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Bay Harbor Islands Scenic Pass
Cruise under the Shepard Broad Causeway and time the Broad Causeway drawbridge like a local. This “scenic pass” is a key ICW gateway between Bay Harbor Islands, Bal Harbour, and Biscayne Bay.
“Bay Harbor Islands Scenic Pass” is best understood as the Shepard Broad Causeway corridor—famous on land for the SunPass toll program and on the water for the Broad Causeway Bridge drawbridge crossing the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).
For boaters, it’s a practical landmark and a planning checkpoint: the bridge’s opening windows, VHF hailing, and closed clearance can shape your run north to Haulover or south into Biscayne Bay.
Use this guide to time your transit, choose an easy cruising route, and build a smooth day on the water around Bay Harbor Islands.
About This Experience
The Broad Causeway Bridge is a bascule drawbridge on the Shepard Broad Causeway—an important connector over the ICW/Biscayne Bay waterways near Bay Harbor Islands. While the town’s “Scenic Pass” name is often associated with the Shepard Broad Causeway SunPass Toll Pass Plan (a vehicle subscription toll program), boaters care most about the on-water reality: bridge openings, VHF communication, and clearance when the bridge is closed.
Approaching by boat, monitor VHF Channel 9 and plan for scheduled openings during the day. This area is also a convenient jumping-off point for ICW cruising north/south, shoreline sightseeing near Bal Harbour/Surfside, and longer runs into Biscayne Bay.
Popular boat routes from the Broad Causeway area
Broad Causeway Bridge transit + Bal Harbour shoreline cruise
Idle up to the bridge, coordinate your opening (or pass under if your air draft allows), then cruise the scenic waterfront near Bal Harbour and Surfside for a relaxed sightseeing loop.
ICW run north to Haulover Inlet & Haulover Sandbar
Time the bridge, then continue north on the ICW toward Haulover. Conditions near the inlet can change quickly—keep a sharp watch near channels and follow local markers and no-wake zones.
Southbound ICW to Biscayne Bay cruising
After clearing the causeway corridor, continue south for open-water bay views and a classic Miami-area cruise. Great for photos, skyline views, and smooth-water planning on calmer days.
Perfect Boats for This Activity
Gambler
The 40 VanDutch
Litos Way
Mr Chief
Luxury Catamaran at Bill Bird
Kilauea
Spysea
Dolce Vita Leopard 90
Blaack Jack
Sanbella 44
Molto Piaciuto at Bill Bird
Le Grand Bleu at Bill Bird
Gambler
The 40 VanDutch
Litos Way
Mr Chief
Luxury Catamaran at Bill Bird
Kilauea
Spysea
Dolce Vita Leopard 90
Blaack Jack
Sanbella 44
Molto Piaciuto at Bill Bird
Le Grand Bleu at Bill Bird
Where This Activity Takes Place
Getting There
Multiple departure points available
Open in Maps
Boater tips for a smooth “Scenic Pass” transit
Hail and monitor the Broad Causeway Bridge on VHF Channel 9 as you approach.
Bridge opening schedule: open on signal except 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., when openings are typically on the quarter-hour and three-quarter-hour—build your itinerary around these windows.
Confirm your air draft: published closed vertical clearance is about 16 ft, and horizontal clearance about 80 ft; verify tides and any temporary restrictions before committing to a pass.
Stage your approach with room to maneuver—wind and current can make waiting uncomfortable near the span.
Expect possible schedule changes due to maintenance or studies; check for local notices if you’re planning a tight timeline.
If you’re arriving by car to meet your crew, note the Shepard Broad Causeway SunPass Toll Pass Plan is for vehicles and requires a SunPass transponder (not plate-only).
Best time to go
For the least waiting at the drawbridge, plan your transit outside the 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. window when possible, or arrive a few minutes before a quarter-hour/three-quarter-hour opening. Weekdays can be calmer for bridge queues; weekends are popular for northbound runs toward Haulover and general ICW traffic.
Go by boat with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it easy to plan a Bay Harbor Islands day on the water without the hassle of ownership. Choose your trip style—ICW sightseeing, Haulover cruising, or a Biscayne Bay run—and book when you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The named “pass” commonly refers to the Shepard Broad Causeway SunPass Toll Pass Plan for vehicles. For boaters, the relevant feature is the Broad Causeway Bridge drawbridge and how its openings affect ICW transit.
Vessels typically contact and monitor the bridge on VHF Channel 9. Have your request ready as you approach and follow the tender’s instructions.
It generally opens on signal, except from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. when openings are typically on the quarter-hour and three-quarter-hour. Schedules can change for maintenance—confirm day-of if timing is critical.
Published closed vertical clearance is about 16 ft (with roughly 80 ft horizontal clearance). Because tides and temporary restrictions can affect clearance, verify your air draft and current conditions before attempting a closed transit.
The bridge spans the Intracoastal Waterway by Bay Harbor Islands at approximately 25.887417, -80.142333—an easy navigation reference between Bal Harbour and the mainland side.
For the vehicle toll pass plan, contact the Town of Bay Harbor Islands (Town Hall: 1030 95th Street, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154; phone 305-866-6241; email [email protected]). Hours aren’t clearly posted on the pass-plan page, so confirm before visiting in person.
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