Ultimate Boat Tour to Raccoon Island from Venetian Marina

What you'll do:

Departing from the lively Venetian Marina near Downtown Miami, this unforgettable boat tour through Biscayne Bay combines luxury, wildlife, and adventure in one seamless experience. Whether you want to sip a cold drink on deck or paddle a kayak through mangrove tunnels, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

As you cruise away from the city, Miami’s skyline gives way to the natural wonders of the bay. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins swimming nearby, manatees surfacing gently, and tropical fish gliding through the turquoise water. Throughout the journey, your guide shares insights into the bay’s fragile ecosystem, marine life, and ongoing conservation efforts.

The first stop is Bird Island, a small rookery bustling with native and migratory birds like herons, pelicans, and egrets. It's a birdwatcher’s paradise and a chance to witness wildlife in action. From there, the boat cruises toward the iconic “Billionaire’s Bunker”—Indian Creek Island—home to lavish estates owned by Tom Brady, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, Julio Iglesias, and Carl Icahn. Your guide adds colorful stories and history about this famously exclusive community.

Next, the boat heads toward Sandspur Island, Explore a quiet mangrove forest, where winding waterways and shaded tunnels reveal crabs, fish, and birdlife in a serene, untouched setting. The journey leads to Raccoon Island, known for its friendly raccoon residents and calm lagoon encircled by mangroves. This is where the raccoons often appear, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a peek into their wild world.

Raccoon Island is also perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and shell hunting. Wade into the warm, shallow bay, search for seashells along the shore, or spot fish and rays beneath the surface. Whether you’re exploring or relaxing, the island is a peaceful escape.

Back on board, enjoy a fresh fruit snack—think pineapple, watermelon, mango—and a selection of cold drinks, including sparkling water and juices. Those who stay on the boat while others kayak can lounge in the shade, take in the tranquil views, and enjoy music in the background.

As the tour wraps up and the boat returns to Venetian Marina, you’ll take home lasting memories of wild mangroves, playful wildlife, pristine water, and a glimpse into Miami’s glamorous waterfront lifestyle—all in one spectacular day on Biscayne Bay.

Why we love it for your party:

• Luxury meets adventure (Cruise through Biscayne Bay in style, with the perfect mix of relaxing on deck and exploring hidden mangrove tunnels)

• Wildlife + wow moments (Spot dolphins, manatees, tropical birds, and even friendly raccoons — nature and Miami magic all in one trip)

• Island-hopping fun (Visit Bird Island, Sandspur Island, and Raccoon Island for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and unforgettable group photos)

• Drinks, fruit, and sunshine (Refresh with tropical snacks, cold drinks, and music as you soak up the laid-back vibes on deck)

• The ultimate celebration cruise (Ideal for bachelorettes, birthdays, or any group getaway — a glamorous blend of city views, wildlife, and island exploration)

About this experience partner:

 We at Soflo Water Adventures specialize in guided snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding tours around Miami. Our expert trainer Aaron is a local equally passionate about surfing and kayaking, and thus the guided tours will be informative and super fun. Miami has always been one of the top-visited destinations because of its beautiful beaches and diverse ecosystem flooded with vivid marine creatures.

Additional information:

• No age limit to participate.