Snorkeling Adventure at Peanut Island, Florida

Snorkeling Adventure at Peanut Island, Florida

The weekend is here, and it’s the perfect time to explore Peanut Island for an exciting snorkeling experience! Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, it’s just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Miami and is a completely man-made sandy paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. 🏖️

Exploring Peanut Island

The island features a scenic 1.25-mile walking trail. While the whole trail is lovely, the actual snorkeling beach is only located on one side. When you arrive at the dock, walk to the left towards the rocky area where you’ll find the snorkeling zone. 🐠 On the right side, while snorkeling is possible, the water depth increases significantly, and the current can be strong with fewer fish to see.

Snorkeling Experience

At the snorkeling reef beach, close to the rocks, the waters are crystal clear and filled with a myriad of fish! Most of the snorkeling areas are only about one meter deep, allowing you to stand up easily, with the deepest parts reaching just under two meters. This proximity to marine life allows for incredible views of the fish; I even spotted jellyfish and manta rays during my trip! 🌊 It’s said that during winter, you might even encounter manatees and sea turtles! 🚢

Getting There

To reach Peanut Island, you can either take a shuttle boat or rent a kayak/paddleboard to make your way over. I highly recommend taking the shuttle, especially since you’ll have a lot of gear to carry. There are no commercial shops on the island, so you’ll need to bring your own food, water, beach chairs, and snorkeling equipment. The paddle over can be quite a distance!

Important Tips

⚠️ Here’s an essential tip: the shuttle bus during the summer weekend peak season costs $25 per person and should be booked in advance. If you try to walk in without a reservation, you might miss your chance! The last shuttle to the island is at 3 PM, and the return is at 5 PM—don’t miss it! On our first attempt, we arrived too late and learned this the hard way! 😅

You can bring your own snorkeling gear or rent it nearby. Fins are not necessary since most areas are too shallow for them to be beneficial. However, wearing water shoes or shoes that can securely fit on your feet is a must! The sea floor can be rough and includes rocks, barnacles, and shell pieces. I accidentally kicked a rock, and it hurt quite a bit! 🥲

On the island, there are no places to spend money, but some local residents do come over on boats selling treats like ice pops and pizza. During my visit, I purchased a delicious strawberry ice pop and a slice of pizza (the availability of vendors is like a fun treasure hunt)! 🍕

Additional Tips for Enjoying Your Visit

• Water in Ears: If you get water stuck in your ears, tilt your head to the side and hop on one foot with the blocked ear facing downwards until it clears.
• Sunburn Relief: I applied SPF 70 sunscreen before going out and still got burnt! Best to wear a long-sleeved rash guard for physical sun protection, and remember to reapply sunscreen every hour.

Alternative Spots

If you can’t make it to Peanut Island, nearby beaches are excellent alternatives. Phil Foster Park, located just under the bridge opposite Peanut Island, doesn’t require a boat but can get crowded if you arrive late. Another great option is Cato’s Bridge, which has a whole stretch of sandy beach with shallow waters and plenty of fish to see. We visited there during our first attempt when we couldn’t get to Peanut Island.

Overall, Peanut Island is a fantastic spot for snorkeling, and I highly recommend visiting Florida for some water fun! 🌊🤩