Miami Sandbar Boating Guide 

Last Updated on November 13, 2025 by Boatsetter Team

Miami’s soft white sands, clear turquoise waters, and slip-free boating access combine to create some of the most iconic sandbars in the U.S. Whether you’re planning a quiet swim, a floating party, or a full-day boat outing, sandbars in the Miami area deliver. Here’s how to make the most of them.

Best Boats for Sandbar Days

The right boat can make the difference between a comfortable beach-on-the-water experience and bumping into shallow shoals. Here’s what to keep in mind.

• Pontoon boats, trawlers, runabouts — ideal for lounging, sunbathing, swimming, and group fun in shallow water.
• Deck boats, party barges, yachts — best if you’re planning a full day, have a large group, or want extra space and amenities.
• Smaller crafts (center consoles, jet boats) — great for quick trips, exploring reefs nearby, or heading out from the sandbar into deeper water.

Boatsetter Tip: Large deep-draft boats may struggle in shallow sandbar flats. When in doubt, choose a boat with a shallow draft and anchor in sandy shallows for maximum comfort.

Check out Miami boat rentals

Top 4 Sandbars in Miami 

Haulover Sandbar 

Location: Near Haulover Beach Marina and Haulover Cut, North Miami Beach

What to Expect:

This is one of the most popular sandbars in Miami. It has shallow, gently sloping “shores” that are easy to access and is often frequented by many boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders. Needless to say, it is only accessible by boat. 

You can find it near North Miami Beach, slightly west of Haulover Beach Marina, inside Haulover Cut. Most people who visit Haulover Sandbar use it to wade the waters, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, mingle with other people, or eat from one of the many delicious food boats. Haulover Sandbar is often visited by:

• D’s Sandbar Munchies. They sell delicious burgers, hotdogs, salads, drinks, and more.
• Aquatic Flavors. They serve up mouthwatering tacos, Philly cheesesteaks, chicken tenders, fries, sirloin burgers, chicken wings, ceviche, and cheeseburgers.

Other food boats near Haulover Sandbar are

• Mr. Munchies Food Boat. This one is at Pace Picnic Island and specializes in yummy empanadas.  
• Raw Bar 2 Go. Owner Keyla Castillo makes incredible Peruvian style ceviche. 

This is more of a party sandbar, and probably isn’t a great idea for families. The evenings and weekends usually bring big crowds of party boaters to this area, so it is not suitable for children.

Ideal For: Large group outings, party boats, or combining a sandbar stop with Biscayne Bay cruising.
Boatsetter Insight: Expect heavy traffic on weekends and holidays. Reserve early and arrive before prime time to secure a spot.

Nixon Beach Sandbar

Location: Biscayne Bay, just west of Key Biscayne, near Hurricane Harbor
What to Expect: Nixon Beach Sandbar is a lively hotspot for Miami boaters, known for its vibrant party atmosphere on the water. Located in Biscayne Bay, just west of Key Biscayne near Hurricane Harbor, this sandbar is accessible only by boat.

While kayaks and paddleboards occasionally appear, most vessels here are motorized, creating a bustling scene, especially on weekends and holidays.

Visitors are drawn to the sandbar for its clear, turquoise waters and sandy shallows and the social atmosphere. Boats anchor closely together, and the air is filled with music and laughter as people gather to relax, enjoy refreshments, and soak up the sun. Floating coolers, inflatables, and even portable grills are common, adding to the festive, beachy feel.

Whether swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the unique Miami vibe, Nixon Sandbar offers a quintessential experience. Be sure to bring plenty of essentials, like sunscreen and refreshments, as the lively atmosphere often keeps people anchored here longer than planned.

Ideal For: Groups looking for a festive vibe, daytime beach-on-the-water fun, connecting with friends from multiple boats.
Boatsetter Tip: Bring plenty of supplies — water, sunscreen, shade — because you may be staying anchored longer than planned.

Bear Can Sandbar

Location: Near Crandon Park and Key Biscayne, northern section
What to Expect: Bear Can Sandbar offer boaters a naturescape, this tranquil sandbar is perfect for families, especially families with small children. Also, outdoors enthusiasts looking for a new spot to hangout.

You can find the Bear Can Sandbar in the northern section of Crandon Park, near Crandon Beach on Key Biscayne. It is one of the smaller sandbars in the area. You can reach it by a motorized boat or by smaller vessels like kayaks. 

It is very popular with snorkelers and scuba divers because of the clear blue water, coral reefs, and hidden underwater wrecks. You catch people meditating, reading, sunbathing, or walking along the sandbar alone, enjoying the peace and quiet. 

Ideal For: Families or guests seeking a more relaxed sandbar experience, with easier access from calm channels.
Boatsetter Insight: A great alternative when the popular sandbars are packed — but still shallow and anchoring must be done carefully.

Islamorada Sandbar / Whale Channel Sandbar

Location: Just off Windley Key, about MM 84, Florida Keys
What to Expect:Islamorada Sandbar is near Islamorada’s Village of Islands at Mile Marker 84. It is located just off Windley Key. This sandbar sits barely underwater, making it seem more hidden and interesting. People (and dogs) love climbing off their boats and wading in the shallow ankle to knee-deep water. When the water is low, many people love to lie on the sand of it where they are barely submerged in the water to sunbathe. Boats will sometimes raft up to hang out and party. 

Ideal For: Multi-boat groups, fishing/snorkel add-ons, or longer day trips from Miami/Keys region.
Boatsetter Tip: Currents and tides affect access more here — check local conditions and choose a captain with Keys experience.

Random sandbars 

Sandbars shift, merge, appear, disappear, and reappear. Take advantage of the newly appeared or reappeared sandbars for more privacy and peace, as it is unlikely that many other boats or people will join you on them. 

Explore the waters, enjoy the sandbars, have fun with the people you love, and be safe. Here are a few helpful articles for those of you new to boating or for those that need a refresher: 

• Running Out of Gas on a Boat? Here’s What to Do 
• Step by Step Guide for Anchoring Your Boat
• What to Do Before Fueling Your Boat

Sandbar Day Checklist

• Pack extra shade, floaties, coolers, sunscreen and water.
• Use navigation tools to approach sandbar flats safely — some areas may be shallower or shifting.
• If you’re hosting a charter, highlight your sandbar stop in the listing title — “Includes Sandbar Stop at Haulover” drives bookings.
• Respect local rules: avoid protected seagrass beds, limit noise after certain hours, anchor responsibly.
• Choose the right time of day: Lower boat traffic typically happens earlier in the day or on weekdays.
  Boatsetter Tip: For best conditions, aim for a sandbar stop mid-morning, anchor for a few hours, then cruise back for sunset views.

Are you ready to explore the sandbars of Miami but missing a boat? You can rent a boat and charter a captain right here. 

Boatsetter Team

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