Spend your day at a Miami sandbar on your own boat. Our Bayliner E18 deck boats take up to 8 guests, with shade, a stereo, a cooler and a swim ladder. 4 hours from $599, leaving from Rickenbacker Marina.
Anchoring in warm, shallow water with the skyline in the distance is one of the best things to do in Miami. Our deck boats are made for it: an open bow to relax in, a bimini top for shade and an easy swim platform to get in and out of the water.
Which sandbar should you choose?
- Nixon Sandbar: the closest to our dock, with calm water. Best for families and first-timers.
- Stiltsville flats: clear, shallow water around the houses on stilts. Best for photos.
- Haulover Sandbar: Miami’s party sandbar. It’s the farthest from our dock, so allow about an hour each way.
Read our full local guide to Miami sandbars for tips on each one.
A typical sandbar day
- Arrive 20 minutes early for parking and your safety briefing.
- Cruise to the sandbar and anchor in the sand, not on seagrass.
- Swim, relax and have lunch on board, with the engine off while anyone is in the water.
- Leave about 30 minutes for the ride back. Your return time is fixed.
What to bring
- Towels, hats and water
- Food and drinks in soft coolers (no glass or hard coolers). The marina’s ship store sells ice, snacks and drinks.
- A valid photo ID, plus boater education proof if the driver was born on or after January 1, 1988 (how to get it)
Staying safe at the sandbar
- Check the tide: the same spot can be knee-deep or over your head.
- Children under 6 must wear a life jacket while the boat is moving. Tell us your children’s weights when you book.
- The driver stays sober. The open ocean is off-limits, so stay inside the inlets.
Frequently asked questions
Which time slot is best for a sandbar?
Mornings (9:00 am to 1:00 pm) usually have the calmest water, and summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms.
Can we visit two sandbars?
Nixon Sandbar and the Stiltsville flats are close enough to combine in 4 hours. Haulover is at the other end of the bay, so most guests make it the only stop.
MiaBoats · Rickenbacker Marina
Ready to get out on the bay?
Rent a Bayliner E18 for up to 8 guests, 4 hours from $599, with free parking and a safety briefing before you go. Rather not drive? Our Captained Tours take up to 6 guests.