Spot guide · North Biscayne Bay
Raccoon Island Miami by jet ski
In short: Raccoon Island is the nickname of Sandspur Island, a roughly 15-acre island in North Biscayne Bay that's part of Oleta River State Park. You can only reach it by boat, and it's home to wild raccoons. From our North Miami launch next to Oleta, it's a short jet ski ride, and you can pair it with the Haulover Sandbar in the same rental.
What Raccoon Island is
- Official name: Sandspur Island. It's also been called "Beer Can Island."
- Size: about 15 acres, the largest island in the north part of Biscayne Bay and the largest spoil island in the bay.
- Origin: it's a man-made spoil island, built from material dredged out of the bay for navigation channels.
- Managed as part of: Oleta River State Park.
- Access: by boat only. There's no bridge or road.
What you'll find there
Coconut palms cover much of the island, with mangroves and other trees to the north, a small beach area and rocks placed along the eastern shore to slow erosion. And, of course, the raccoons. They live on the island and are used to visitors arriving by boat.
The raccoons: look, don't feed
The island has a no-feeding policy. Human food isn't good for wild animals, and feeding them teaches them to depend on visitors. Watch them, take photos from a respectful distance and keep your snacks sealed.
How to get there by jet ski
For Raccoon Island, book our North Miami launch at FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus, which is surrounded by Oleta River State Park. That puts the island a short ride from the dock, much closer than launches in South Beach or downtown. Our team shows you the route and the slow zones during the safety briefing. (We also launch from 2400 Collins Ave in Miami Beach, which rides a different route on the bay.)
| Ride time | What fits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | A quick look at the island or the sandbar | $160 |
| 2 hours | Raccoon Island plus the Haulover Sandbar and Oleta shoreline | $320 |
| 3 hours | The whole north bay at your own pace | $480 |
Prices are per jet ski, with up to two riders. Riding there and back counts toward your rental time.
Tips for your visit
- Idle in. Approach the shore slowly; the water near the island is shallow.
- Leave no trace. Bring a small bag and carry out everything you bring.
- Mind the sun. Bring water, sunscreen and sunglasses with a strap.
- Watch your belongings. Raccoons are curious, so keep bags closed.
Sources: Sandspur Island, Spectrum News: Miami's Raccoon Island. Conditions can change; follow posted signs and park rules.
Ride to Raccoon Island
1, 2 or 3 hours from $160 · up to 2 riders · life jackets included