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Raccoon Island Exploration on SUP/Kayak

Kayak and paddleboard tours in Miami compared

Guided kayak and SUP trips to Raccoon Island, the mangroves and the bay at night, side by side.

By Andrew, City by Six · Miami · Updated 2 Nov 2026

The short version

The calm side of Miami's water is the paddling: sandbars off Haulover and Raccoon Island, mangrove tunnels, and glow-in-the-dark kayaks at night.

All of these are guided, include the board or kayak, and suit first-timers; the differences are where you paddle and for how long.

Compared at a glance

Raccoon Island Exploration on SUP/Kayak
01 · Most booked · Top rated

Raccoon Island Exploration on SUP/Kayak

Price
from $106
Length
3 h
Rating
4.9 from 1,369 reviews
Pickup
Meet at the start point

Included

  • Fresh fruit and light snacks are included
  • Gatorade, sodas and water
  • Kayak/ Stand Up Paddleboard and safety equipment

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Check dates and prices
More details

About this tour

Join us as we explore a variety of islands along Biscayne Bay. First kayak your way through wild ecosystems then take a thrilling boat ride to the famous Spandspur Island, commonly referred to as Raccoon Island for the friendly docile raccoons that inhabit it. You will get time to explore the island, swim, and take pictures of the animals that live on this island. We will provide drinks and fresh fruit for you to enjoy along the ride. Guests are encouraged to wear water appropriate clothing and shoes. if you are looking for smaller group size, earlier tour is best.

What happens

  1. After kayaking, you will board our boat and set out to Sandspur Island aka Raccoon Island. The guide will teach about nature and search for wildlife on the way there. Once we arrive, you'll get the chance to explore, swim and meet some furry friends. Self…

Included

  • Fresh fruit and light snacks are included
  • Gatorade, sodas and water
  • Kayak/ Stand Up Paddleboard and safety equipment

Where it starts

Arrive at Bill Bird Marina, you will see a blue building. Turn left and you will see a floating dock on the left hand side (DO NOT go inside the office, DO NOT go all the way down the marina.) PLEASE ARRIVE 30 Min BEFORE TO ENSURE YOU FIND LOCATION

Ends: Arrive at Bill Bird Marina, you will see a blue building. Turn left and you will see a floating dock on the left hand side (DO NOT go inside the office, DO NOT go all the way down the marina.) PLEASE

Group size
Up to 11 people per booking
Guide languages
English
Tickets
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Good to know

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Nature & Island Exploration on SUP/Kayak
02

Nature & Island Exploration on SUP/Kayak

Price
from $106
Length
4 h
Rating
4.7 from 1,237 reviews
Pickup
Meet at the start point

Included

  • Bottled water
  • safety gear
  • kayaks
  • stand up paddle boards

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Check dates and prices
More details

About this tour

I’ll give you a brief introduction on the basics of paddleboarding and kayaking before we head out onto the water to explore a lush mangrove jungle. As we wind our way through narrow canals, we’ll be on the lookout for all different types of wildlife including; manatees, iguanas, birds, crabs, fish, raccoons even possibly dolphins. We’ll explore the natural wonders of the area for a couple hours before making our way into so mangrove tunnels where we will relax, swim and enjoy a delicious fresh fruit snack and drinks . Including; watermelon, cantaloupe, banana. Drinks included and totally free all you can drink; gatorade, soda and water. After we are all full and everyone is ready to go we will head back to shore. There is never a rush for time. Please keep in mind the manatees and dolphins we are spotting are wild animals roaming a large area. They are seen less often in the summer months. Don't worry there will still be many beautiful plants and animals to see and learn about.

What happens

  1. I’ll give you a brief introduction on the basics of paddle boarding and kayaking before we head out onto the water to explore a lush mangrove jungle. As we wind our way through narrow canals, we’ll be on the lookout for all different types of wildlife…

Included

  • Bottled water
  • safety gear
  • kayaks
  • stand up paddle boards
  • Gatorade, sodas and water

Where it starts

Arrive at VENETIAN Marina, walk down to the marine gas station. Look for a bright blue boat named CATARIA PLEASE ARRIVE 30 Min BEFORE TO ENSURE YOU FIND LOCATION

Group size
Up to 30 people per booking
Guide languages
English
Tickets
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • There is no bathroom available during the tour as we will be on a kayak/SUP. Bathrooms are available before and after tour.
  • The tour will go ahead whether or not there is rain, you will be notified if the tour is actually canceled by the time the tour begins.
  • There is plenty of parking at the Marina, both free sections and metered city parking depending on what is open at time of arrival
Sail Biscayne Bay: An Intimate Eco-Adventure with Snorkeling
03 · Top rated

Sail Biscayne Bay: An Intimate Eco-Adventure with Snorkeling

Price
from $129
Length
3 h 30 min
Rating
4.9 from 471 reviews
Pickup
Meet at the start point

Included

  • Water is included too but we encourage everyone to bring reusable water bottle
  • Fresh fruit is included, as well as cookies and chips

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Check dates and prices
More details

About this tour

This tour is an intimate experience, our groups are 3-5 people per boat maximum. We have two boats. We have been sailing the Biscayne Bay for over 15 years, just for the fun of it. We started this eco-tour in 2018 to share the amazing experience of wind travel with others. Or as we like to say, share the magic. You will meet the founders/guides David or JP, we are originally from Argentina and Venezuela and have been living in Miami for more than 20 years. We share a passion for protecting Biscayne Bay and its wildlife, as well as creating beautiful memories for our guests. Our float of Hobie Catamarans were designed with surfing in mind, you'll glide over the water and be in contact with your surroundings. Thanks to their convenient maneuverability and size, they'll allow you to experience every corner of Biscayne Bay like no other boat can. These boats are extremely safe and comfortable for people of all ages.

