Miami: Beginner Snorkeling & Paddleboarding with Island Stop

Shallow Water Snorkeling Off Miami Where You Can Stand Up

You paddle out to Sandspur Island in shallow water, snorkel with provided equipment while a guide teaches you what you're seeing, eat fresh fruit and drink cold beverages on the island, and stand up whenever you need to. No swimming ability required, and the guide stays with you the whole time. Plan for no bathroom access during the tour itself.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Kayak to Sandspur Island
• Learn about nature and wildlife
• Explore and snorkel around island
• Meet furry island friends

The Experience

The water is so clear you see the sand beneath your feet before you step in. You're paddling out from Miami toward Sandspur Island—also called Raccoon Island—in water that stays waist to chest deep the whole way. The guide is already pointing out what's moving in the shallows: fish that usually live out on the reef, but drift in here because the island sits right by an ocean inlet. You don't need to be a strong swimmer or have done this before. If you get nervous while snorkeling, you just stand up.

The day starts with paddleboarding out to the island, and the guide talks through what you're seeing as you go—the wildlife, the way the water changes color, how to read the current. Once you arrive, there's time to explore the island itself, meet the raccoons that live there, and then get in the water with the snorkeling gear. The equipment is all provided, and so is fresh fruit and cold drinks—Gatorade, sodas, water—so you're not thirsty or hungry while you're out there. The whole thing is built around not needing experience. The guide stays right with you, teaching as you go, making sure you're comfortable. The water is so shallow that standing up is always an option, which changes everything about how it feels.

One thing to know: there's no bathroom on the kayak or paddleboard, so use facilities before you leave. The tour runs rain or shine unless it's canceled before you start, and you'll get a call if that happens. Bring a towel and wear something you don't mind getting wet. The whole experience—paddling, snorkeling, the island time—is the kind of thing that works whether you're doing it for the first time or you've snorkeled a hundred times before.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• paddleboard or kayak use.
• bottled water.
• fresh fruit.
• Gatorade, sodas and water.
• guide instruction on wildlife and nature.
• access to Sandspur Island.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by So Flo Water Adventures

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to snorkel and paddleboard in shallow water where you can always touch bottom and don't need swimming experience—the depth and guide support are what make it work for first-timers and nervous swimmers.

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Top questions

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. The water around the island is only waist to chest deep, so you can stand up at any time. The guide teaches you as you go and stays with you in the water.

What's included in the tour?

Snorkeling equipment, paddleboard or kayak use, bottled water, fresh fruit, Gatorade, sodas, and a guide who teaches you about the wildlife and nature along the way.

How far is Sandspur Island from Miami?

The island is close enough to reach by paddleboard or kayak from the departure point, with the guide teaching about nature and wildlife during the paddle out.

What kind of fish and wildlife will I see?

You'll see many of the fish that live on the reef, since the island sits near a direct ocean inlet. The island is also home to raccoons you can meet while you're there.

What if it rains?

The tour runs in rain unless it's canceled. If cancellation is necessary, you'll be notified by the time the tour is scheduled to begin.

Is there a bathroom during the tour?

No. Bathrooms are available before and after the tour. Plan accordingly, as you'll be on a kayak or paddleboard the whole time.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. Everything else—water, snacks, equipment—is provided.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is designed for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. The shallow water and guide support make it accessible even if you've never paddled or snorkeled before.