Peanut Island is a 79-acre man-made park located in Palm Beach County, Florida, situated directly in the Lake Worth Inlet. It was created from dredged material during the inlet’s construction in 1918. The island is a highly sought-after destination for its stunning turquoise waters and diverse recreational activities, drawing visitors seeking aquatic adventure and a glimpse into history.
Essential Logistics: Getting to Peanut Island
Accessing the island requires water transportation, as no bridges or roads connect it to the mainland. The most common method is the water taxi service, which operates frequently from the Riviera Beach Marina Village. Round-trip tickets typically cost between $18 and $25 per adult. Another shuttle option runs from the nearby Sailfish Marina. These services provide a short, ten-minute ride directly to the island’s dock.
Visitors may also access the island via private vessel, utilizing day-use boat slips, or by launching a personal kayak or paddleboard from nearby locations like Phil Foster Park. Day-use is limited to sunrise to sunset. Entry to the park is free, but transportation costs and potential mainland parking fees apply. The island does not have food or equipment rental concessions, so all necessary supplies, from water to sunscreen, must be brought along.
Aquatic Recreation: Snorkeling and Swimming
The island’s primary appeal for many visitors is the expansive snorkeling lagoon and its calm, clear waters. Located on the southeastern side, the lagoon was intentionally designed with a man-made artificial reef system composed of large rock outcroppings. This structure helps dampen boat wakes and incoming currents, creating a protected, shallow environment perfect for underwater exploration.
The depth in the lagoon ranges from approximately four to twelve feet, offering excellent visibility, particularly during high tide when clear ocean water is pushed into the inlet. Snorkelers observe marine life attracted to the artificial reef, including schools of parrotfish, blue tangs, sergeant majors, and angelfish. Seasonal visitors may also spot manatees or sea turtles along the protected breakwaters.
Designated swimming areas are available around the island, but caution is necessary near the inlet where currents can be strong as the tide changes. It is advisable to check local tide charts and consider wearing a snorkel vest, as the flow from the Atlantic Ocean into the Lake Worth Lagoon affects water movement. Visitors must bring their own snorkeling equipment or rent it from mainland vendors.
On-Island Exploration and Historical Sites
Beyond the water activities, a paved, paver-block walking path spans approximately 1.25 miles, encircling the island and connecting various points of interest. This trail provides access to multiple picnic areas, which are equipped with grills and single tables for day-use visitors. Restroom facilities are available for public use, and an observation deck offers elevated views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the surrounding Palm Beach shoreline.
The island is also home to two historical structures: the former U.S. Coast Guard Station and the John F. Kennedy Bunker. Constructed in secret in 1961 during the Cold War, the bunker was intended to serve as a fallout shelter and command center for President Kennedy while he stayed at his nearby Palm Beach residence. Both the bunker and the former Coast Guard Station are currently closed to the public as the county undertakes restoration and repair efforts.
For those interested in an overnight stay, Peanut Island offers 17 reserved campsites, each featuring a tent pad, picnic table, and grill. These sites are available by permit only, and reservations are strongly recommended due to limited availability, often needing to be secured up to 90 days in advance. Campers have access to specialized facilities, including restrooms with hot indoor showers.