How to Visit the Raccoon Island (Sandspur Island) in Miami
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Looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Miami? Raccoon Island, also known as Beer Can Island, is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
The Raccoon Island in Miami, also known as Sandspur island or Beer Can island, has been coined with this nickname for the adorable little creatures that make this island home. Visiting the Raccoon Island can be a bit complicated, so check out this guide to discover the different options.
I lived in Miami for a year, and really didn’t hear about this place until months later. It was on my bucket list and didn’t see a lot of information before going, so I wanted to create this guide!
What is Raccoon Island?
Raccoon Island (or Sandspur Island) is a small, uninhabited island in North Miami. It is accessible only by boat, and has been made famous by the friendly raccoons that live there.
Who would have thought such a small little island of paradise would be right in the middle of a big city?
The island sits in the middle of the bay, so there are always tons of boats around and many visitors, but the raccoons keep to themselves in the jungle of their island.
Here’s a video from my trip!
How to Get to Raccoon Island
Since Raccoon Island isn’t accessible by car, you’ll need to arrive rent a boat, kayak/paddleboard, or take a tour. Here are your options:
- Boat Rentals: You can rent a boat from nearby marinas in Miami or Biscayne Bay. Rental prices vary, but it’s a convenient and flexible way to reach the island. Many boat rental companies (such as Boatsetter!) offer hourly or daily rates, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
- Kayak or Paddleboard Rentals: For the more adventurous traveler, renting a kayak or paddleboard is a great way to get to Raccoon Island. You can rent from places like Oleta River State Park. The paddle to the island is around 30-45 minutes, depending on your pace and the weather.
- Boat Tours: Another option is to book a boat tour or water taxi. Several companies in Miami offer eco-tours or private charters to the island, where you can enjoy guided trips with local experts. This is perfect if you want a more laid-back experience.
We opted to visit by kayak, by renting a tandem from the Oleta River State Park Marina. There is an entrance fee to get there, as it is a Florida State Park, but is the closest place to rent a kayak from! The prices are below:
| Type | 1 Hour | 2 Hours | 3 Hours |
| Single Kayak | $25 | $40 | $55 |
| Tandem Kayak | $35 | $50 | $65 |
| Canoe | $40 | $55 | $70 |
| Paddleboard | $30 | $45 | $60 |
What to pack
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Swimsuit
- Flip flops/sandals
- Waterproof bag (especially if going by kayak)
- Water and food for the day
- Trash bags so you can leave nature how you found it
Best time to go
Spring is the best time to visit Miami all around. Summer in Miami can get pretty miserable and hot, and fall is hurricane season so you’re never really sure when it’s going to rain.
If you can, try to also go during the week. On the weekends, there are a ton of boats and it’s pretty noisy. It’s still possible to see the raccoons, but it’s a lot easier on a quieter day.
Tips for visiting the Raccoon Island
Explore the island a bit!
We were there on a weekend, so there were a TON of boats, not a lot of space to put the kayak, and lots of loud music. I saw exactly one raccoon come out.
However, we kept circling around to the eastern side of the island, which not only had beautiful mangroves, but a nice view of the Miami skyline. When we looked for a place to park the kayak, we turned the corner and there were probably about 30 raccoons! They definitely prefer the more tranquil side.
Bring a lunch
There’s nowhere to buy food on the island of course, but it’s a great place to have a picnic. Be cautious though: there are many signs that very strictly say to not feed the raccoons. Bring some trash bags with you and containers to close up your food so they can’t dig into it.
Look out for other wildlife
I’m not going to lie to you: in Florida, there are always gators. It’s just a fact of life and something that you need to be aware of. Besides gators though, you can also sometimes see manatees in the nearby waters.
Is it worth it?
I thought it was a super cool experience, although it made me a bit sad to see all the human activity around their natural habitat. Try to be mindful of that if you try to go and take care not to disturb the wildlife.
In all, I think it’s a really cool and unique thing to do in Miami, so I’d encourage anyone to do it!
