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Monument Island Anchoring
Anchor off the sandy edge of Flagler Memorial Island and enjoy shallow-water swims, skyline views, and a quick walk to the iconic Henry Flagler monument. It’s one of Miami’s classic boat-day stops—easy, scenic, and social.
Monument Island (also known as Flagler Memorial Island) is a small, boat-in public island park in Biscayne Bay, located between the MacArthur Causeway and Venetian Causeway—just west of South Beach/Miami Beach.
Boaters come here to set the hook in the shallows, wade or swim in clear water near the sand, raft up with friends, and hop ashore for a short stroll to the centerpiece: the Henry Flagler memorial obelisk.
Because it sits in a busy, central stretch of the bay, conditions can change quickly with wakes and traffic—so a smart approach, a good anchor set, and respectful spacing go a long way toward a stress-free day.
About This Experience
Monument Island is an artificial island park built as a memorial site in Biscayne Bay. The monument—constructed in the early 1920s (often cited as 1921)—features a tall obelisk and statues around the base. Today it’s a go-to anchoring spot thanks to its sandy edges, shallow water for wading, and big views of Miami’s skyline and the nearby causeways.
Expect a lively vibe on weekends (especially mid-day) with plenty of boat traffic and wakes. Weekdays and mornings tend to be calmer, making it easier to choose a sandy patch, set your anchor cleanly, and enjoy a more relaxed swim.
Suggested Boat Routes & Mini-Itineraries
Quick Monument Island Drop-In (Swim + Monument Walk)
Approach slowly, find a sandy patch off the island’s edge, anchor in the shallows, then wade or dinghy/paddle in. Walk to the Flagler memorial for photos before heading back out.
Causeways & Islands Sightseeing Loop
Start near Watson Island or Miami Beach, cruise past the Venetian Islands and along the Venetian Causeway, then stop to anchor at Monument Island for a swim break before looping back.
Star Island + Monument Island Day Cruise
Combine a slow cruise around Star Island, Hibiscus, and Palm Islands with a mid-day anchor at Monument Island. Great for guests who want both sightseeing and a swim stop.
Sunset at Monument Island
Arrive late afternoon for easier anchoring and softer light. Enjoy skyline views as the sun drops, then depart before full dark unless you’re fully set up for night navigation.
Perfect Boats for This Activity
Moon
Mocca
Azimut TH
Azimut 48
Azimut DD90
The Godfather
Azumut Fly 80
Azimut FR60
Andiamo Azimut
Pardo 43 I
Whiskey & Waves at Miami Beach
Le Grand Bleu at Miami Beach
Moon
Mocca
Azimut TH
Azimut 48
Azimut DD90
The Godfather
Azumut Fly 80
Azimut FR60
Andiamo Azimut
Pardo 43 I
Whiskey & Waves at Miami Beach
Le Grand Bleu at Miami Beach
Where This Activity Takes Place
Getting There
Multiple departure points available
Open in Maps
Anchoring Tips & What to Know Before You Go
Use the GPS point for the island’s center (25.7852, -80.1528), then choose a safe anchoring spot based on depth, traffic, and bottom type.
Typical reported depths near common anchoring areas are around ~7–8 ft, but vary by tide and exact location—confirm with your sounder.
Approach slowly and look for sand patches; avoid anchoring on seagrass to protect Biscayne Bay habitat and improve holding reliability.
Expect wakes and heavy traffic near the causeways—set a solid anchor, watch your swing radius, and leave extra spacing (especially on weekends).
Stay clear of marked channels and give swimmers and other boats plenty of room; follow any posted guidance or instructions from local patrols.
Plan pack-in/pack-out: bring water, food, and a trash bag. There are no reliable on-island services—leave it cleaner than you found it.
Bring sun protection and shade (secure it well), plus water shoes for hot sand or rocky edges.
If you’re launching from Miami Beach near Maurice Gibb Park, verify current parking rules—some nearby municipal parking is residents-only and the lot has overnight closure hours.
Best Time to Anchor at Monument Island
For the calmest water and easiest anchoring, go on weekday mornings. Weekends and mid-day are typically busiest with raft-ups and larger wakes. Sunset is a favorite for photos and skyline views—just plan your departure timing and navigation for changing light.
Visit Monument Island with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it simple to plan a Monument Island anchoring day—whether you want a quick swim stop or a full Biscayne Bay cruise. With BoatPass, your membership covers captain, fuel, and docking on all trips, so you can focus on the route, the views, and the on-the-water experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Monument Island (Flagler Memorial Island) is in Biscayne Bay between the MacArthur Causeway and Venetian Causeway, just west of South Beach/Miami Beach. A commonly used GPS reference for the island’s center is 25.7852, -80.1528.
Depths commonly reported near popular anchoring areas are around 7–8 feet, but it varies by tide and your exact position. Use your depth sounder and set up with a safe margin for your draft and swing.
No—there’s no street access or on-island parking. You’ll need to arrive by boat (or paddlecraft). Parking depends on your launch point, such as Watson Island ramp area or the Miami Beach/Maurice Gibb area (check current restrictions and residents-only rules).
Plan for minimal to no reliable facilities. Bring what you need (water, snacks, sun protection) and pack out all trash. Keeping the island clean is a major priority for Biscayne Bay.
Yes, raft-ups are common, especially on weekends. Make sure everyone sets anchors properly, maintains safe spacing and a clear swing radius, and stays aware of wakes and shifting wind/current.
Weekdays and mornings are usually quieter with fewer wakes and easier anchoring. If you want the classic social vibe, weekends are lively—arrive earlier to secure a good sandy spot.
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