Raccoon Island Exploration on SUP/Kayak

Raccoons make an unlikely Miami highlight. This 2.5-hour outing from North Miami combines a boat ride, kayaking through mangroves, wildlife watching, and time on Sandspur Island, better known as Raccoon Island. I like the mix of quiet nature and playful animals, plus the fact that the crew supplies the boat, kayak, paddle, snacks, drinks, and alcoholic beverages. The main concern is consistency: some departures feel small, while others have reportedly carried far more people than the stated maximum of 11.

I also like that you do not have to paddle the entire way from shore. The boat carries you to the kayak launch area, leaving you with a shorter paddle through the mangroves and across open water. Meet the boat early, though. The marina can be confusing, and missed departures are not refunded within 24 hours.

Key points to know before you go

• The raccoon encounter is the star: Friendly animals often come down to the beach when the kayaks arrive.
• You paddle through mangroves first: This calm, shaded section offers fish, crabs, snails, birds, and plant-life explanations from the guides.
• The open-water crossing can be tiring: Wind and chop make the trip harder for beginners or anyone short on upper-body strength.
• The advertised group size needs checking: The stated maximum is 11, but some departures have reportedly been much larger.
• Bring protection from water and insects: Waterproof clothing, sturdy water shoes, phone protection, and heavy insect repellent can make a big difference.
• Guides receive frequent praise: Names such as Tony, Alejandra, Angie, Sean, Liam, Katie, Adam, Connor, Ashley, Francis, and others come up in especially positive experiences.

What the $99 price really covers

At $99 per person, this is not simply a short kayak rental. Your price includes the boat transfer, kayak equipment, paddles, guidance through the mangroves, the island stop, snacks, drinks, and alcoholic beverages. That package gives the tour fair value if you want several activities in one morning or afternoon rather than arranging each piece yourself.

The boat transfer matters more than it may first appear. A full paddle from the mainland would demand more stamina and time. Instead, the boat takes you to a floating kayak station or platform, where you receive equipment and instructions before paddling the final stretch. That makes the outing possible for many first-time paddlers, although it does not turn the trip into a completely effortless ride.

The value drops if your group is expecting an intimate trip capped at 11 people and finds a much larger boatload instead. A small group allows the guide to answer questions, keep an eye on nervous paddlers, and explain the plants and animals without shouting. Larger departures can still be fun, but they may feel more like a general boat excursion with a shared activity than a personal nature tour.

The strong overall score, listed at 4.9 from 973 ratings with 97 percent recommending it, reflects how memorable the concept can be. Still, the low scores point to real matters: confusing meeting arrangements, changes caused by boat trouble, mosquitoes, and reports of overcrowding. I would book it for the unusual combination of activities, but I would not treat the $99 as a guarantee of a tiny group.

Meeting at 10800 Collins Avenue

The official meeting point is 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida 33154, at a large marina. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

This is the part to handle carefully. Several people have found the marina difficult to navigate, with limited or unclear signage and a long dock divided into lettered sections. One person arrived early but still missed the boat after walking past it several times. Another group tried to send messages through the booking app while delayed by an Uber, but the operator did not see those messages in time.

I recommend arriving well ahead of the stated departure and calling the operator, So Flo Water Adventures, before you set out if you need exact dock directions. Do not assume that an in-app message works like a text message. Bring your booking confirmation and give yourself time to identify the correct boat.

Late arrival can be costly. The stated policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, except when the company cancels because of poor weather. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The boat ride to the kayak launch

After meeting the crew, you board a boat and travel toward the kayak staging area. This transfer is part of the appeal. You get a wider view of the waterways and save your arms for the more interesting section of the trip.

The boats have been described as clean and pleasant, with friendly captains and crew members. Captain Matthew, Jenna, and Matt receive praise for being helpful, while guides such as Tony and Alejandra are often singled out for making the outing relaxed and fun. Some people have also appreciated help storing belongings on the boat.

