Miami River & Nixon Sandbar: Half-Day Boat Party & Swim

Four Hours on the Water: Miami River to Nixon Sandbar's Party Scene

You board a boat in Miami, cruise the river and inter-coastal waterway past Downtown landmarks and Vizcaya, then anchor at Nixon Sandbar for swimming, floating on inflatables, and relaxing in the sun. The cooler with ice is included, and the whole outing takes four hours with no schedule once you arrive at the sandbar. You decide whether to party or unwind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Miami River Cruise and Nixon Sandbar

• Depart Miami River cruise
• Cruise Downtown Miami waterway
• Arrive at Nixon Sandbar
• Party or relax at Nixon Sandbar
• Enjoy sun and water inflatables

The experience

You've just landed in Miami, dropped your bags, and the afternoon is open. The boat leaves the dock and heads straight into the Miami River: the waterway cuts through Downtown Miami like the city's own private highway, and from the water you see the skyline the way locals do, not from the highway. The cruise moves past Vizcaya Museum and Gardens on one side, the Rickenbacker Trail visible along the causeway, and then opens into the inter-coastal waterway where the pace shifts. That's when you realize you're headed somewhere that's not on the usual tourist loop.

Nixon Sandbar sits just west of Key Biscayne, and it's exactly what the name suggests: a shallow sandbar where the boat pulls up and drops anchor. The whole point is choice: you can stay on the boat with a drink and watch the water, wade in with the inflatables the crew provides, or swim if you're comfortable in open water. The cooler comes stocked with ice, so you bring your own drinks or grab something cold. Some people dance on the boat, some people float, some people just sit and let the sun do the work. There's no itinerary once you're there, no schedule to keep. Four hours means you have real time, not the rushed feeling of a quick stop.

The boat handles the whole half-day Miami River and sandbar experience. You don't arrange transport to the dock, figure out which waterway goes where, or wonder if the sandbar is actually accessible that day. The crew knows the route, knows the water, and knows how to make the afternoon work whether you want to party or just decompress. Infants can come along (they sit on an adult's lap), and the boat's set up for people at different fitness levels, though it's not the right fit if you have spinal issues or cardiovascular concerns that rough water might aggravate.

What’s included

• Four-hour Miami River and inter-coastal waterway cruise.
• access to Nixon Sandbar near Key Biscayne.
• swimming and floating with provided inflatables.
• cooler with ice.
• boat party atmosphere or relaxation option.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 15:00

Book up to12h before

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mr. Sea Boat Rentals

Is this one for you?Book this if you land in Miami with a free afternoon and want to be on the water without arranging your own boat, planning stops, or figuring out where to swim. The crew handles the route and the sandbar is the destination, so you just show up and decide how you want to spend the time.

Traveler reviews

4.33★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

How long is the Miami River boat tour?

The full outing is 4 hours, including the cruise and time at Nixon Sandbar.

What's included on the boat?

A cooler with ice is provided. You bring your own drinks or purchase them separately.

Can I swim at Nixon Sandbar?

Yes. The boat provides inflatables, and you can swim, float, or stay dry. It's your choice.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Infants and small children can come along. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Strollers and prams are allowed.

Where does the boat depart from?

The tour starts with a cruise along the Miami River and Downtown inter-coastal waterway before heading to Nixon Sandbar near Key Biscayne.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a towel, and drinks if you prefer your own. The cooler with ice is supplied.

Is this a party boat or a relaxation tour?

Both. The sandbar attracts people who want to party, but you can also spend the time swimming, floating, or relaxing in the sun. There's no pressure either way.

Are there any health restrictions?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. It's suitable for all other fitness levels.