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Nixon Sandbar Key Biscayne
Miami’s iconic Biscayne Bay sandbar hangout—shallow turquoise water, skyline views, and a legendary weekend raft-up scene. Boat or PWC access only.
Nixon Sandbar (also called Nixon Beach Sandbar or Nixon Beach) is a shallow-water sandbar in Biscayne Bay off Key Biscayne, often associated with the nearby Mashta Flats. It’s one of Miami’s most famous “raft-up” destinations—boats anchor in skinny, clear water and spend the day swimming, floating, and socializing.
There’s no land access, no facilities, and the best shallow areas shift with tide and conditions—so planning matters. Use the GPS pin below as a go-to meeting point, arrive early on busy days, and be ready to anchor responsibly while keeping clear of deeper channels.
Whether you’re going for a laid-back weekday float or the full weekend scene, Nixon is all about timing (tide + wind), good boat handling, and bringing everything you’ll need for a safe, comfortable day on the water.
What to expect at Nixon Sandbar
Nixon is a shallow sandbar zone where depth commonly sits around 2–5 ft in the best areas (varies with tide and exact spot). Weekends and holidays can be crowded with music, float mats, and boats rafting together; weekdays are usually calmer and more family-friendly.
Water clarity and comfort change quickly with wind and tide. Currents can be noticeable near deeper edges and channel-adjacent water, so set your anchor carefully, keep an eye on swing room, and avoid drifting into traffic lanes.
Find This Destination
Getting There
Varies by launch point—commonly a short run from Key Biscayne marinas and ramps across Biscayne Bay.
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About This Destination
Nixon Sandbar’s name is commonly linked to Richard Nixon’s former Key Biscayne home (often referenced as the “Winter White House”), which was later torn down (frequently cited as 2004). The name stuck, and today the area is best known as a classic Biscayne Bay sandbar hangout near the Mashta Flats—an expanse of shallow flats that become more pronounced at lower tides.
Boaters come for the easy swim-and-float setup, postcard views of Key Biscayne and the Miami skyline, and the social raft-up culture that turns busy days into a floating neighborhood.
Boats to Get You There
Giselle at Key Biscayne
Robalo Crandon
Donzi Dream
BeerBoss at Key Biscayne
Gulf to Golf at Key Biscayne
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Whiskey & Waves at Key Biscayne
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Blue
Por Que Knot
Giselle at Key Biscayne
Robalo Crandon
Donzi Dream
BeerBoss at Key Biscayne
Gulf to Golf at Key Biscayne
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Whiskey & Waves at Key Biscayne
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Blue
Por Que Knot
Boater tips: anchoring, safety & etiquette
Use this GPS pin as a meeting point, but remember the true shallow “sweet spot” shifts with tide—confirm depth with your sounder as you approach.
Arrive early on weekends/holidays; the best shallow/anchoring areas fill up fast.
Mind sudden depth changes at the edges—stay alert near deeper water and keep well clear of channels and traffic lanes.
Anchor responsibly: target sand patches when possible and avoid anchoring on seagrass (a Biscayne Bay best practice).
If rafting up, bring extra dock lines and fenders; communicate clearly with neighboring boats to prevent bumps and drifting.
Plan for zero on-site services: no restrooms, trash, fuel, or food—pack water, supplies, and take all trash with you.
Expect marine patrol/FWC presence on busy days—have required safety gear ready and operate sober.
Popular boating routes to Nixon Sandbar
Crandon Park Marina → Nixon Sandbar
A convenient Key Biscayne launch/parking option. Head out into Biscayne Bay, then slow down as you near the flats and follow safe, deeper water until you can confirm depth at the sandbar.
Key Biscayne Bay Cruise + Nixon Sandbar
Combine skyline views with a sandbar stop. Cruise Biscayne Bay for photos, then settle in at Nixon for swimming and floating before heading back.
Nixon Sandbar → Cape Florida (Bill Baggs) add-on
Start with the sandbar scene, then reposition for a more scenic, nature-forward finish near Cape Florida and the lighthouse area (conditions and anchoring rules vary by spot).
Go to Nixon Sandbar with BoatPass
BoatPass makes sandbar days simple—book a boat in the app, on the website, or through concierge and head to Nixon with confidence. BoatPass membership covers captain, fuel, and docking on all trips, so you can focus on timing the tide, bringing the right gear, and enjoying Biscayne Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nixon Sandbar is in Biscayne Bay off Key Biscayne, commonly referenced near Mashta Flats. Use 25.6786, -80.1624 as a reliable go-to pin/meeting point, then confirm depth as the shallow area shifts with tide.
No—Nixon Sandbar is a boat/PWC-access-only destination in open water. There’s no land access and no on-site facilities.
Daytime around rising to high tide is often preferred for more comfortable depth and easier positioning. For clearer water, choose lighter-wind days; weekends/holidays bring the biggest crowd.
In the best shallow areas it’s often described around 2–5 feet, but depth varies significantly with tide, wind, and your exact position—use a sounder and approach slowly.
Bring navigation tools (chart/GPS), an anchor with adequate rode, extra lines and fenders for raft-ups, life jackets, water, sun protection, floaties, and trash bags—there are no restrooms, food, fuel, or trash service.
A common option is Crandon Park Marina/Crandon Park on Key Biscayne (6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL; marina office 305-361-1281). Parking and fees can change—verify at arrival. Many boaters also stage from nearby Key Biscayne and Miami marinas before heading out.
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