Peanut Island Park
A 79-acre tropical paradise in Palm Beach, offering clear waters, abundant marine life, and recreational activities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for wildlife sightings
Peanut Island Park
Best Time
Best for wildlife sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 79-acre tropical paradise in Palm Beach, offering clear waters, abundant marine life, and recreational activities.
"It feels like you've left Florida entirely and made your way to the Bahamas!"
🚢 Shuttle Boat Info
Book shuttle tickets online or in advance for weekends. It's a quick 5-10 min ride!
🤿 Snorkel at High Tide
Clearer water and better visibility for spotting marine life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
Various beach areas
Experience incredibly clear, calm waters perfect for swimming and wading. Feels like the Bahamas!
Abundant Marine Life
Snorkeling areas, especially around rocks
Snorkel alongside manatees, sea turtles, tropical fish, and even octopuses.
+5Paved Nature Trails
Island-wide
Explore the island's 79 acres on well-maintained paved paths, ideal for leisurely walks.
Manatee Sightings
Near the shore and in the lagoon
Witness these gentle giants up close, especially in the mornings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Peanut Island
+4Best Time for Snorkeling & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Shuttle Boat Info
Book shuttle tickets online or in advance for weekends. It's a quick 5-10 min ride!
🤿 Snorkel at High Tide
Clearer water and better visibility for spotting marine life.
🐢 Wildlife Encounters
Keep an eye out for sea turtles, manatees, and iguanas! +3
☀️ Shade is Limited
Bring your own umbrella or hat, as shade near the water is scarce.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Shuttle Boat Info
Book shuttle tickets online or in advance for weekends. It's a quick 5-10 min ride!
🤿 Snorkel at High Tide
Clearer water and better visibility for spotting marine life.
🐢 Wildlife Encounters
Keep an eye out for sea turtles, manatees, and iguanas! +3
☀️ Shade is Limited
Bring your own umbrella or hat, as shade near the water is scarce.
🐶 Leash Your Pets
Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.
⚠️ Watch for Coconuts
Coconut trees are abundant; be mindful of falling coconuts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Peanut Island is a highly recommended tropical escape with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, abundant marine life, and relaxing trails. While some facilities could use updates and shade is limited, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, offering a slice of paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
"I recommend if your an outdoor person. We did camping. They have restrooms with showers clean condition. Could use a little update though.
No electricity on the camping area you have to go to restrooms for electricity.
Beaches are very nice. Warm water, pets are allow. Didn't see much shade close to water, but they do have shade on the picnic areas.
NeG: camping they only allow 1 tent per lot, we had an extra one to store our food items and they told us to take down :((("
Jessica López
"“Peanut Island is a true treasure in the West Palm Beach area. 🌴🚤
The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming or snorkeling, the trails are ideal for walking and discovering quiet spots, and there’s always a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to enjoy time with family or friends. It’s also an excellent place for a picnic or simply to relax while watching the sea. Without a doubt, it’s a destination I highly recommend for an unforgettable day!”"
Francisco Rodríguez
"The place is absolutely beautiful, and we truly enjoyed the stunning scenery. It's a dog-friendly island, which we appreciated, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Unfortunately, we weren’t aware of this rule.
The way the staff approached us was unnecessarily rude and confrontational. If they had told us in a respectful and friendly manner, it would have made a big difference in our overall experience."
Cirma Rodríguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Peanut Island is only accessible by water. You can take the Peanut Island Shuttle Boat from Riviera Beach (search 'Peanut Island Shuttle Boat' on Google Maps for the dock location). The ride is about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can arrive by your own boat, kayak, or paddleboard.
The shuttle typically costs around $25 round trip. It's advisable to check current pricing and schedules online or by calling ahead.
No, Peanut Island is an island and cannot be reached by walking. You must use a boat, shuttle, kayak, or paddleboard.
The shuttle departs from a dock in Riviera Beach. You can search 'Peanut Island Shuttle Boat' on Google Maps to find the specific departure point and nearby parking options. +1
The shuttle typically runs from morning to late afternoon. For example, one source mentions departures from West Palm Beach to Peanut Island from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Always confirm current hours before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If you are using the shuttle boat, you will need to purchase tickets for the ride. If you arrive by your own boat, kayak, or paddleboard, there is no separate entry fee for the island itself.
The primary fee is for the shuttle service if you don't arrive by your own vessel. The park itself is generally free to enter once you are on the island.
