Today we are heading to Florida's Treasure Coast to check out Peanut Island. Our friends Ron and Karen have joined us for this trip. Our first stop is Sailfish Marina where we will board the water taxi to Peanut Island. The Island is only accessible by boat unless you happen to be a really great swimmer! There is a 1.25 mile paved walking trail around the Island, several bathrooms, a museum, a campground, plenty of beaches, a snorkeling area, and a secret bomb shelter built for President Kennedy. Oops! I guess it's not a secret anymore! You can tour the bomb shelter Thursday through Sunday.
The 79 acre island is the result of dredging an inlet waterway from Lake Worth to the Atlantic Ocean in 1918. All of the dredged material was piled up to produce this island. Its original name was Inlet Island. In the early 1940's, there was a plan to use the island for shipping peanut oil. But, that plan failed in 1946 and the island was renamed Peanut Island anyway.
We arrived at Sailfish Marina in plenty of time to purchase our $12 round trip ticket to the island.
This is our water taxi captain!
This is Captain Ron, the real taxi captain!
This is what Peanut Island looks like from our Marina. You could probably swim to the island from here if you wanted to; but, I wouldn't recommend it. Although, the turquoise colored water was very clear, it would allow you to easily spot any sharks that might be looking for a snack.
When we stepped foot on the Island, we could take this trail to the right...
or the left. We chose left.
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| The campground is to our right. |
The next two shots are the inlet that was dredged to make this island. You can see the ocean from here.
This is one of the beaches on Peanut Island. The area by the rocks is a great place to snorkel.
We continue our leisurely walk along the paved path.
The boat traffic could present a problem if you decided to swim here! Ha!
This is a small lake inside the island.
The water is so clear you could almost drink it!
This is a cruse ship docked at Riviera Beach Marina. There is another water taxi that departs from this marina to Peanut Island.
This is a view from the south east side of the Island.
This is Sailfish Marina as seen from Peanut Island.
It's such a nice day to walk the trail and take some time to enjoy the views.
Since this was our first trip to Peanut Island, we weren't sure what to expect. But, when we visit the Island again we'll bring some drinks and maybe a lunch, and we'll plan to take the $14 (senior price) tour of the museum and bomb shelter. Maybe even spend some beach time. Whatever you end up doing here, you will certainly have a great time...guaranteed!
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