Haulover Sandbar by Yacht: A Guide to Miami’s Famous Sandbar
Haulover Sandbar is one of the most searched-for boating spots in Miami, and for good reason. A short ride up Biscayne Bay brings you to shallow, clear water where boats anchor side by side, music plays and people spend the afternoon swimming, paddle boarding and relaxing on deck. This guide explains what the sandbar is like, when to go and how to plan the day on a private yacht.
Where is Haulover Sandbar?
The sandbar sits at the north end of Biscayne Bay, just inside Haulover Inlet and next to Haulover Park, between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles Beach. It is a stretch of shallow sand surrounded by turquoise water, and at the right tide much of it is waist-deep, which makes it easy to step off the swim platform and stand in the water.
Nearby landmarks include Haulover Park and its beach, the Haulover Inlet bridge on Collins Avenue and the marinas around the park. Coming from downtown Miami, Brickell or the South Beach marinas, the trip is a scenic cruise north through the bay, past the Miami skyline and the waterfront homes of the islands.
What to expect at the sandbar
- A party atmosphere on weekends: Saturdays, Sundays and holiday weekends are busy, with dozens of boats anchored together, music and a lively crowd.
- A quieter scene on weekdays: if you want calm water and space, a weekday visit is very different from a Sunday afternoon.
- Water activities: swimming, floating mats, paddle boards and snorkeling in the clear shallows.
- Sun all day: there is no shade on the sandbar itself, so the yacht’s covered areas, plenty of water and sunscreen matter.
When is the best time to go?
Tides and crowds
Tide makes a big difference. Around low tide the sandbar is at its shallowest and most of the area is easy to stand in; at high tide the water gets deeper. Most visitors arrive late morning or early afternoon and stay until the late afternoon. On holiday weekends it can get very crowded, and local authorities sometimes put special rules in place, so it is worth checking the current regulations before you go.
Why go by private yacht
Captain, crew and comfort
You can reach the sandbar on any boat, but a private yacht with a licensed captain and crew makes the day far easier. The captain handles the route through the bay, the anchoring in a crowded area and the timing with the tide, while you focus on your guests. A larger yacht also gives you shade, restrooms, a sound system and space to serve food and drinks, which matters when you are spending several hours on the water.
Billionaire Club Miami focuses on other private experiences on the water: catamaran rentals and yacht charters, yacht tours past the mansions of Star Island and private yacht day trips to the Bahamas on our luxury yachts in Miami.
More ways to enjoy a day on the water in Miami
- Catering on board: a private chef or catered lunch served on deck.
- A party on the water: a DJ, hostesses and decorations for birthdays and boat parties in Miami; our partners at VIP Miami Party also organize yacht parties with DJs.
- Star Island yacht tour: a cruise past the skyline, Star Island and Fisher Island, with a sunset return to the marina.
- Getting there and back: a private driver to and from the marina.
Tips for a good sandbar day
- Plan around the tide and the weather; afternoon thunderstorms are common in Miami summers.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and plenty of water.
- Avoid glass on the sand and in the water, and take all trash back on board.
- Respect no-wake zones and the posted rules; they can change, especially on holiday weekends.
- Book early for weekends and holidays, when the best yachts are reserved well in advance.
Plan a private day on the water in Miami
Tell us the date and the size of your group, and we will suggest a catamaran, a Star Island yacht tour or a private yacht day trip to the Bahamas. Contact Billionaire Club Miami to start planning.
