Raccoons meet you on the paddle. I like the mangrove kayak part (quiet, shaded, full of bird-life chatter from guides like Alejandra and Tony) and the up-close raccoon island experience where you can swim and watch them swarm right when you land. One thing to plan for: mosquitoes and wet weather can turn the island into an itchy test, especially after rain.

This tour is simple by design: you meet at 10800 Collins Ave, get geared up, paddle through the Osprey Nature Preserve area, then spend real time on Sandspur Island—commonly called Raccoon Island. The vibe is personal (with a stated max of 11), and it feels built for people who want wildlife, not a marathon workout.

For $99 for 2 hours 30 minutes, you’re paying for guided paddling plus the boat transport, equipment, and included snacks/drinks—so you’re not piecing together rentals and a separate day trip. If you’re expecting a dry, casual stroll, adjust your plan. Bring bug spray and footwear you don’t mind losing traction in the sand.

Key things to know before you go

• SUP or kayak, both included: You’ll choose your watercraft, and the tour provides the gear.
• Boat-to-dock setup: You don’t kayak the whole distance from Miami Beach.
• Raccoons appear fast: When the kayak lands, you can get immediate attention from them.
• Food is part of the show: Snacks and drinks come along, and you’ll be offered treats on the island.
• Mangroves plus wildlife facts: Guides share what’s going on in the ecosystem as you paddle.
• Plan for bugs: Mosquito swarms are a real risk on some days.

Raccoon Island by SUP or Kayak: what you’re really signing up for

This is a wildlife-focused water outing, not a cruise and not a race. You’ll paddle through shallow coastal waters near Osprey Nature Preserve, then spend time on Sandspur Island—where the headline is the raccoons. The “wow” moment usually isn’t just seeing them from a distance. It’s the way they move in as soon as you arrive, curious and bold in a way that feels almost staged—until you remember they’re wild animals chasing food.

I also like that the guides act like field teachers. Expect short lessons that connect the mangroves, the water, and the animals you can spot—things like how the mangrove area functions and what lives around it. On past trips, guides have gone beyond the basics, including extra info about trees and animals and even making first-time paddlers feel safe and capable.

The one “don’t ignore this” issue is comfort. You should assume you’ll get wet at least a little, and on some days the mosquitoes can be severe. If you’re sensitive to bites, bring stronger repellent than you think you’ll need, and consider long sleeves you can tolerate.

Price and included value: why $99 can make sense here

At $99 per person for about 2.5 hours, the price is easier to justify because you’re not paying separately for:

• Kayak or SUP equipment
• Snacks and drinks (including alcoholic beverages per the tour details)
• Guided transport/boat assistance to shorten the paddling distance

You’re also buying the experience design. The raccoon island encounter can’t be replicated as easily on your own, because the paddling route, timing, and guide-led approach keep everything smoother. Even people without kayak experience have said the trip was manageable once they got instruction on the water.

That said, I’d still be picky with your expectations. Some groups have reported that it didn’t feel strictly capped at 11 people on their boat. That doesn’t mean every departure is crowded, but it does mean you should show up expecting the trip to be social and water-space limited, especially in windy or choppy conditions.

Meeting at Miami Beach: how the logistics affect your day

You start at 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. The experience uses a mobile ticket, so keep your phone charged and easy to access.

Arriving early matters more than you’d think. A few people have mentioned confusion about where to meet, especially around long dock walkways and limited signage. My advice: if you can, arrive 20–30 minutes ahead and plan to ask staff to point you to the correct dock area. If you’re arriving by rideshare, give yourself extra time. Small delays can snowball when you’re boarding a scheduled boat.

Also keep in mind the day includes multiple water moments:

1) paddling through mangroves/low water,

2) an open-water paddle toward the island, and

3) then heading back at the end.

The trip isn’t all the same kind of paddling, so bring a mindset that you’ll adjust effort as conditions change.

Getting to the mangroves: paddling that feels like a nature lesson

Most of the “settling in” happens right away. You’ll meet your guide, get on your kayak or SUP, and start moving through the mangrove area around the preserve. This is where the trip often wins people over, because mangroves feel sheltered and alive—tree roots, birds overhead, and a slower rhythm that makes it easy to talk with your guide.

Guides like Alejandra and Tony (and others such as Liam, Sean, Connor, and Adam on different departures) have a similar pattern: they point out wildlife and explain what you’re seeing while you paddle. If you like learning while you travel, this is one of those tours that gives you something to carry home besides photos.

Then comes the stretch that tests your shoulders a bit. Several people noted that heading out toward the island can feel tougher than the mangrove stretch. If you’re new to kayaking or you’re not in great upper-body shape, it’s still doable—but you’ll paddle with more effort during the open-water parts, and you may get your arms working.

Sandspur Island (Raccoon Island): what the raccoons are like up close

Once you arrive at Sandspur Island—aka Raccoon Island—the experience flips from paddling focus to wildlife focus. You’ll get time to explore and often swim. This is also where the raccoons show their personality.

From what I’d expect based on repeated guide-led behavior: raccoons come right up when the watercraft lands, and they’re attracted to treats quickly. People have described them as cute, gentle once they settle, and also a bit pushy at first if food is involved. That pushiness is part of animal behavior, not something you control. The best approach is calm and respectful: don’t grab, don’t crowd, and treat the raccoons like you’re observing wildlife that happens to be close.

