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Haulover Inlet and the Bridges Between Aventura and the Ocean

By Scott Blaine Hoffman · November 8, 2026 · 6 min read

From Aventura, the Atlantic is about five miles away by water, but between you and it are bridges, manatee zones and one of South Florida's most notorious inlets. Here's what to know before you go.

The bridges, north to south

The short version: if your boat is under about 26 feet of air draft you can run from Hallandale to Haulover without waiting on a bridge. Taller boats time the Sunny Isles and Hallandale openings, and anything over about 32 feet can't use Haulover Inlet at all.

Haulover Inlet

Baker's Haulover Inlet was cut in 1925 and is the only direct link between north Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic. It's reported to hold around 12 feet, with currents of 4 to 6 knots. Inbound, the channel turns hard to starboard past the A1A bridge and runs north about 0.6 miles to the Intracoastal.

The inlet's reputation comes from an outgoing tide running against an incoming ocean swell, which stacks up steep standing waves at the mouth. On a strong ebb with an east or northeast wind, it can be dangerous for small boats. Check tide and wind before you go, and if it looks rough from inside, it's worse outside.

Slow zones on the way

From November 15 to April 30, the main Intracoastal channel through Dumfoundling Bay drops to slow speed for manatees, and the waters around Oleta River State Park and Maule Lake are slow speed year-round outside the channel. Read our local knowledge guide for the details.

Depth

The federal project depth for the Intracoastal from Fort Pierce to Miami is 10 feet, but shoaling happens, especially outside the marked channel in Dumfoundling Bay. Use NOAA Chart 11467 and check Local Notices to Mariners.

FAQ

What is the clearance of the Haulover Inlet bridge?

The fixed A1A bridge over Haulover Inlet has about 32 feet of vertical clearance.

Does the Sunny Isles Causeway bridge open on demand?

Only outside its scheduled hours. Weekdays from 7am to 6pm and weekends and holidays from 10am to 6pm it opens on the quarter-hour and three-quarter-hour. Hail on VHF channel 9.

Is Haulover Inlet dangerous?

It can be, mainly on an outgoing tide against an onshore swell. On calm days it's a routine run; on rough days it's a good reason to stay on the bay or head for the Haulover sandbar instead.

This article is a planning summary, not a navigation aid.

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