If you’ve already planned a fun weekend getaway with your family to snorkel, dive, and get away from the crowded city streets, then look no further as we’re here to provide you with all the information you need for your trip to this stunning island with finding the best activities within Peanut Island snorkeling to bond with your loved ones.
Originally known as Inlet Island, Peanut Island was formed in 1918 by rearranging the nearby land and sea features, resulting in the inlet and the present-day port of Palm Beach. Due to a 1946 intention to start a company shipping peanut oil, the island was dubbed Peanut Island.
The business failed, but the name has endured. Following a $13 million makeover of the island in 2005, it is now a stunning 80-acre tropical paradise with a backdrop of the Caribbean Sea that draws visitors from all over the world to enjoy the ideal vacation with friends and family.
Where is Peanut island?
Peanut Island, aptly named due to its peanut shape, is a man-made island situated in the heart of the Lake Worth Lagoon, just a stone’s throw from the vibrant city of West Palm Beach. It’s a sanctuary of natural beauty, a maritime playground, and a historical treasure trove all rolled into one.
Nestled like a hidden gem amidst the sparkling waters of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, Peanut Island is a place where memories are made, and adventures are born.
As someone who has had the privilege of visiting this unique destination, I can attest to its undeniable charm and the myriad of experiences it offers to those who seek solace or adventure by the water’s edge.
From the moment you step foot on this enchanting isle, you’ll feel its magnetic pull, drawing you into a world where pristine beaches, azure waters, and the thrill of exploration come together to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Peanut Island Snorkeling
Peanut Island snorkeling has been named one of the top snorkeling places in the United States by major tourism websites and surveys from around the world.
If you’re keen on an exciting adventure, prepare to get up close and personal with what lies underneath because snorkeling is perfect year-round in the tropical paradise. On Peanut Island, the sea is always the same temperature and offers quiet, current-free waters.
There are numerous aquatic ecosystems and dynamic marine life to discover beneath Peanut Island. You might come across magnificent marine life, including Parrot fish, Angelfish; water Stars, Sea Turtles, Moray Eels, and other fascinating water critters.
You will need to rent snorkeling equipment once you arrive at Peanut Island. Once you have everything you need, you can explore the entire underwater area of the park in addition to the snorkeling lagoon.
Around Peanut Island, there are many snorkeling lagoons to choose from, so you can pick your favorite location at your convenience. Additionally, Peanut Island snorkeling provides internal snorkeling tours so you may delegate the exploring to the pros.
The greatest time to snorkel around Peanut Island for snorkelers traveling alone is around high tide, typically a few hours before and after the phenomena. To determine the optimal time, it is preferable to research tide charts.
The current can nevertheless provide a significant risk, especially for young children and inexperienced swimmers, even though snorkeling around Peanut Island is quite safe compared to other beaches.
Therefore, before diving underwater, check the water currents for up to 20 minutes to see if they are safe. Before you jump, don’t forget to put on your life jacket or snorkel vest.
History of the Island
Believe it or not, Peanut Island snorkeling has such an interesting story. It was created with the dredged sand when developing Lake Worth Inlet and surrounding waterways. The process started in 1918 and this piece of land slowly became an 80-acre park.
It was given the name Peanut because the initial aim was to build a peanut oil transportation operation, which never materialized. A fascinating fact is that, following this, it served as President John F. Kennedy’s nuclear bomb shelter throughout the Cold War. You can also explore the Kennedy Bunker beneath while on the island.
After undergoing renovations that included the construction of hiking trails, picnic spots, a campsite, and the Peanut Island snorkeling lagoon, the park was reopened in 2005.
Peanut Island snorkeling lagoon
Peanut Island Park, one of Florida‘s top snorkeling locations, offers tourists the chance to see a wide variety of fish species and invertebrates. Kids and adults alike can enjoy simple and secure shallow-water snorkeling near the southeast tip of Peanut Island.
Additionally, a diversity of marine species is drawn to the rock breakwaters that serve as an artificial reef on the east side. In addition to several types of coral, you can see crabs, lobsters, prawns, sea urchins, and sponges here.
Peanut Island manatees
Manatees can be found in Palm Beach County’s coastal waters all year. They congregate in the warm seas near the Riviera Beach Power and Light Plant throughout the winter, and they frequently go snorkeling at Peanut Island! They enjoy loitering in the serene, safe bay and on the breakwaters.
Manatees frequently come to the surface to breathe, so look for a swirl or nose on the water. In the mangrove lagoon on the west side, where swimming is prohibited, you can also see manatees while strolling along the boardwalk.
Best time for Peanut Island snorkeling
Due to the island’s advantageous location, the ocean remains moderate even in the winter, allowing trips to Peanut Island for snorkeling possible throughout the year. High tide is the ideal time for snorkeling. The finest circumstances, with calm and clear water, are right before and right after high tide.
Before your journey, check the marine forecast to find out when high tide is, or ask the shuttle boat employees, who can also give you information on the weather.
Please be aware that there is a possibility for a strong current as the tide changes, therefore weak swimmers advise remaining close to shore and that wearing an inflated snorkel vest is a good idea.
Peanut Island ferry
Taking the shuttle boat from Riviera Beach Marina, where parking is free, is the best method to get to Peanut Island. Every 20 minutes, there is a ferry run seven days a week. For an adult roundtrip, it costs $12; for children, it costs $6.