You may receive a short lesson before getting into a two-person or larger kayak. First-time paddlers generally find the basics manageable, but your comfort will depend on wind, water conditions, and fitness. The experience is not a passive wildlife cruise. You will be working your arms, especially during the open-water section.

The advertised activity includes stand-up paddleboards as well as kayaks. However, accounts from the water describe kayaks as the normal equipment for participants and paddleboards being used by guides. If paddling a SUP is important to you, confirm the setup directly before booking. Do not assume that selecting this experience guarantees a personal stand-up board.

Paddling through the Osprey Nature Preserve mangroves

The first paddle section leads through mangroves around Osprey Nature Preserve. This is often the calmest and most scenic portion of the trip. The roots and low branches create a sheltered water route, and the pace gives you time to look down and around rather than simply concentrating on making progress.

Guides explain the local ecosystem, including the role of different mangrove types and the animals living in and around them. Depending on conditions, you might see fish, crabs, large sea snails, and birds. The nature talk is not just filler between the mainland and the raccoons. It gives the island visit a proper setting and helps you understand why these shallow coastal habitats matter.

Alejandra has been praised for explaining birds, trees, and wildlife in a lively way. Sean, Liam, Katie, Adam, Connor, and other crew members also receive strong marks for helping beginners and keeping the mood light. The guide quality can shape the whole morning, since a good leader makes a first kayak trip feel safe instead of awkward.

Mosquitoes are a genuine issue. You might find them in the mangroves and on the island, especially after wet weather. One outing resulted in more than 30 swollen bites for one person, and another report described mosquitoes as severe after heavy rain. Apply repellent before boarding and bring extra if possible. If you are sensitive to bites, long sleeves and longer shorts or trousers are sensible.

The open-water paddle to Raccoon Island

After the sheltered mangrove route, the group heads toward open water and Sandspur Island. This section can be more demanding than the first. Wind and chop have made the crossing difficult for some beginners, especially those without much upper-body strength.

That does not mean you need prior kayaking experience. Several first-timers have completed the route with help from the guides, and the return paddle is often easier. Still, you should arrive with realistic expectations. If you want a completely gentle boat outing, this is not the right choice. If you can handle a moderate amount of paddling and are willing to learn as you go, the effort is part of the fun.

The guides generally stay involved, directing the route and assisting people who need help. In larger groups, though, maintaining a smooth formation can be harder. Reports of only one guide boat accompanying a very large group suggest that crowding may affect the pace and personal attention on some departures.

Expect to get wet. Water can splash into the kayak, and island exploration may involve shallow water, sand, or muddy ground. Wear clothing that dries quickly, use footwear suited to wet surfaces, and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch. A plastic phone case may be available for purchase on the boat, but it is wiser to arrive prepared.

Meeting the raccoons on Sandspur Island

Raccoon Island is a small, informal wildlife stop rather than a polished attraction. When the kayaks land, raccoons may come out from the vegetation and approach the group. Some outings have seen only a few animals, while others have encountered a dozen or more. Their numbers and activity clearly vary.

The animals are accustomed to people and may come close in search of food. Guides have provided watermelon and other simple treats, and the included snacks may be part of the visit. You may see raccoons eating from a person’s hand, but that does not mean you should grab, corner, or crowd them. Follow the crew’s instructions, keep your fingers clear if an animal becomes pushy, and use only food the guide approves.

The raccoons can be gentle, but they are still wild animals. Several may compete for the same treat, and their excitement can feel intense when they gather around your legs or kayak. You should not count on a guaranteed close-up encounter every time. Weather, food availability, group size, and the animals’ mood all affect what happens.

The beach itself is basic. One outing found plastic rubbish along the shore, which is a reminder that this is a natural island, not a maintained resort beach. You might also see people swimming or using provided snorkeling equipment, depending on the conditions and the guide’s plan.

Some groups take a short walk around the island, learning more about the mangroves and looking for small sea life. I would choose the walk if it is offered. It gives you a break from paddling and makes the stop about the island’s ecosystem, not only the animal photographs.

