Spot guide · North Biscayne Bay
The Haulover Sandbar by jet ski
In short: the Haulover Sandbar is a stretch of shallow, clear water near Haulover Inlet in North Biscayne Bay where boats anchor and people float, swim and hang out. A jet ski is one of the easiest ways to get there. We launch next to Oleta River State Park, so the sandbar and Raccoon Island are a short ride from our dock.
Where the Haulover Sandbar is
The sandbar sits on the bay side of Haulover, near Haulover Inlet and the Haulover Park marina, between Bal Harbour to the south and Sunny Isles Beach to the north. The water is shallow, roughly ankle- to waist-deep in the popular spots, so you can stand, float or sit in the water next to your jet ski.
Three stops for one ride
1. Haulover Sandbar
The main stop. Anchor-and-hang-out energy, clear water and boats all around. It's at its liveliest on weekends and holidays.
2. Raccoon Island
Officially Sandspur Island, this roughly 15-acre spoil island is the largest island in the north bay and part of Oleta River State Park. You can only reach it by boat, and it's known for the wild raccoons that live there. There's a no-feeding policy, so look, take photos and leave them be. Please carry out any trash you bring.
3. Oleta River State Park shoreline
Florida's largest urban park lines the north bay with mangroves. It's a calmer stretch to cruise slowly and take in the green shoreline, a nice contrast to the towers of Sunny Isles across the water.
Best time to go
- Weekends and holidays are the busiest, with the most boats and the biggest crowd. Go then if you want the party atmosphere.
- Weekdays are usually quieter if you'd rather have more space around you.
- Plan around daylight. Jet skis must be off the water from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise.
How long to book
| Ride time | What fits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | Ride out and a quick stop at the sandbar | $160 |
| 2 hours | Sandbar time plus Raccoon Island and the Oleta shoreline | $320 |
| 3 hours | Long hang time at the sandbar and the whole north bay | $480 |
Riding there and back counts toward your rental time. Prices are per jet ski, and up to two people can ride together.
Rules to know
- Slow down at the inlet. Bakers Haulover Inlet is an idle speed, no wake zone. Watch for posted signs and other slow zones around the bay.
- Go slow in shallow water. Idle in and out of the sandbar. It protects swimmers, the seagrass and the jet ski.
- Keep your distance from swimmers and anchored boats. Florida law treats weaving through traffic and last-second swerving as reckless operation.
- Life jackets stay on whenever you're riding.
- Don't feed the raccoons and leave nothing behind on the island.
Our team goes over the route and the slow zones during your safety briefing. You'll also need to meet Florida's boating education rule if you were born in 1988 or later; see our Florida jet ski license guide.
What to bring
- Photo ID, plus your boating card or temporary certificate if you were born in 1988 or later
- Swimwear, reef-friendly sunscreen and sunglasses with a strap
- Water, a towel and a waterproof phone pouch for photos
- A small bag to carry out your trash
Sources: Sandspur Island, Oleta River State Park (Greater Miami CVB), Florida Admin. Code 68D-24.013 (Dade County boating restricted areas). Conditions and rules can change; follow posted signs and local authorities.
Ride to the sandbar
1, 2 or 3 hours from $160 · up to 2 riders · life jackets included