Peanut Island West Palm Beach: The Complete Visitor’s Guide

Last Updated August 3, 2026

Peanut Island is one of South Florida’s most underrated day trips — an 80-acre park island sitting in the Lake Worth Inlet, just a few hundred yards off the West Palm Beach shoreline. The water is genuinely clear (refreshed daily from the Atlantic), the snorkeling is some of the best accessible from shore in the state, and on weekends the boat raft-ups turn it into an open-air party.

This guide covers how to get there, what to do, what to bring, and a few things most visitors don’t know before they arrive.

Quick Facts

Location: Lake Worth Inlet, West Palm Beach, FL
Size: 80 acres
Access: Boat, shuttle, ferry, kayak, or paddleboard only — no road access
Entrance fee: Free (camping fees apply)
Pets: Not allowed (service animals excepted)
Operated by: Palm Beach County Parks
Camping: 17 tent-only sites (reservation required)

Where Is Peanut Island?

Peanut Island is located on Florida’s east coast in the Lake Worth Inlet, just off West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach is about 75 miles north of Miami and 170 miles southeast of Orlando.

The island sits only a few hundred yards from the nearest shoreline, but there’s no bridge or road — you get there by boat, shuttle, ferry, kayak, or paddleboard. The channel between the island and the mainland has strong currents and heavy boat traffic, so if you’re paddling over, go carefully and check conditions first.

How to Get to Peanut Island

Shuttle and Ferry Services

Three services currently run regular trips:

• Peanut Island Shuttle Boat — departs from Riviera Beach Marina – Cost $25 Round Trip – First come, first served – 10-minute boat ride.
• Sailfish Marina Water Taxi — another convenient option – Price $28 per person – starts at 9:30 AM – Book Online – 7 Days a week.

Prices subject to change. Check with service.

Each leaves from a different location, so check which is closest to where you’re parking. Some shuttle services also rent snorkel gear, paddleboards, and tents on board or nearby.

By Kayak or Paddleboard

It’s possible to paddle to Peanut Island, and many locals do. But use caution — the channel has strong tidal currents and significant boat traffic. Check conditions before you launch. Rentals are available at marinas near the island.

Parking

Parking is available at the marinas where the shuttles and taxis are based. When arranging for a shuttle or taxi, it is best to ask the service companies where the best parking is available. It gets very busy on the weekends.

History of Peanut Island

Peanut Island’s origins are less romantic than its current reputation. The island was created in the early 1900s as a disposal site for material dredged from the Lake Worth Inlet — it’s entirely man-made.

Two competing stories explain the name. One says it comes from the island’s distinctive peanut shape when seen from above. The other traces it to a plan (never carried out) to ship peanut oil from the island.

The island’s most surprising chapter came during the Cold War, when a secret nuclear bunker was constructed for President John F. Kennedy. The “Kennedy Bunker” was built to shelter the president in case of a nuclear attack. It’s still on the island today.

Wildlife on Peanut Island

The island supports a surprisingly diverse range of wildlife beyond the fish. Herons, egrets, and other wading birds are common. Iguanas have colonized much of the island (as they have across South Florida). Sea turtles are spotted occasionally.

In winter, manatees move into the warm, sheltered waters around the island — sometimes hanging around boat docks long enough for a close look. If you’re visiting between November and March, keep an eye out. Peanut Island is one of the better spots in Florida to see manatees without a boat.

Best Time to Visit Peanut Island

Winter (November–March): Cooler temps, smaller crowds on weekdays, and the best chance of seeing manatees. Water can be choppier but snorkeling is still good. This is arguably the best season for a comfortable visit.

Spring and Fall: Good middle ground — warm water, manageable crowds before/after summer peak.

Summer (June–August): Hot and humid. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and can end a beach day fast. That said, summer weekends bring the biggest boat party atmosphere if that’s what you’re after.

Weekdays vs. Weekends: If you want a calmer experience, weekday visits are noticeably quieter. Weekends — especially summer weekends — are crowded and loud with the raft-up scene.

Island Amenities

• 80-acre island
• 17-site tent-only campground
• Picnic pavilions (first come, first served)
• Designated swimming areas
• Walking/biking path circling the island
• Snorkeling lagoons
• Boat docks (limited, first come, first served)
• Four chickee huts (limited weather cover)
• Restrooms and showers (showers for campers)
• Fishing pier
• Observation deck

For the most current hours and rules, contact Palm Beach County Parks.

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Nearby in West Palm Beach

If you’re making a full day or weekend of it, West Palm Beach has plenty beyond the island:

Norton Museum of Art — One of the premier art museums in the Southeast, with strong American, European, and Chinese collections. Worth a few hours if you have them.

Palm Beach Zoo — Good for families; a variety of animals in a walkable setting.

Downtown West Palm Beach — Clematis Street and CityPlace both offer dining, bars, and nightlife. A short drive from the marina.

For lodging, West Palm Beach has everything from high-end beachfront resorts to budget-friendly options inland. Some of Florida’s most famous resorts are just off these shores.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Island

Getting There: Map and Directions

Is Peanut Island Worth It?

Peanut Island is one of those Florida spots that locals love and most tourists miss entirely. The water is legitimately clear — more Caribbean than what you’d expect 75 miles north of Miami — and the snorkeling is excellent for a spot this accessible.

It’s not a pristine wilderness escape, especially on summer weekends. But if you time it right (weekday, or winter), it’s a genuinely great day trip from West Palm Beach or even a day-long detour if you’re passing through.