making it a compelling choice for those seeking both relaxation and a touch of celebrity glamour. The tour suits individuals who enjoy hands-on experiences, with options to add paddleboarding or drone videos for extra fun.

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Key Points

• Private 3-hour boat tour departing from Bill Bird Marina in Miami Beach.
• Visit Billionaire’s Bunker Island, home to celebrities like Tom Brady and Jeff Bezos.
• Swim and snorkel at Haulover Sandbar, a popular spot for relaxing in the water.
• Explore Raccoon Island and interact with raccoons in their natural habitat.
• Keep an eye out for dolphins seen cruising Miami Bay waters.
• Customizable routes and stops, with optional activities like paddleboarding and drone filming.

From the Celebrity Homes to Secret Islands in Miami

The tour begins with a 15-minute boat ride from 10800 Collins Ave to the various stops along Miami’s coast. Travelers cruise past Miami Beach and the luxurious mansions lining the shoreline, with Captain Henry providing commentary and insights about the area’s celebrity residents and notable landmarks.

The journey includes a visit to Billionaire’s Bunker Island, a private island known for its exclusivity, and the home of Tom Brady and Jeff Bezos. This stop offers an opportunity to snap photos of these private properties from the water, with no public access to the actual residences.

Swimming and Marine Life at Haulover Sandbar

One of the main highlights is spending about an hour at Haulover Sandbar, a shallow patch of sand offering a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in shallow waters. The sandbar allows guests to get out of the boat and enjoy the warm Florida sun while observing marine life.

The amenities onboard include a sun deck, bluetooth sound system, and transom fresh water shower. Travelers should bring their own towels, food, drinks, and sunscreen to maximize comfort during their time on the sandbar.

Encountering Raccoons at Raccoon Island

A unique feature of this tour is a visit to Raccoon Island, where raccoons roam freely and can be observed up close. Interacting with these animals in their natural environment provides a fun, family-friendly experience. The island is a notable destination for wildlife viewing, adding an element of nature exploration to the trip.

The one-hour stop at Raccoon Island includes marine life viewing opportunities, making it a highlight for those interested in local fauna and the chance to capture memorable photos.

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Indian Creek and Sightseeing Along Miami’s Coastline

The tour also includes a 45-minute guided visit to Indian Creek, a scenic area renowned for its stunning waterfront homes and lush surroundings. This segment offers a more relaxed sightseeing experience, giving additional views of Miami’s upscale neighborhoods from the water.

Captain Henry’s commentary during this segment provides context about the history and architecture of the area, enriching the overall experience.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and What to Prepare

The tour departs from Bill Bird Marina, located at 10800 Collins Ave in Miami Beach, with free parking available. The meeting point is straightforward, and the location is easy to access.

Travelers are encouraged to bring sun hats, swimwear, towels, food, snacks, and sunscreen. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests, making it an intimate, private experience. The boat features upgraded twin engines for speed and reliability, and amenities like a cooler with ice and water are provided.

Additional options include paddleboarding for $75 and drone videos for $60, allowing guests to customize their adventure further.

The Boat and Guide Experience

The boat is equipped with Kenwood sound system and USB/Bluetooth hook-up, so guests can enjoy music during their ride. With a cuddy cabin for shelter and sun decks for relaxing, the boat provides comfort for all attendees.

Captain Henry is noted for being courteous and knowledgeable, sharing insights about Miami’s famous areas. He is flexible with routing and stops, tailoring the trip to your preferences. The captain’s fee is an additional $80 per hour, paid at the dock, and gratuities are customary, ranging from 5% to 20%.

Pacing, Crowd Levels, and Customization

The trip is designed for a relaxed pace, with about one hour each at Raccoon Island and Haulover Sandbar, and time allocated for sightseeing and photo opportunities. The private nature of the tour ensures a calm environment, with no crowds typical of larger group excursions.

Guests can request to extend the trip or customize the route, including additional stops or activities, making this a flexible experience tailored to your desires.

Limitations and Considerations for Visitors

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those over 243 pounds. Individuals with recent surgeries, those over 95 years old, or traveling with non-folding wheelchairs or strollers may find the experience challenging. Because of safety regulations, pets (except assistance animals), fishing, boating with alcohol, and littering are not allowed.

Visitors should plan to bring their own towels and be prepared for a full water-based experience. Gratuity for the captain is not included but appreciated.

Cost Breakdown and Booking Flexibility

The total experience offers excellent value for a private tour, with fuel and water included in the price. The captain fee is paid separately at $80 per hour, with options to book and pay later for flexibility. Guests can choose to add hours or customize routes in advance, ensuring each trip is unique.

The 3-hour tour is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, offering peace of mind when planning your Miami waterfront adventure.

Final Thoughts on the Miami Private Boat Tour

This private boat tour combines the thrill of visiting celebrity home islands, the fun of swimming at Haulover Sandbar, and the charm of interacting with raccoons at Raccoon Island. With a knowledgeable guide and flexible itinerary, it appeals to those looking for a personalized, relaxed day on the water.

While the experience offers stunning vistas and wildlife encounters, it’s important to consider physical limitations and prepare accordingly. The upgraded boat and amenities ensure a comfortable ride, and the customization options make each trip unique.

This tour is a great choice for families and friends seeking an engaging, private Miami water adventure with plenty of opportunities to see the city’s luxe side and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, though children should be able to enjoy water activities and sit comfortably for the duration.

What is included in the price?
Fuel, water, cooler with ice, and the boat amenities are included. The captain’s fee is paid separately.

Can I bring alcohol or food?
Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own alcohol and food to enjoy during the trip.

What should I wear?
Bring swimwear, towels, and sun protection like hats and sunscreen.

Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted unless they are assistance animals.

How many people can join the tour?
Up to 6 guests can be accommodated on the boat.

Is the route customizable?
Yes, you can work with Captain Henry to customize the route and stops.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there options for longer or shorter tours?
Yes, longer options can be arranged by requesting additional hours with Captain Henry.

Can I see dolphins during the tour?
Dolphin sightings are hoped for and depend on the day’s conditions, but they are a common waterside occurrence.

Is gratuity included?
No, gratuity for Captain Henry is not included but is customary at 5% to 20% of the tour price.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations are available through the booking platform, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby