Raccoon Island: Exploration on SUP/Kayak

Paddle your own kayak or stand-up paddleboard through Biscayne Bay's mangrove-lined waterways to reach Sandspur Island, better known as Raccoon Island, home to a genuinely tame and social population of wild raccoons. The route passes through the Osprey Nature Preserve, giving guests a real taste of South Florida's coastal ecosystem before arriving at the island itself, where guests can walk the shoreline, swim, and get remarkably close to the raccoons for photos. A knowledgeable guide leads the group throughout, answering wildlife and ecosystem questions along the way, with several reviewers specifically praising guides for their patience with families and younger paddlers. Complimentary refreshments, including fresh fruit and drinks, are provided, and some guides bring extra fruit specifically to share with the raccoons, giving guests a more hands-on wildlife encounter than some other similar tours in the area. Because the pace is set to accommodate the group and the day's heat, this tour stays approachable even for less experienced paddlers or families with kids. This tour is a strong fit for wildlife lovers, families, or anyone who wants a genuinely memorable, close-up animal encounter as part of an active outdoor outing. With well over a thousand reviews and consistently strong ratings, it's one of the most popular ways to visit Raccoon Island.