The food part is worth understanding. You’ll get snacks and drinks included, and you’re also typically offered fruit treats on the island (watermelon shows up often). Some guides encourage you to share appropriate pieces as raccoons approach. A few people swear by bring-your-own fruit like grapes because raccoons seem to go especially for them, but you should follow what your guide instructs and don’t overdo it.

One more island reality: mosquitoes. Several people warned that mosquitoes can swarm on the island and even during parts of the mangrove paddling. If you’re prone to bites or allergic reactions, bug spray is not optional. One guest even reported the crew offered Benadryl cream after bites got bad, which tells you the risk can be real.

Optional extras: island hike and snorkeling, when conditions allow

This experience can include more than the main island time, and it depends on your group and your guide. Some outings have included an island hike where you learn about mangroves and even check things like snails and fish in shallow spots. Other people have also described snorkeling being added in some way—often as a short activity near the island—using equipment provided by the guides.

The practical takeaway: don’t pack your schedule like this is only one rigid plan. If your guide offers a hike or a short snorkeling window, it’s usually the kind of extra that makes the day feel longer and more varied without adding hours.

Also, consider that conditions affect what’s possible. Wind and water chop can change how comfortable everyone feels, and rain can change both bugs and visibility. If weather is marginal, you’ll want to treat any extras as conditional.

Guides, small-group vibe, and the reality of “max 11”

The stated structure is a small-group tour with a maximum of 11 travelers. That’s ideal, because it keeps paddling manageable and makes it easier for a guide to keep an eye on everyone’s gear and comfort.

At the same time, a couple of reports have described larger-than-expected numbers on a boat. If your priority is a truly intimate group, I’d message the operator before you go and ask whether your departure is running at the stated group size. It’s a simple question that can save you from a crowded feeling.

On the positive side, the guides seem to be a huge part of the success. Names that came up repeatedly included Alejandra, Tony, Matthew (as a captain), Jenna and Matt (as crew), Sean, Connor, Liam, Ashley, Angie, Chuck, Adam, and Francis. Guests consistently praised how guides:

• keep people safe and supported,
• help first-timers learn the basics,
• give fun, practical explanations of wildlife and habitat,
• and handle the day with energy without turning it into chaos.

What to pack: keep your phone and your skin happy

This is a “you will get wet” tour. Even when the water doesn’t splash wildly, you can still expect spray, island puddles, and damp gear.

Here’s what I’d treat as essential:

• Water shoes / sea-sand shoes: You’ll want traction on the island and confidence getting in and out of the water.
• Insect repellent: If mosquitoes are bad (and sometimes they are), this makes or breaks the comfort level.
• Bug-proof clothing: Long sleeves can help if you’re bitten easily.
• Waterproofing for your phone: A wet bag helps, and some crews sell phone cases—still, don’t rely on luck.
• A small dry bag plan: Keep your essentials protected between paddling and island time.
• Fruit if you want: Some guests recommend grapes or other fruit (like bananas, cantaloupe, grapes) because raccoons seem drawn to it. If you do bring food, follow your guide’s directions so the animals don’t get fed in a chaotic way.

Also, expect sun and salt effects. Pack sunscreen and consider a hat you don’t mind getting damp. If it’s windy, you’ll likely feel it, especially in open-water sections.

Safety and comfort: kayaking in chop without panicking

Kayaking is often easier than people expect—until you hit wind or choppy water. A few guests specifically mentioned that the mangrove part was relaxing, but the paddle toward the island could be tougher.

If you’re a first-time paddler:

• listen closely during the instruction,
• go slow and steady when you feel resistance,
• and don’t fight the current. Let the kayak do its job while you guide it.

The tour is built with guide support and included equipment, so you’re not figuring this out alone. Still, your comfort depends on conditions. If you hate anything unpredictable on water, check the forecast and consider how you handle discomfort.

Who should book this tour—and who might not love it

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• a wildlife encounter that feels personal,
• kayaking or SUP without needing to plan equipment or route,
• and a guided explanation of a real coastal ecosystem.

It’s also great for animal lovers and families who want a memorable, hands-on day. A number of guests brought kids and said it worked well, especially when guides kept the pace friendly.

I’d be more cautious if:

• you have a strong mosquito sensitivity,
• you expect a totally relaxing, dry experience,
• or you’re looking for a large “destination” type of attraction with lots of infrastructure.

This is nature, and nature can be messy. The payoff is that it’s real.

Should you book? My decision guide

If your dream Miami morning includes mangroves, guided wildlife talk, and a chance to see raccoons up close on Sandspur Island, this is an easy recommendation. The combination of boat-assisted route, included gear, and actual time on the island makes the $99 feel practical rather than random.

Book it if you can handle getting wet and you’re willing to bring repellent. I’d also message to confirm your group size for the departure you want, given occasional reports of larger-than-expected numbers.

Skip or rethink it if mosquitoes or rain absolutely wreck your comfort, because you may spend island time dealing with bites. In the right weather and with the right prep, though, this tour has the rare quality of turning a strange idea—raccoon island on a paddle—into a genuinely fun, wildlife-first morning.

FAQ

How long is the SUP or kayak trip?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, USA, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

You get all equipment, snacks and drinks (including alcoholic beverages), guided paddling, and the guided time on Sandspur Island.

Do I need to know how to kayak or use a SUP?

Most travelers can participate, and guides help people get comfortable. If you’ve never paddled before, it’s still designed to be manageable.

How big is the group?

The tour lists a maximum of 11 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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