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Flagler Memorial Island
A classic Miami boat-day stop in Biscayne Bay, known for its iconic 97-foot obelisk and easy anchoring nearby. Come for skyline photos, a quick swim, and a sandbar-style hangout—boat access only.
Flagler Memorial Island—often called Monument Island or Flagler Monument Island—is an uninhabited, boat-in island park in Biscayne Bay between the MacArthur Causeway and the Venetian Causeway. It’s one of the most recognizable on-the-water landmarks in the Miami Beach area, with a tall memorial obelisk that’s easy to spot as you cruise the bay.
Most visitors treat this as a short-stop destination: drop anchor in the nearby shallows, hop ashore for photos and a picnic-style break, then continue your day around the bay. Plan for strong sun, plenty of boat traffic and wakes near the causeways, and limited to no amenities—pack in what you need and pack out everything you bring.
The memorial was built in 1921 and features a 97-foot obelisk surrounded by four 18-foot statues representing education, industry, prosperity, and Henry Flagler’s pioneering spirit—making this small island feel like a big Miami moment from the water.
What to Expect on the Water
Flagler Memorial Island is primarily an anchoring-and-go-ashore destination. Expect a sandbar-style vibe with boats staged around the island, people swimming and wading near the edges, and steady traffic transiting between the causeways. The experience is scenic and social, but it can be loud and wakey at peak times. There are no guaranteed services on the island, so plan like it’s a bring-your-own-everything stop (water, shade, and cleanup gear). Visit during park hours (sunrise to sunset) and keep an eye on changing depths—approach slowly and navigate with updated charts and your sounder.
Find This Destination
Getting There
Central Biscayne Bay—quick boat ride from Miami Beach, Watson Island, or Downtown Miami marinas (run time depends on your departure point and conditions).
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About This Destination
Flagler Memorial Island (Monument Island) is a boat-in park managed by the City of Miami Beach. The island’s centerpiece is the Henry Flagler memorial: a 97-foot obelisk erected in 1921, framed by four 18-foot statues symbolizing education, industry, prosperity, and Flagler’s pioneering spirit. The monument is highly visible from Biscayne Bay and is a favorite backdrop for Miami skyline photos. Access is by boat only—there’s no bridge, road, or on-island parking. Most boaters anchor off the island in the surrounding bay (Waterway Guide commonly reports depths around 7–8 feet near typical anchorage areas, but conditions can change), then wade or dinghy in for a brief beach-and-photo stop. The City encourages responsible trash disposal to protect Biscayne Bay; plan on pack-in/pack-out.
Boats to Get You There
Moon
Mocca
Seaduction 52
Four Keeps
Azimut TH
Azimut ONK 48
Azimut FR60
The Godfather
De Antonio 42
TIHT Azumut Fly 80
Andiamo Azimut
Azimut 62e ALL
Moon
Mocca
Seaduction 52
Four Keeps
Azimut TH
Azimut ONK 48
Azimut FR60
The Godfather
De Antonio 42
TIHT Azumut Fly 80
Andiamo Azimut
Azimut 62e ALL
Local Tips for a Smooth Visit
Go early if you want quieter water and easier anchoring—weekends can be crowded with raft-ups.
Approach slowly: the island sits near busy corridors by the causeways, and wakes can stack up.
Use current charts and your depth sounder; shallows and bottom contours can shift.
Set a solid anchor with proper scope on sandy bottom; consider an anchor float/ball for visibility in heavy traffic.
Bring shade and extra water—sun exposure is intense and amenities are limited or not guaranteed.
Pack out all trash (bring extra bags). Consider a quick mini-cleanup to help protect the bay.
If you plan to remain anchored beyond a day trip, verify current local anchoring rules and any enforcement limits before you go.
Popular Boat Day Routes
Quick Monument Island Photo + Swim Stop
Anchor nearby, swim or wade in the shallows, and walk the island for photos with the obelisk. Great as a simple add-on to any Biscayne Bay cruise.
Causeway Cruise Loop (Miami Beach ↔ Downtown Views)
Cruise along the bay between the MacArthur and Venetian Causeways, pause at Monument Island, then continue for skyline sightseeing before heading back.
Monument Island + Downtown Miami Dock-and-Dine
Start with anchoring at Monument Island, then run across the bay to dock near Downtown Miami/Bayside for food and a shoreline break (confirm slip availability and docking rules at your chosen marina).
Visit Flagler Memorial Island with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it easy to plan a Biscayne Bay day trip to Flagler Memorial Island without the hassles of ownership. Choose a boat, book in minutes, and head out for a classic Miami itinerary—monument photos, a swim stop, and a scenic cruise between the causeways.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s in Biscayne Bay in the Miami Beach area, between the MacArthur Causeway and the Venetian Causeway. GPS: 25.78510, -80.15282.
No. It’s a boat-in island park with no road or bridge access. You’ll need a boat (or go with someone who has one) to visit.
No public dock or slips are typically indicated for the island. Most visitors anchor nearby and go ashore from their boat (or by dinghy).
The City of Miami Beach lists the park as open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Plan for limited/no amenities: drinking water, sun protection and shade, swim gear, safety gear (life jackets, first-aid kit, VHF), a reliable anchor setup, and trash bags to pack out everything.
Anchoring is common around the island, but local rules can change and enforcement may apply (especially for extended anchoring). Always confirm current regulations and use updated charts; approach slowly due to traffic and shallow areas.
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