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Pace Picnic Island
A water-access-only Biscayne Bay hangout just off Miami’s Upper Eastside—perfect for anchoring out, wading to shore, and soaking up skyline views.
Pace Picnic Island (often listed as “Pace Picnic Islands”) is a small, uninhabited spoil island in Biscayne Bay near Miami’s Edgewater/Upper Eastside. It’s best known as a simple, low-key boating destination: drop anchor, hop in the shallows, and set up a quick beach-style picnic with the city skyline as your backdrop.
There’s no dock, no facilities, and no road access—visiting is all about self-sufficient day boating. Plan to anchor nearby and get to shore by dinghy, paddleboard, or by wading/swimming when conditions and tides allow.
Because Miami’s spoil islands have faced periodic closures and renewed enforcement, it’s smart to confirm current rules before you go and practice strict pack-in/pack-out etiquette.
What to expect when you arrive
Pace Picnic Island is typically visited by anchoring off in shallow water and heading in by dinghy, paddleboard, or wading/swimming (conditions vary with tide and wind). Expect a small natural shoreline with limited shade, shallow flats, and nearby channel traffic—approach at idle speed, use charts, and keep a sharp lookout. On busy days you’ll see other boats staged nearby for swimming, lounging, and casual picnics.
Find This Destination
Getting There
A short hop from Edgewater/Upper Eastside and Downtown Miami launching points (distance varies by ramp and route).
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About This Destination
Pace Picnic Island is part of Miami’s “Picnic Islands,” a cluster of small bay islands known for casual beach stops and quick escapes from the mainland. The island is named for the nearby Margaret Pace Park area along the mainland. While it feels like a mini getaway, it’s still close enough to keep the Miami skyline front-and-center—one of the main reasons boaters love it.
Boats to Get You There
BeerBoss
Zero Stress
Dream Big
BOATYX
Pao Pao
Axopar 37
Pirentinha
Ocean Breeze
Bella Vita
Dances With Dolphins
The Ark
AZ Azimut
BeerBoss
Zero Stress
Dream Big
BOATYX
Pao Pao
Axopar 37
Pirentinha
Ocean Breeze
Bella Vita
Dances With Dolphins
The Ark
AZ Azimut
Local boating tips
Check current City/County rules before you go—spoil islands have seen closures and reopened periods with stricter enforcement.
Do not tie off to trees or vegetation; anchor properly and avoid sensitive shoreline areas.
Bring more rode than you think you’ll need—winds can shift in Biscayne Bay, especially with afternoon sea breezes.
Approach slowly: shoals and sand/mud flats shift, and depth can change quickly off the edges.
Go early for better holding room and a calmer swim/wade-in.
Pack out all trash (and consider bringing an extra bag to pick up any litter you find).
Popular boat routes to Pace Picnic Island
Morningside Park Ramp → Pace Picnic Island
A convenient local launch for Upper Biscayne Bay. Idle out, follow marked water and local knowledge, then set up to anchor off the island for a quick swim and picnic stop.
Watson Island area → Skyline loop → Pace Picnic Island
Great for visitors who want a scenic cruise: run the Downtown/MacArthur Causeway corridor for views, then head north into the bay to anchor and relax off Pace Picnic Island.
Picnic Islands hop (Morningside/Legion area) → Pace Picnic Island
Island-hop between nearby Picnic Islands for a variety of swim stops. Ideal when one spot is crowded or wind-exposed—just keep an eye on depth and traffic.
Visit Pace Picnic Island with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it easy to plan a Biscayne Bay day on the water—from a quick morning swim stop to a full skyline cruise with a picnic at anchor. BoatPass membership covers captain, fuel, and docking on all trips, with flexible booking through the app, website, or concierge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pace Picnic Island is in Biscayne Bay just offshore from Miami’s Upper Eastside/Edgewater area. Use the GPS coordinates 25.7981538, -80.1769915 to navigate to the feature location.
There’s no formal marina dockage or reservable slips at the island. Most boaters anchor nearby and go ashore by dinghy, paddleboard, or by wading/swimming when conditions allow.
Rules and access can change due to pollution concerns and enforcement actions on Biscayne Bay spoil islands. Check the latest City/County updates and posted regulations before heading out.
Often, yes—many visits involve shallow-water anchoring and wading in, but depth varies with tide, wind, and shifting bottom contours. Approach slowly and verify depth before committing to an anchor spot.
Plan to be self-sufficient: anchor/rode (plus a backup), a dinghy or SUP, sun protection, food and water, trash bags, bug spray (seasonal), and standard safety gear. If snorkeling, bring and properly display a dive flag.
Common nearby launch options include Morningside Park (750 NE 55th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137; published ramp hours typically 8:00 AM–6:00 PM) and Watson Island public ramp access near 1050 MacArthur Cswy, Miami, FL 33132. Confirm fees, parking rules, and any closures before towing.
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