Even better, since the entire establishment is dog-friendly, you can bring your furry pals along as well. Renting a snorkel costs $10 per day.
A water taxi is another option, but it doesn’t run frequently or every day, so be sure to check in advance if you want to go that route. You may also take one from Sailfish Marina.
Things to do on Peanut Island
Whether you come here alone, with family, or with friends, you will undoubtedly have a relaxing yet active day because there is so much to do. You can choose from several programs in addition to snorkeling.
One of the most popular ways to see the park’s natural splendor is via paddle boarding or kayaking. For the finest experience, don’t skip the full moon and sunset paddle tours! Although renting a board or kayak is an option, you can also bring your own.
Fishing is permitted in specific places, from boats or piers. Adrenalin addicts can also hire Jet Sky. The more than mile-long walking path is ideal for jogging and walking in addition to these activities.
Camping
If you want to spend more time in this gorgeous setting, the park has a designated campground with 17 campsites that include a picnic table, grill, and tent pad. This small quantity allows you to comfortably take in the island’s pristine natural beauty.
There are also restrooms and showers. Call the park’s office to make reservations! The shuttle boat operator also sells camping tickets, which cost $20 per person and come with camping supplies. Children pay half price.
What to bring for Snorkeling?
Bring everything you’ll need for your stay since food and drinks are not available on-site. There are available grills, shelters, picnic spaces, baths, and restrooms.
Alcohol is not permitted (aside from in the designated camping sites), and the personnel may examine your cooler box when you board the shuttle boat.
As previously indicated, the shuttle boat offers snorkel rental; however, if you have your flippers and snorkeling goggles, bring them along.
Kennedy Bunker at Peanut Island
An underground fallout bunker erected in December 1961 as a safe refuge for President John F. Kennedy, whose family’s Palm Beach property was minutes away across the ocean, is hidden on Peanut Island.
In 2017, the Kennedy Bunker was permanently shuttered. After years of contention, the non-profit that oversaw the facility lost its lease with the county. The bunker and the island’s former Coast Guard station are subject to county decision-making.
Other water activities on Peanut Island
Paddle Boarding
Due to its tranquil, calming, and gratifying nature, paddle boarding has gained appeal not only in the nation but also throughout the world. You’ll be pleased to learn that Peanut Island snorkeling also offers paddle boarding.
It’s the ideal approach to take in the tranquil atmosphere of the lagoon and discover the island from the outside. A wonderful physical activity to refresh your muscles is paddle boarding.
It’s the ideal approach to take in the tranquil atmosphere of the lagoon and discover the island from the outside. A wonderful physical activity to refresh your muscles is paddle boarding.
For many people, it’s an excellent water activity because it doesn’t demand the same abilities and bravery as other water sports like surfing and jet skiing. You can paddle around the island while sitting, kneeling, or, if you’re feeling brave, standing.
The special thing about paddle boarding on Peanut Island is that you may go at any time of day, from early in the morning to late at night.
In contrast to other beaches where your options are limited till the sun sets, Peanut Island offers full moon paddle boarding so you may take in the full moon’s radiance while taking in the lagoon’s reflections.
Similar to snorkelling, paddle boarding cruises are widely available to take you around the island, allowing you to easily enjoy Peanut Island without bringing aboard.
Jet Skiing
In Peanut Island, Jet Ski rentals are available. For those seeking some heart-pounding fun, this is ideal. Skiing is permitted throughout South Florida’s stunning waterways, and you are free to take in all the island’s splendour at your leisure.
Similar to snorkeling and paddle boarding, you may choose to learn how to use a jet ski on your own or in a group under the guidance of an experienced instructor. If you grow weary of riding the waves, you can always switch to kayaking, lounge on a paddleboard, or go snorkeling to take in the island’s splendor.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a simpler activity for you to move from one place to another in a relaxing manner if skiing is too exhausting for you. Kayaking makes it simple to take in the sights of the beaches, the palm palms that dot the island, the unmanicured rock formations, and the vegetation along the coast that encircles Peanut Island.
Kayak rentals for one and two people are available at Peanut Island. You have several choices for leisurely exploring the island thanks to the mangrove channels and the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters. As always, there are guided kayaking trips available to show you the best sites and save you time.
Boat Tours
You can also rent a passenger boat for your family to obtain an amazing view of the island’s beaches, plant life, sea life, and animal life to fill your imagination with natural beauties. You can enjoy the good life while getting the best possible unhindered view of the region’s history.
You can take one of several boat tours across Lake Worth Lagoon, including the Peanut Island Sunset Tour and Peanut Island Eco Tours, to seek for or accidentally run into reefs, mangrove channels, and a variety of marine life, including manatees, sea stars, and hermit crabs.
Useful Resources
Conclusion
Don’t be afraid to take a half-day trip to Peanut Island if you’re in the Palm Beach vicinity to enjoy some excellent Peanut Island snorkeling. The island is in excellent condition and makes a great location for people to engage in water activities.
The amount of marine life you will see while snorkeling on Peanut Island is astounding. Peanut Island is a charming little hidden escape from the South Florida vibe, even though there are several places nearby that can provide some wonderful underwater experiences, including Jupiter in the north and Key Biscayne in the south.