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Haulover Sandbar Family Picnic
Spend a sun-splashed day anchored in knee- to waist-deep water just inside Haulover Inlet—perfect for swimming, snacks, and a relaxed family raft-up. Aim for rising to high tide for the clearest, most comfortable “natural pool” conditions.
Haulover Sandbar is one of Miami’s most iconic boat-up spots—an ever-shifting shallow area on Biscayne Bay just west of Haulover Inlet (Baker’s Haulover Cut). On the right day and tide, it feels like a calm, clear-water wading pool where kids can splash and adults can unwind while staying close to the city.
For a family picnic vibe, timing is everything. Plan for late morning through early afternoon—especially on weekdays—and target rising to high tide for better water depth and clarity. Bring shade, plenty of water, and a simple floating setup (no shore facilities here), then make the sandbar your “base camp” for an easy bay cruise before heading back.
About This Experience
Haulover Sandbar sits on the bay side of Haulover Inlet, where tidal flow and shifting shoals create a shallow wading area popular for anchoring, swimming, and socializing. The inlet itself was carved in 1925, and it’s known for strong currents and active boating traffic—one reason families often prefer staying inside the bay near the sandbar rather than lingering near the channel.
Because the sandbar’s shallowest spots change with tides, currents, and periodic dredging, use the GPS to arrive in the area, then navigate by depth sounder and visual cues. For a family picnic, the goal is stable anchoring, safe spacing from other boats, and a calm swim zone away from marked channels.
Easy Family-Friendly Boat Routes
Sandbar Base Camp (Swim + Picnic + Chill)
Anchor near the shallowest visible area around the sandbar, set up shade, floaties, and a simple picnic. Keep kids in life jackets and establish a clear swim boundary on the protected bay side, away from traffic lanes.
ICW Sightseeing Loop (Before or After the Picnic)
Cruise the Intracoastal Waterway north or south for waterfront views and mansion-spotting, then return to the sandbar for a swim. Keep speed down in no-wake zones and watch for bridges, wakes, and traffic.
Haulover Inlet Watch (From a Safe Distance)
Take a short ride toward Haulover Inlet to observe conditions near the jetties, then turn back. Do not loiter in the channel and avoid areas with strong current—this is best treated as a quick look, not a stop.
Nature-Forward Detour Toward Oleta River Area
If you want a calmer, greener add-on, cruise toward the Oleta River area for a change of scenery, then head back to the sandbar. Route choice depends on draft, wakes, and traffic—go slow and follow marked waterways.
Perfect Boats for This Activity
Sanbella 44
Le Grand Bleu at Bill Bird
Whiskey & Waves at Bill Bird
Dolce Vita Leopard 90
Kilauea
Vitamin Sea
Spysea
Blaack Jack
Jerico V
Giselle at Haulover
Lupo One
The 40 VanDutch
Sanbella 44
Le Grand Bleu at Bill Bird
Whiskey & Waves at Bill Bird
Dolce Vita Leopard 90
Kilauea
Vitamin Sea
Spysea
Blaack Jack
Jerico V
Giselle at Haulover
Lupo One
The 40 VanDutch
Where This Activity Takes Place
Getting There
Multiple departure points available
Open in Maps
Family Picnic Tips (Tide, Anchoring, Safety)
Time your visit for rising to high tide for the clearest, most comfortable shallow-water experience.
Choose late morning to early afternoon for a calmer, more family-friendly vibe; weekdays are typically less crowded.
Anchor on sandy bottom with gear suited for sand, set it well, and re-check that you’re holding before everyone gets in the water.
Confirm your swing radius so you won’t drift into nearby boats as wind and tide shift.
Keep kids in properly fitted life jackets—currents can change quickly near inlet-adjacent areas.
Stay out of marked channels and avoid anchoring where you could drift toward the inlet route.
Bring shade (bimini or securely attached umbrella), reef-safe sunscreen, and more drinking water than you think you’ll need.
Pack out everything—there are no restrooms or trash service on the sandbar.
Use a depth sounder and idle speed when approaching; the shallowest area shifts and can surprise first-timers.
Best Time to Go
For a family picnic, plan around rising to high tide (check a local tide chart for Haulover/Biscayne Bay). The sweet spot is typically late morning through early afternoon when visibility is good, energy is high, and you’re less likely to run into the late-day party crowd on peak weekends.
Do Haulover Sandbar the Easy Way with BoatPass
BoatPass helps you plan a smooth sandbar day—from picking the right departure marina to getting on the water with confidence. BoatPass membership covers captain, fuel, and docking on all trips, with no initiation fees, no contracts, and the flexibility to cancel anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Haulover Sandbar is on Biscayne Bay just west (inside) of Haulover Inlet / Baker’s Haulover Cut near Bal Harbour and North Miami Beach. Use 25.9075, -80.1235 to navigate to the area, then locate the shallowest spot by depth and visuals.
Rising to high tide is usually best for families because the water is clearer and more comfortable for wading and swimming. At lower tide, some areas can be very shallow and conditions can change quickly.
It can be family-friendly with the right precautions: keep kids in properly fitted life jackets, set clear swim boundaries, stay well away from marked channels, and be extra mindful of current and traffic because you’re close to an active inlet.
No. The sandbar has no on-site facilities. Plan to pack out all trash and bring everything you need for the day (water, shade, snacks, first-aid essentials).
The closest official access point is Haulover Park (10800 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33154). The park is generally sunrise to sunset, with specific boat ramp and parking lot hours—confirm current rules and posted rates on arrival.
Use an anchor appropriate for sand, set it firmly, and verify you’re holding before anyone swims. Check your swing radius, avoid anchoring in or near marked channels, and re-check as wind and tide shift.
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