A non-assuming 78-acre man-made island off the coast of West Palm Beach, snorkeling in Peanut Island offers a great snorkeling experience with plentiful marine life and ecosystem.
Just off the coast of West Palm Beach lies an unassuming manmade island with plenty of history. Tiny Peanut Island is about five hundred yards from the docks in Riviera Beach, a quick ten minute ferry. This 79 acre island feels to be a park from the get-go, but underneath is a very diverse background. The island was built in 1918 as part of the project to build the Port of Palm Beach, and used as a bomb shelter and peanut shipping operation center in the past. Now, Peanut Island is a fun county park with hiking, swimming, and underwater activities. Snorkeling in Peanut Island is a great experience with well preserved marine life and ecosystem.
Peanut Island Snorkeling Profile
- Water Visibility: Good. Not as great as the Keys but decent given the accessibility from a metropolitan area.
- Current Strength: Weak. The island is within an inlet so most of the waves have been protected already.
- Coral Presence: No natural corals but artificial reefs surround the island.
- Marine Life: Good marine life for snorkelers to observe underwater.
- Crowd: Beach can get busy with travelers and snorkelers.
Getting There:
Closest Airports: Palm Beach International Airport – 7 miles away, 30 minutes (20 minutes by car, 10 minutes by ferry)
Closest Major City: Miami
- Miami is about an hour and half south of Peanut Island. Of course, West Palm Beach itself is a sizable city and a major destination, but it is within the Miami metro area. Depending on what type of vacation you are taking, whether it’s party-fueled sunshine time in South Beach or touring golf courses in West Palm Beach, there are plenty of options available in the area.
Preferred Transportation Method to Destination – Via car then ferry
- Peanut Island Shuttle Boat: The Peanut Island Shuttle Boat departs from Port of Palm Beach. It runs every twenty five minutes from 10am to 5pm everyday and costs $16. There is camping but no lodging on the island. There are additional fees if you wish to bring kayaks on the boat as well.
Introduction
Peanut Island is a man-made island which was built during the construction of the Port of Palm Beach. The construction of the port not only created the island but also the inlet that separates the mainland from the city of Palm Beach. It was originally called Inlet Island, but renamed Peanut Island in 1946 when it was planned to become a shipping point for peanut oil shipping operations. Later on, it became a bomb shelter for President John F. Kenney who spent his vacations in West Palm Beach.
In 2005, the county remade the island into a park and renovated the entire island with camping sites, walking paths, water activities, and more. From its humble beginnings, the island has completed its transformation to a magnificent park. In addition, the snorkeling in Peanut Island is one of the best in the south Florida coast. It is an underwater activity powerhouse, just minutes away from Palm Beach!
Where to Go Snorkeling in Peanut Island
There is a designated area for snorkeling at Peanut Island, so you do not have to search far. The snorkeling area is on the east end of the island. It begins below the fishing pier and extends all the way to the lagoon. Please be aware that the area on the west side, known as Mangrove Lagoon, is not permitted for swimming. There are rows of rocks (or rock breakwaters) that provide a shelter for marine life to exist, and thus, making for some great snorkeling. Furthermore, its location in an inlet means that the waves are minimal and waters are calm.
The marine life here is incredible and you will see the best that the waters of south Florida has to offer. Not only are there schools of fish for you to enjoy, but also an incredibly friendly neighbor roams this area. Manatees! These round creatures reside in south Florida and are frequent visitors of Peanut Island. You should be able to see them even while walking around the island, but it is certainly a treat when you see them swim by during a snorkeling session. Notable marine life: Angelfish, Parrotfish, Spadefish, Barracuda, Manatees.
Final Word:
If you are up in the Palm Beach area, don’t hesitate to take a half day to enjoy some good snorkeling in Peanut Island. The island is very well preserved and it is a wonderful place for folks to enjoy aquatic activities. If you are snorkeling in Peanut Island, the volume of marine life you will see is incredible. While there are several spots nearby that also provide some great underwater experience, such as Jupiter in the north and all the way down to Key Biscayne in the south, Peanut Island is a nice little hidden getaway from the south Florida vibe.
Snorkeling in Peanut Island Rating: 4/5 Snorkels – Fantastic!
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