Quick pick: for calm water and families, go to Nixon Sandbar, a short ride from our dock. For music and a party crowd, go to Haulover Sandbar, but leave plenty of time. For clear water and photos, head south to the Stiltsville flats.

Anchoring on a sandbar in warm, waist-deep water is one of the best things to do in Miami. We have been sending guests out from Rickenbacker Marina since 2015, and these are the sandbars they love most, with the local tips we give at the dock.

Miami sandbars at a glance

Sandbar	Best for	From our dock	Vibe
Nixon Sandbar	Families, swimming, first-timers	Closest, a short ride	Calm and laid-back
Stiltsville flats	Clear water and photos	A little farther south	Quiet, very shallow in places
Haulover Sandbar	Groups who want a party	Farthest, allow about an hour each way	Busy and loud on weekends

Nixon Sandbar, Key Biscayne

Also called Nixon Beach or Mashta Flats, this sandbar sits off the bay side of Key Biscayne, near the mouth of Hurricane Harbor and about two miles north of Cape Florida. It takes its name from President Richard Nixon, who had a winter home on Key Biscayne nearby.

It is the closest sandbar to our dock, so you spend less time driving and more time in the water. The bottom is soft white sand with patches of seagrass, and the water is usually calm, which makes it our top pick for families and first-time boaters.

• Go early or on a weekday if you want space. Weekend afternoons get busy.
• Anchor in the sand, not on the seagrass, and let out enough line for the anchor to hold.

Stiltsville and the flats

South of Cape Florida, a handful of wooden houses stand on stilts in the middle of the bay. They date back to the 1930s and are now part of Biscayne National Park. The sand flats around them have some of the clearest water in the bay on a calm day.

• Look, don’t land. Enjoy the houses from your boat, but please don’t tie up to them or go inside.
• Go slowly. Parts of the flats are very shallow. Running aground or scarring seagrass inside the national park can bring fines.
• Watch the clock. It is the southern edge of our cruising area, so leave enough time to get back.

Haulover Sandbar, north of Miami Beach

Just inside Haulover Inlet, next to Haulover Park, this is Miami’s best-known party sandbar. On weekends you will find dozens of boats anchored together, music, and sometimes floating food vendors. The ride up is part of the fun: you pass the downtown skyline, PortMiami and the mansions of Star Island on the way.

• Plan your time. It is the farthest spot from our dock. Allow about an hour each way, so on a 4-hour rental you get around two hours at the sandbar.
• Stay inside the inlet. The current through Haulover Inlet is strong, and the open ocean is off-limits for our rentals.
• Give other boats room when you anchor, and watch out for swimmers.

Want a sandy beach closer to the city instead? Monument Island near Miami Beach has a sandy shore that is great for a swim. See our Miami Boating Guide for more spots.

Sandbar tips from our dock team

• Check the tide. The same spot can be knee-deep at low tide and over your head at high tide.
• Read the water. Dark blue is deep, light green or tan is shallow sand, and dark brown patches are seagrass. Slow down as the water turns light.
• Engine off before anyone swims near the back of the boat.
• Life jackets for kids. Florida law requires children under 6 to wear one while the boat is moving, and we recommend them in the water too. Tell us your children’s weights when you book so we have the right sizes.
• Bring water, towels, hats, and food and drinks in soft coolers. The ship store at the marina sells ice, snacks and drinks.
• Watch the weather. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms, so our morning slot (9 am to 1 pm) usually has the calmest water.
• Keep the driver sober and take your trash home with you.

Two easy 4-hour sandbar days

• Relaxed: Nixon Sandbar for a long swim and lunch on board, then a slow cruise toward Stiltsville for the views.
• Party: straight up to Haulover Sandbar, then back past Star Island and the skyline.

Whichever you choose, keep 30 minutes spare for the ride back. Your return time is fixed, and late returns are charged.

Frequently asked questions

Which sandbar is closest to Rickenbacker Marina?

Nixon Sandbar, off the bay side of Key Biscayne. It is the easiest sandbar to reach from our dock.

Can I visit two sandbars in 4 hours?

Nixon Sandbar and the Stiltsville flats are close enough to combine. Haulover is at the other end of the bay, so most guests make it the only stop.

Do I need a boating license to drive to the sandbar?

If the driver was born on or after January 1, 1988, they need Florida boater education proof, which you can get online. Read Do You Need a Boating License to Rent a Boat in Miami? for the details, or book a Captained Tour and let our captain drive.