Included

  • Water is included too but we encourage everyone to bring reusable water bottle
  • Fresh fruit is included, as well as cookies and chips

Not included

  • This sailing experience is BYOB

Where it starts

We meet by Paddle Board Rental next to the waterfront on Peacock Park !

Group size
Up to 10 people per booking
Guide languages
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Tickets
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Travelers must text us a day before the sailing session to get a weather update. In some cases, we need to reschedule to an earlier or later time, these changes are to make sure you have the best experience out sailing.
  • This activity can accommodate only 5 travelers per boat, if you have a group of 8-10 travelers, the group will be split into 2 boats, we'll still stop together as one group
L.E.D. Light Kayak Miami City Lights
04 · Lowest price

L.E.D. Light Kayak Miami City Lights

Price
from $85
Length
2 h
Rating
4.6 from 309 reviews
Pickup
Meet at the start point

Included

  • stand up paddle boards and (not clear) kayaks, lights, all safety equipment
  • Bottled water
  • Gatorade, sodas and water

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Check dates and prices
More details

About this tour

You will never see Miami like this. The views of downtown Miami reflecting on the Miami river are breathtaking as we paddle through all the beautifully light high rise buildings you will be totally at peace and relaxed. We are the only night time paddle adventure in Miami.

What happens

  1. Experience Miami like never before on a nighttime adventure along the Miami River. We’ll start with a quick meet-up and complimentary soft drinks before heading out in your choice of a neon LED-lit kayak or a stand-up paddleboard. Paddle through downtown…

Included

  • stand up paddle boards and (not clear) kayaks, lights, all safety equipment
  • Bottled water
  • Gatorade, sodas and water

Where it starts

We will meet and launch from the parking lot under i95. Look out for lot 17.

Group size
Up to 20 people per booking
Guide languages
English
Tickets
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants will be seated on the adults lap while kayaking
  • There is no bathroom available during the tour as we will be on a kayak/SUP. Bathrooms are available before and after tour.
  • That the tour will go ahead whether or not there is rain, you will be notified if the tour is actually canceled by the time the tour begins.
  • We no longer offer clear kayaks for safety reasons
Mangrove Jungle Exploration on SUP/Kayak
05

Mangrove Jungle Exploration on SUP/Kayak

Price
from $106
Length
3 h
Rating
4.8 from 180 reviews
Pickup
Meet at the start point

Included

  • Bottled water
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Gatorade, sodas and water
  • Your choice of stand up paddle board or kayak.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Check dates and prices
More details

About this tour

Paddleboarding and kayaking are the best ways to get on and in the water. You will never get closer to nature. So close, you can reach out and touch everything. Put them together with a little time spent hanging out with great company, sipping cold drinks, and munching on some fresh fruit, and you will have one of the best days of your life. This is the perfect activity for beginners or experienced paddlers. You don't even need to know how to swim. If you are feeling nervous while paddling, don't worry; we are here to guide, teach, and keep you safe.

What happens

  1. Famous Sandspur Island otherwise known as Raccoon Island

Included

  • Bottled water
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Gatorade, sodas and water
  • Your choice of stand up paddle board or kayak.

Where it starts

Arrive at Bill Bird Marina, you will see a blue building. Turn left and you will see a floating dock on the left hand side (DO NOT go inside the office, DO NOT go all the way down the marina.) PLEASE ARRIVE 30 Min BEFORE TO ENSURE YOU FIND LOCATION

Ends: Arrive at Bill Bird Marina, you will see a blue building. Turn left and you will see a floating dock on the left hand side (DO NOT go inside the office, DO NOT go all the way down the marina.) PLEASE

Group size
Up to 30 people per booking
Guide languages
English
Tickets
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Minimum age requirement for alcohol consumption is 21 years of age.
  • There is no bathroom available during the tour as we will be on a kayak/SUP. Bathrooms are available before and after tour.
  • The tour will go ahead whether or not there is rain, you will be notified if the tour is actually canceled by the time the tour begins.

Pick by situation

First time, want the classicRaccoon Island Exploration on SUP/Kayak
On a budgetL.E.D. Light Kayak Miami City Lights

Questions people ask

How much does it cost?

Prices start at $85 per person for L.E.D. Light Kayak Miami City Lights and go up to $129 for the most expensive option here.

How long does it take?

From 3 h to 3 h 30 min depending on the tour; the table above lists each one.

Can I cancel?

Most of these tours have free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start; each card shows the policy for that tour.

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