Haulover · Nixon · Biscayne Bay
Miami Sandbar Yacht Charter
Shallow, clear water a short cruise from the marina, at the sandbar that suits your group.
A sandbar day is the most requested yacht charter in Miami, and for good reason. A few minutes from the marina, the bay drops to shallow, sandy water where you can step off the swim platform, stand with a drink and watch the boats come in. Miami has two main sandbars, and they feel nothing alike.
Haulover sandbar sits in the north of Biscayne Bay, just inside Haulover Inlet. On weekends it is the lively one, with music, rafted-up boats and a crowd that comes to be seen. Nixon sandbar lies off Key Biscayne to the south, and it is usually calmer, with more space to swim and a skyline view back toward the city.
On the day, the captain chooses the exact spot based on the tide, the wind and how busy each sandbar is. Larger yachts anchor at the edge in deeper water, so how close you get depends on the yacht. Tell us whether you want a party or a quiet swim, and we will shortlist the right yacht and sandbar.
Haulover or Nixon
Haulover: the lively one
North Biscayne Bay near Bal Harbour. Busiest on weekends, with music and plenty of boats. The choice for bachelorettes and birthday groups.
Nixon: the calmer one
Off Key Biscayne, with more room to spread out and swim. Good for families, couples and groups who want a slower day.
The captain picks the spot
Tide, wind and crowd levels change by the hour. The captain decides where to anchor so the yacht sits safely and the water is pleasant.
Water toys
Many yachts carry paddle boards, floats or other toys, and some offer more. What is on board varies by yacht and is listed in your quote.
Pair it with lunch
A sandbar morning followed by lunch by boat on the Miami River is one of the easiest ways to fill a six-hour charter.
A sample 4-hour sandbar charter
11:00
Board at Miami Beach Marina; the captain explains the plan for the day's tide and wind.
11:30
Cruise up Biscayne Bay past the Venetian Islands toward Haulover, or south to Nixon.
12:00
Anchor at the sandbar. Swim, wade, use the floats and enjoy lunch on deck.
14:15
Lift anchor and take the long way back for skyline views.
15:00
Return to the marina.
Yachts that suit a sandbar day
Yachts with easy swim-platform access and open deck space, from 60 to 92 feet, each with captain and crew.
60' Azimut
Supreme
Up to 13 guests · From $2,800 / 4 hours
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60' Azimut
Supreme II
Up to 13 guests · From $2,800 / 4 hours
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82' Pershing
Milagros
Up to 13 guests · From $5,200 / 4 hours
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88' Princess
Freedom
Up to 13 guests · From $6,800 / 4 hours
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92' Pershing
Pershing 92
Up to 13 guests · From $6,900 / 4 hours
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88' Azimut Grande
Cloud 9
Up to 13 guests · From $9,000 / 4 hours
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Frequently asked questions
Which Miami sandbar is better, Haulover or Nixon?
It depends on the day you want. Haulover, in North Biscayne Bay, is the social one and fills up with boats and music on weekends. Nixon, off Key Biscayne, is usually quieter with more space to swim. Your advisor can suggest the better fit for your group, and the captain makes the final call on the day.
What is the best time to go to the sandbar?
Midday is the classic time, when the sun is high and the water looks its clearest. The best window also depends on the tide, since the sandbar is shallowest around low tide. Weekend afternoons are busiest. The captain will time the stop around conditions on your date.
What should I bring for a sandbar yacht day?
Swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, reef-friendly sunscreen and a cover-up for the cruise back. Water shoes help on the sand. Leave hard-soled shoes at home, since most yachts ask guests to go barefoot on deck. Ask your advisor what the yacht supplies, such as towels and toys.
Can a big yacht get close to the sandbar?
Larger yachts need deeper water, so they anchor at the edge of the sandbar rather than in the shallowest part. Depending on the yacht and the tide, guests may swim a short distance to reach standing depth. If being right on the sand matters to you, a 60-foot yacht is often the better choice.
Can we go to the sandbar and then to a restaurant?
Yes. A common six-hour plan is a sandbar morning followed by lunch on the Miami River at a waterfront restaurant such as Kiki on the River. We confirm dock space and your table with the restaurant for your date before you book.
Plan more time on the water
Plan your sandbar day
Tell us your date, group size and whether you want a party or a quiet swim. We will match you with the right yacht and sandbar.
Altrove Yachts is a charter broker and arranges yachts from third-party operators. Availability, pickup marina and pricing are confirmed in writing with every quote.