Yes, camping is available on Peanut Island. Reservations are required, and it's recommended to book in advance, especially for weekends. Note that there is no electricity at the campsites; you'll need to use the restroom facilities for power.
While the shuttle has specific operating hours, the park itself is generally open for visitors to enjoy during daylight hours. It's best to confirm specific park closing times if you plan to stay late.
Reservations are highly recommended for the shuttle boat, especially on weekends and holidays. If you plan to camp, reservations are mandatory.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Peanut Island offers swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and exploring paved nature trails. It's also a great spot for picnics and wildlife viewing.
Yes, Peanut Island is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in Florida! The water is crystal clear, and you can see abundant marine life, including fish, sea turtles, and manatees, especially around the rocky areas.
Absolutely! Peanut Island is a popular spot for manatee sightings, particularly in the calmer waters.
Yes, there are restrooms with showers available on the island. Some reviews mention they could use an update, and not all showers may be functional.
Yes, Peanut Island is dog-friendly, but all pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants on Peanut Island. Visitors should bring their own food and drinks for picnics.
Yes, Peanut Island is an excellent spot for picnics. There are designated picnic areas, some with shade.
While there are no dining options directly on the island, you can find restaurants and cafes in Riviera Beach near the shuttle departure point before or after your visit.
Information regarding alcohol policies can vary. It's best to check the official park rules or inquire when booking your shuttle to ensure compliance.
One reviewer mentioned a 'pizza pontoon' near Peanut Island, suggesting unique food delivery options might be available, but this is not a permanent fixture.
📸 📸 Photography
The clear turquoise waters, diverse marine life, and the unique perspective from the water taxi or shuttle offer fantastic photo opportunities. The rocky areas and mangrove canals are also visually interesting. +3
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or require permits. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Morning light often provides beautiful, soft illumination for photos, and it's also when you're most likely to see wildlife. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer stunning light.
While not traditional landmarks, the unique man-made reef structures and the vibrant marine life create iconic photographic moments. The view of the Port of Palm Beach from the water taxi is also a unique shot.
You have excellent chances to photograph manatees, sea turtles, various tropical fish, iguanas, and shorebirds. +4
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no food vendors on the island. The opportunity to see manatees and sea turtles is a huge hit with kids, making snorkeling or even just observing from the shore an educational and exciting activity. Remember to pack sunscreen, hats, and any necessary beach gear for a comfortable family day out.
+2💰 Budget Travelers
Pack a picnic lunch and drinks to save money on food, as there are no dining facilities on the island. This allows you to enjoy a full day of swimming, snorkeling, and exploring without breaking the bank. The natural beauty and wildlife encounters provide a rich experience that costs very little.
🐶 Pet Owners
While dogs can enjoy the beaches and trails with their owners, be mindful of the heat and ensure they have access to fresh water. The clear waters are inviting, but always supervise your pets closely. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the island's beauty with your entire family, including your four-legged members.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Peanut Island's Marine Life
+8To maximize your snorkeling experience, it's highly recommended to visit during high tide. This ensures the clearest water visibility and allows you to get closer to the marine life without disturbing the seabed. Some areas, like the canal surrounded by mangroves, are particularly rich in sea life and best explored when the tide is in. Be mindful of the rocky areas, as strong waves can sometimes push you towards them, but they also provide excellent hiding spots for octopuses and other creatures.
Beyond snorkeling, simply observing the marine activity from the shore or while paddleboarding can be rewarding. The presence of abundant sea life contributes significantly to Peanut Island's reputation as a natural gem in the Palm Beaches.
+1Getting to Peanut Island: Your Water Access Guide
+2For those seeking a more active approach, kayaking and paddleboarding are excellent options. Many visitors enjoy paddling to the island, often spotting marine life like sea turtles and manatees en route.
+2It's important to plan your transportation, especially on weekends, as the shuttle can get busy. Booking tickets in advance or arriving early is often advised. For those without their own watercraft, the shuttle is a reliable and enjoyable way to reach this tropical paradise.
Camping and Facilities on Peanut Island
The island is equipped with restrooms and showers, which are generally clean but may benefit from updates. Some visitors have noted that not all shower facilities may be operational. Despite these minor drawbacks, the convenience of having these amenities on-site enhances the camping experience.
When camping, be mindful of the park's regulations, such as the limit of one tent per lot. While pets are allowed on the island, they must be leashed at all times. Planning ahead for your power needs and understanding the campsite rules will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable camping trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit