Looking for an adventure in the South Florida area? Wanna work on that tan and get your toes in the sand? Whether you’re an experienced paddle boarder or an amateur looking to test it out as a possible hobby – look no further than Peanut Island in Riviera Beach! It’s sure to be a fun day full of sunshine, adventure and some of the clearest water you’ll find!
No worries if you don’t have your own paddle board or aren’t looking to make the big investment of buying one. There are two rental locations right on the beach at the marina where you can rent paddle boards and kayaks! Pro-tip: when you arrive at the marina and head toward the beach (you’ll see paddle boards and kayaks stacked up), skip by the first rental location on your right and go to the location at the other end of the beach – it’s just 30 or so yards away. They aren’t as visible but they have better boards and are almost half the price – $40 for a full day. The prices are reasonable and there are options for both half day and full day rentals. I suggest the full day – once you’re out out on the water you’re going to find time passes quickly!
If you’re a beginner or visitor and decide to rent a board, you’ll get a quick tutorial and then you’re on your way! For those of you bringing your own board, there is a loading zone to drop off your gear before parking. Everything is super easy. You will launch directly from the beach into the shallow water. Once you’ve got your board in the water, head out of the marina and toward the island. If you’re there on a weekend (which I highly recommend for full fun maximization), by lunchtime there will be plenty of boats, fellow paddlers and kayakers and lots of music to enjoy as you explore. There’s even a boat that will deliver pizza to your board on the water! It’s pricey and mediocre, but the novelty of it is kind of fun!
Depending on the tide and the wind, it takes about 10-15 minutes to paddle to the sandbar. You can check local tide charts for days when low tides are expected during the late morning and early afternoon hours. That’s when the sand bar will be most exposed. You’ll even find that some days the water goes down to just a few inches for a couple of hours. At most during the high tide, the water will only get waist deep. Another pro-tip: don’t forget to bring a frisbee or football to throw around if you’re out with a group. If you’ve got an adventurous four-legged friend who has experience with water they’ll be in good company – you’ll see plenty of people out with dogs, especially on low tide days.
If you’re looking for a break from the water, make sure you take some time to paddle up to Peanut Island itself and explore what’s on land. While the island is 80 acres, the majority is not accessible to the public. However, there is a public beach, restrooms and several areas around the perimeter of beach where you can grill and take shade from the sun. A trail runs around much of the island near the beach if you want to trek around on foot. One of the more notable features of the island is a bunker built in 1961 – was a shelter for President Kennedy in the event of a nuclear attack. The bunker was once open for tours but is no longer accessible to the public and honestly it’s not much to look at from the trail that winds past it.
Many paddle boarders will hang around the sandbar on the north side of the island, where the water is calm and the tide is lowest. While the water on the east side of the island can be rougher and pretty choppy to paddle, there is some pretty amazing snorkeling opportunities. The water around the island is crystal clear – honestly some of the clearest water I’ve seen in South Florida. Around the reef on the east side there are tons of fish – all different types and several times we’ve even seen stingrays. Closer to the marina you may even catch sight of a manatee!
The atmosphere on the weekends is much more exciting then the average weekday as dozens of boats anchor to the sandbar. You’ll also find lots of music and a generally friendly crowd of people to strike up the occasional conversation if you’re into meeting new people. On a weekend with good weather and a decent low tide, you could spend all day exploring the island, having some adult beverages and enjoying the entertainment around you. As you head back to return your board and pack it up for the day, you can even stop by the restaurant located at the marina.
Peanut Island seems to be a bit of a hidden gem. Asking around, many people have heard of it but few seem to realize what awaits them in their own backyard! I was lucky enough to learn about it after relocating to Florida last year. Had one person not suggested a day trip to try out a new hobby, I may never have experienced what has quickly become an almost weekly excursion. So if you find yourself around the West Palm Beach area, give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Until next time, fins up! And keep trekkin’!
-Liz
http://discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Locations/Peanut-Island.aspx
