Raccoon Island: Exploration on SUP/Kayak

Raccoon Island in Biscayne Bay offers an intriguing exploration experience for adventurous travelers. Accessible only by stand-up paddleboard or kayak, this unique destination promises close encounters with friendly raccoons and a chance to take in the island’s natural beauty. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, visitors can enjoy complimentary refreshments while observing the wildlife and capturing unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a thrilling day on the water, this adventure could be the perfect addition to your itinerary.

This experience made our article of 10 Outstanding Canoe & Kayak Experiences In Miami.

Key Points

• Discover Sandspur Island, home to a colony of friendly, tame raccoons, during a 3-hour paddleboarding or kayaking adventure in Biscayne Bay, North Miami Beach.
• Enjoy opportunities to swim, take photos, and closely observe the playful behavior of the resident raccoons on the island.
• Explore the lush, natural environment of Sandspur Island and learn about the scenic beauty of Biscayne Bay.
• Benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide who enhances the experience with commentary on the local wildlife and ecosystem.
• Refresh with complimentary drinks and fresh fruit included in the tour package, priced at $99 per person with early booking recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

What does the Raccoon Island Exploration tour entail?

It’s a 3-hour adventure in North Miami Beach’s Biscayne Bay. Guests can choose between a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to reach Osprey Nature Preserve and Sandspur Island, home to gentle raccoons.

The tour includes complimentary drinks, fresh fruit, and a knowledgeable guide. The experience allows visitors to swim, take photos, and observe wildlife.

Priced at $99 per person, the tour is likely to sell out, so guests are advised to check availability for starting times.

All guests must sign a waiver before the tour, which may be subject to date and location changes.

Booking Information

How can guests book the Raccoon Island Exploration tour?

Guests have two reservation options. They can reserve now and pay later, booking their spot without paying anything upfront.

Or, they can take advantage of the free cancellation policy – guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

However, all guests must sign a waiver before the tour.

While the event date and location may change for reasons beyond the provider’s control, the tour is expected to sell out, so guests should check availability for starting times.

Making reservations soon is recommended.

Activities on the Tour

On the Raccoon Island Exploration tour, guests can either kayak or stand-up paddleboard to the Osprey Nature Preserve.

Once there, they’ll explore Sandspur Island, home to gentle raccoons. Guests can swim, take photos, and observe the abundant wildlife.

Free drinks, including beer, hard seltzers, and water, are provided, along with fresh fruit. A live tour guide in English provides knowledgeable guidance throughout the adventure.

This 3-hour experience offers a unique opportunity to take in the natural beauty of Biscayne Bay and interact with the resident raccoons on Sandspur Island.

Exploring Sandspur Island

As guests paddle or SUP across the calm waters of Biscayne Bay, they soon arrive at the lush Sandspur Island, home to the friendly raccoons that the tour is renowned for. Here, they can disembark and explore the island, spotting the curious creatures up close. The raccoons are known to be quite tame, and guests are encouraged to take photos and observe their playful behavior.

| What to Expect | on Sandspur Island |

| — | — |

| Encounter Raccoons | Observe the friendly, tame raccoons up close |

| Explore the Island | Wander the lush, natural environment |

| Take Photos | Capture memorable moments with the raccoons |

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Wildlife Observation

Beyond exploring the island, guests will have ample opportunities to observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the Biscayne Bay ecosystem.

Kayakers and paddleboarders may spot majestic ospreys soaring overhead, hunting for fish in the shallow waters. Guests can also watch for playful bottlenose dolphins and gentle manatees gliding through the bay.

On the island itself, visitors can closely observe the resident raccoons, known for their curious and intelligent nature.

With the guidance of the knowledgeable tour guides, guests will gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of this unique coastal environment.

Amenities Provided

To enhance the overall experience, the tour provides a variety of complimentary amenities.

Guests can enjoy refreshing free drinks, including beer, hard seltzers, and water. Fresh fruit is also provided to fuel the adventure.

The tour includes the guidance of a knowledgeable live English-speaking tour guide who enhances the experience with their expertise.

These amenities ensure guests are well-hydrated, nourished, and informed throughout the 3-hour Raccoon Island exploration on stand-up paddleboards or kayaks.

Meeting Point and Arrival Time

The meeting point for the Raccoon Island exploration tour is the Bill Bird Marina, located in the blue building in front of the water.

The meeting point for the Raccoon Island exploration tour is the Bill Bird Marina, located in the blue building in front of the water.

Guests should walk down the dock to the tiki boat in slip E-22.

It’s recommended to arrive 30 minutes before the tour’s start time to ensure a smooth check-in process. This allows time for guests to sign the required waiver and get prepared for the adventure ahead.

The tour provider emphasizes the importance of punctuality, as the tour may depart on time regardless of late arrivals.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

What do customers have to say about the Raccoon Island exploration tour? Based on 540 reviews, the experience earns an impressive 4.7/5 overall rating.

Customers particularly praise the:

1. Tour guides, who receive 4.6/5 for their knowledgeability and engagement.

2. Transportation, with a 4.7/5 rating for seamless logistics.

3. Value for money, with a solid 4.4/5 score.

4. Scenic beauty and fun activities, as noted in the many positive traveler comments.

Across the board, the Raccoon Island tour seems to delight guests with its unique wildlife encounters, guided expertise, and overall memorable adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement. However, it’s recommended that participants be able to comfortably navigate a kayak or stand-up paddleboard in open water. Children under 8 may require additional supervision.

Can I Bring My Own Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard?

Guests can’t bring their own kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for this tour. The tour provider supplies the necessary equipment, and all participants must use the provided watercraft to ensure safety and proper guidance during the experience.

Is There a Weight Limit for Participants?

There’s typically no strict weight limit, but guests should be able to comfortably fit in the provided kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. The tour operator recommends checking with them beforehand if there are any concerns about weight capacity.

Do I Need Any Prior Kayaking or SUP Experience?

No prior kayaking or SUP experience is required. The guided tour provides thorough instructions and assistance to ensure participants of all skill levels can safely explore the area by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Are Life Jackets Provided, and Are They Required?

Life jackets are provided and required for all participants on the tour. The tour provider ensures the safety of guests by supplying and mandating the use of personal flotation devices throughout the water-based activities.

The Sum Up

Explore the natural wonder of Raccoon Island by stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Encounter friendly raccoons on Sandspur Island while enjoying the bay’s tranquil beauty. With a knowledgeable guide, enjoy complimentary refreshments and wildlife observation on this unique adventure. An unforgettable experience awaits those who seek a closer connection with nature.

You can check availability for your dates here: