Is Raccoon Island worth it
What works
- See wild raccoons reliably — they gather at the shoreline and are used to boats
- Biscayne Bay is beautiful; dolphins and manatees are frequently spotted (never guaranteed)
- Guides know the bay, point out wildlife, and know which tours give best odds for raccoons
- SUP/kayak tours offer full-body paddle exercise; boat tours are relaxing
- Prices are fair for the experience: $74 (best value) to $140 per person
- November–May weather is excellent; calm water, clear skies, no hurricanes
Worth knowing
- The island itself is small and uninhabited; there is no infrastructure or visitor facilities
- Raccoons are wild animals; you cannot touch, hand-feed, or expect predictable behaviour
- No restrooms, no food, no water on the island; bring what you need
- Paddle tours are wet and bumpy; expect to get soaked and tired
- Summer (Jun–Aug) is hot, humid, and has afternoon thunderstorms; book early starts only
- Don't visit if you want a luxury beach day or a curated park experience
Who will love it
Wildlife lovers who want to see wild raccoons in their habitat. Kayakers and paddleboarders who want exercise and a scenic bay paddle. Photographers who want close-up wildlife shots. People curious about Biscayne Bay and Miami’s bay ecosystem. Families with kids old enough to sit in a boat or paddle. Anyone who wants an offbeat, real experience that is not a theme park or crowded tourist beach.
When to skip it
If you want a luxury resort experience or a manicured park, skip it. If you are afraid of water or get seasick easily, a boat tour may not suit you (though boat tours are gentler than paddle tours). If you want guaranteed dolphin sightings or hand-feeding wildlife, this is not it — wildlife is wild and cannot be promised. If you have a fear of water or wildlife, try a boat tour instead of paddling. If you dislike heat or humidity, visit November through May, not summer.
The honest trade-off
A Raccoon Island tour is real and unglamorous. You see wild raccoons on a quiet island, paddle or boat through the bay, and maybe see dolphins or manatees. You take what you need and take your trash. It is not a resort, not a theme park, and not an official park — it is a local guide showing you an actual place where wild animals live. If that is your thing, the tour is worth the cost and time. See how to get there and what to bring.
See all six tours compared, the best time to go, and book on GetYourGuide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Raccoon Island worth the money?
Yes, if you want to see wild raccoons and paddle or boat in Biscayne Bay. Prices range $74–$140 per person. You get a guide, wildlife access, and local knowledge. Skip it if you want a luxury resort or a manicured park. See all tour options.
Will I definitely see raccoons?
Almost certainly, yes. Raccoons live on the island year-round and gather at the shoreline. Guides know where they congregate. But they are wild animals; you cannot hand-feed or touch them. Keep distance and follow the guide’s rules.
What makes this different from a regular boat tour?
It is not a theme park or resort tour. You are visiting an actual uninhabited island where wild animals live. The only access is by water. No facilities, no shops, no restrooms. You bring water and snacks. It is unglamorous and real.
Is it good for families?
Yes, if kids are old enough to sit still in a boat or paddle. Boat tours are easier for young kids than paddle tours. Bring snacks, water, and sunscreen. Keep kids close to the guide at all times.
What if I get bored?
The island is small and visits last 20–40 minutes on the island itself. The real experience is the paddle/boat ride through the bay, the wildlife, and the local guide knowledge. If you only want an island beach day, book in ideal weather and enjoy the bay instead.