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Nixon Beach Sandbar Party
Miami’s iconic boat-only sandbar hangout off Key Biscayne. Anchor, raft up, and wade in shallow Biscayne Bay water—best timed with the tide and good weather.
The Nixon Beach Sandbar Party (often called Nixon Sandbar or Nixon Beach Sandbar) is a classic Miami boating ritual: a shallow-water meet-up in Biscayne Bay where boaters anchor, raft-up, and spend the day swimming, floating, and socializing.
Located off Key Biscayne near the flats sometimes referred to as Mashta Flats, the “sandbar” changes with the tide—showing more at lower water and covering in more at higher water. That means timing matters: pick the right tide window and you’ll get comfortable wading depth with clearer, calmer water.
There’s no land access and no facilities here, so your day is all about planning like a boater: check the forecast, bring what you need, anchor responsibly (avoid seagrass), and keep a close eye on traffic during busy weekends and holidays.
About This Experience
Nixon Beach Sandbar is a shallow flat in Biscayne Bay off Key Biscayne, famous for its lively weekend party scene. Depending on tide, depths commonly range roughly 2–5 feet in the popular area, with deeper edges nearby—ideal for anchoring and stepping off the boat to wade. The spot is named for President Richard Nixon’s former nearby Key Biscayne home, and today it’s a go-to destination for Miami locals and visitors looking for the signature sandbar vibe: music, inflatables, and boats tied together in the shallows.
Popular Boat Routes & Itinerary Ideas
Straight to Nixon Sandbar (Anchor + Wade Day)
Head to the Nixon pin, idle in carefully as depths change fast, and set an anchor on sand. Spend the day wading, swimming, and socializing—then depart before dusk for an easier, safer run back.
Nixon Sandbar + Bear Cut Scenic Cruise
Start with a sandbar session, then take a mellow cruise through the nearby Bear Cut/Crandon area for classic Key Biscayne scenery. Great when you want variety without a long run.
Nixon Sandbar + Cape Florida Area Loop
After anchoring at Nixon, cruise toward the Cape Florida vicinity (Bill Baggs area) for a change of scenery. This makes a strong day plan when conditions are calm and visibility is good.
Virginia Key / Biscayne Bay Sunset Return
Wrap your sandbar day with a relaxed cruise back through Biscayne Bay past Virginia Key. Time your return with daylight and watch for increased traffic on peak days.
Perfect Boats for This Activity
Giuli at Key Biscayne
Giselle at Key Biscayne
Robalo Crandon
Donzi Dream
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Molto Piaciuto at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Blue
Pelican IV
Bramante
Giuli at Key Biscayne
Giselle at Key Biscayne
Robalo Crandon
Donzi Dream
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Molto Piaciuto at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Blue
Pelican IV
Bramante
Where This Activity Takes Place
Getting There
Multiple departure points available
Open in Maps
Local Tips for a Better (and Safer) Sandbar Day
Plan around the tide: many boaters aim for a rising tide toward high tide for comfortable wading depth and easier positioning.
Approach slowly: the flat can get shallow quickly—idle in and watch your depth.
Anchor on sand and avoid seagrass; don’t cut across shallow grass flats.
Crowds peak on weekends and holidays—arrive earlier for easier anchoring and more space.
Expect Marine Patrol/FWC presence on busy days; keep required safety gear and a sober operator.
Bring everything you need: there are no restrooms, trash service, fuel, or food on-site—pack out all trash.
Use extra fenders and proper lines if rafting up; leave room for swing and changing wind/current.
Best Time to Go
Pick a calm-weather day with good visibility and plan your arrival around the tide. The sandbar “shows” more at lower tide and fills in at higher tide, so choose a window that matches your comfort for wading depth. Weekends and holidays bring the biggest party scene; weekdays are typically calmer.
Visit Nixon Sandbar with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it easy to plan a sandbar day without the hassles of ownership. Choose a boat that fits your group, book through the app, website, or concierge, and focus on the fun—timing the tide, finding a good spot to anchor, and enjoying Biscayne Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
The recommended GPS pin is 25.6786, -80.1624 in Biscayne Bay off Key Biscayne, near the shallow flats often associated with Mashta Flats.
No—there’s no land access. It’s an open-water sandbar area that you reach by boat (private boat, charter, or PWC).
It depends on what you want: lower tide can expose more of the flat, while higher tide covers it in more. Many boaters prefer arriving on a rising tide toward high tide for comfortable wading depth and easier maneuvering.
Depth varies by tide and exact spot. Commonly cited depths are around 2–5 feet in the popular area, with deeper water near channel edges—always confirm with your depth sounder and approach slowly.
No. There are no facilities at the sandbar, so bring what you need and pack out all trash.
Popular nearby options include Crandon Park Marina (4000 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne; ramp open 24 hours, office 8 AM–5 PM) and Rickenbacker Marina (3301 Rickenbacker Causeway; office hours typically 8 AM–6 PM). Confirm parking, ramp rules, and fees before you go.
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