Swimming, snorkeling, and island time

The island stop lasts about an hour within the overall 2.5-hour outing. That time may include feeding the raccoons, walking, swimming, snorkeling, taking photographs, and listening to the guide.

Do not expect to spend the entire hour sitting beside the raccoons. The crew needs to limit feeding so the animals do not become dependent or unhealthy. That is a sensible restriction, even if you wish you could stay longer with them. A short encounter can be more respectful than turning the beach into an all-day feeding station.

Snorkeling equipment may be available, and one guide allowed a parent and child to snorkel as well as kayak and visit the animals. The quality of that part will depend on water clarity, weather, and how much time the group spends on other activities. It is best viewed as an extra option, not the main reason to book.

You may also receive fruit or other snacks. Do not bring a large private supply unless the operator specifically allows it. Some people have brought grapes, bananas, melon, crackers, or other food, but feeding wild animals too much can create health and behavior problems. Ask the guide what is appropriate and let the crew control the amount.

The paddle back and return to Miami Beach

After the island visit, you return to the kayaks and paddle back to the launch platform. Many people find this leg easier, perhaps because the route feels familiar or the water is calmer. You then board the boat for the ride back to the Collins Avenue marina.

The return is a useful time to relax and look for more wildlife. You may also have a chance to talk with the guides, finish a drink, or compare photographs with your group. Some staff have shared group photos through WhatsApp, which is helpful if you kept your phone protected on the main boat.

Keep your belongings secure and expect them to remain on the boat during the island stop. Leaving phones behind reduces the risk of water damage, but it also limits your pictures. A waterproof phone pouch gives you more freedom, provided you can keep hold of it while paddling.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this to families with older children, couples, animal lovers, and friends who want something less ordinary than a city sightseeing cruise. The mix of mangroves, gentle wildlife education, kayaking, and raccoons gives the day a clear sense of place.

It can also suit a first-time kayaker. The route is taught as you go, and several guides have helped nervous or inexperienced paddlers feel comfortable. You should still be ready for a workout and some choppy water.

I would think twice if you dislike insects, cannot tolerate wet clothing, or need a tightly controlled schedule. I would also be cautious for very large family groups. When parties are split between tables or kayaks, the outing may feel less coordinated, and photo opportunities can be harder to manage.

The small-group promise is worth confirming before you pay. The stated limit is 11 people, but reported group sizes have ranged from about 30 to 40 on some departures. That difference matters more here than on a standard boat ride because the kayaking route and guide attention are central to the experience.

Practical packing advice for the water

Bring insect repellent, quick-drying clothing, water shoes, and a waterproof phone case. A towel and a spare shirt are sensible because you may be splashed during the paddle and get wet walking on the island.

Eat something with carbohydrates before you arrive. The trip is not extreme, but paddling across open water can use more energy than expected. Keep your camera equipment simple and secure.

Arrive early, call for exact dock directions, and confirm whether you will use a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. If the weather forecast looks poor, watch for updates because the activity requires suitable conditions and may be moved or canceled.

Should you book Raccoon Island Exploration?

Book it if you want a memorable, unusual Miami activity and you are happy with a little exercise, wet clothing, mosquitoes, and the unpredictability of wild animals. The raccoons are the headline, but the mangrove route and strong guides such as Tony, Alejandra, Sean, Liam, and Katie are what give the outing depth.

At $99, the package is reasonable when the boat transfer, equipment, snacks, drinks, and several activities all run as planned. Before booking, confirm the meeting spot, group size, and paddleboard arrangement. If those details check out, this is a fun choice for families and animal lovers. If you need a quiet, polished, perfectly organized excursion, choose a smaller dedicated kayak tour instead.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, USA, at a large marina.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $99 per person.

Is kayaking equipment included?

Yes. The experience includes the equipment needed for the kayak activity.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks, drinks, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund.