9 Best Sandbars in Florida
If clean powdered sugar-soft sands, warm clear-turquoise waters, unique views, and making new boat friends appeal to you, then you should check out the sandbars in Florida. While beaches tend to fill up with tourists since they are readily accessible, hidden sandbars are, well, hidden because you need a boat and to know how to get to them! Let us be your boat host and guide, here are the eight best sandbars in Florida:
- Disappearing Island
- Loxahatchee River Sandbar
- Three-Rooker Bar
- Peanut Island
- Stuart Sandbar
- Fort Pierce Sandbar
- Ski Island
- Crab Island Sandbar
- Whale Harbor Sandbar
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1. Disappearing Island
The Disappearing Island is a special barrier island (or sandbar) that only appears at low tide. Between New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet, it connects the north end of Mosquito Lagoon and the Halifax River. This majestic piece of paradise lends visitors views of the ocean, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, the North Indian River and Halifax River Junction, and the nearby beaches. There, you will see many locals and visitors paying homage to its beauty.
2. Loxahatchee River Sandbar (Jupiter Sandbar)
Jupiter, Florida is a city just north of West Palm Beach, you might’ve heard about its laidback atmosphere and serene beaches. You might not know that you can find the Loxahatchee River here (near the Jupiter Inlet). The Loxahatchee River Sandbar (or Jupiter Sandbar) attracts dozens of boaters every weekend; all party lovers and snorkelers naturally congregate here.
If you are interested in snorkeling, go to the east end of the mangrove island. Families should hang out on the west side of the sandbar, where the party scene really dies down. Also, make sure to show up about three hours before low tide and then wait for the water to come out. The sandbar is submerged under one or two feet of water during high tide. At low tide, the fine-sand sandbar is exposed, standing several feet above the water level.
3. Three-Rooker Bar
Three-Rooker Bar is a unique semicircular sandbar that has emerged within the last decade! Every year it accumulates more sand, and vegetation has begun to grow there! This magical sandbar is a highly popular spot (for good and obvious reasons— it’s beautiful).
It can get crowded on weekends, so bring your best stories and a cooler full of sharable beverages and snacks! The people are high energy and welcoming, and the water is unbelievably blue. Hop off the boat and, even if for 5 minutes, walk on the white-as-sugar sand and wade in this sandbar’s warm waters.
4. Peanut Island
Peanut Island is located in the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach. While this spot is not a sandbar, it is an artificial island created during the Cold War era to serve as former President Kennedy’s bunker, we included it because here, several sandbars appear and disappear throughout the day.
Not far from here, you have the Phil Foster Park Underwater Snorkel Trail, where you can dive deep and visit the exotic and gentle sea creatures that cohabit these waters. Onsite you also have a dock, fishing piers, camping sites, public restrooms, and plenty of pretty walking trails. This island is only accessible by boat.
5. Stuart Sandbar
Stuart, Florida, is a town with charming adoration for life on the water. You can find the Stuart Sandbar at St. Lucie Inlet on the bayside of Sailfish Point. The closest boat ramp is Sandsprit Park. When here, you’ll notice you’re surrounded… by pristine water and water views, making it a popular spot for sightseeing! Make sure to make the most of your half-day boat rental and cruise around the St. Lucie River (since you’re already there)!
6. Fort Pierce Sandbar
Fort Pierce Sandbar is in the Fort Pierce Inlet, on the north side of the channel leading out of the inlet. The appeal of the Fort Pierce Sandbar lies within the nearby Fort Pierce Inlet State Park and its cool reefs and natural seagrass meadows. If you want to explore a unique underwater scene or spot marine wildlife, this is the place for you.
After checking out the sandbar and its surrounding waters, sail over to Shorty’s Slough, Tucker Cove, and explore more of the Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. This park has several boat ramps and nearby bait and tackle shops, and then grab a bite at the five-star rated One Craft Weenie (at 905 Shorewinds Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949).
7. Ski Island
Ski Island is on the river, north of Banana River Bridge, just west of Port Canaveral.
While you might think of water skiing when you see its name, this is actually a top location for family boat day and sandbar fun! You will likely see other families picnicking, walking, wading, and swimming here. There are a lot of rare and interesting shells that find their way ashore here! You and your little ones may enjoy looking at them and may even take one home. Pack swim shoes, so those little feet aren’t cut up by the sharp and broken shell pieces.
8. Crab Island Sandbar
On the north side of the Destin Bridge (or Marler Bridge, depending on who you’re talking to) at the south entrance of Choctawhatchee Bay, is a sandbar with an interesting history called Crab Island (or Crab Island Sandbar).
In 1964, the US Corps of Engineers dredged the Destin Pass and used the waste sand to make a “spoil island.” It has been slowly eroding away since it was created, and now you can only see it at low tide. Water covers the island by one to four feet at high tide and is no longer uncovered at low tide. Sunbathe with friends, eat good food, and enjoy this piece of paradise while it’s still here.
9. Whale Harbor Sandbar
This sandbar is east of Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Whale Harbor Sandbar is a popular spot for gnarly boat parties. Not too far from it, you have The Sandbar, a waterfront bar with specialty drinks and tasty appetizers like Gator Bites. We strongly recommend not bringing your children here. If you’re looking to party and let loose for a bit (within means), this is the sandbar just for you.
Wanna read more on sandbar experiences in Florida?
- Miami Sandbar Boating Guide
- 6 Best Keywest Sandbars
- Everything You Should Know About Sandbar Parties
Explore water-travel destinations in Florida! Let us help you plan your next boat trip with our Destination Guides and other boating resources here.
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