Peanut Island Snorkel and picnic...(and walk 1 mile around island ?)

What:
Join us on Tuesday April 29 th, 2025 for snorkeling, eating, and socializing at this beautiful tropical island The refreshing waters are crystal clear and you can swim inside schools of fish as you snorkel at high tide (10:01 AM) Then, work your way down to the southeast corner, just before the lagoon, to see even more tropical fish. The variety of electric-colored fish is impressive. Also Brick 1 mile path around the island we may walk.

Where:
Peanut Island is a beautiful 80-acre tropical island created in 1918 from the spoils of dredging. It was intended as a hub for receiving and distributing peanut oil from Haiti, which is how it got its name. When that failed, it was left wild, but in 2005, Palm Beach County refashioned the island to include a round-the-island sidewalk, pier, campsites, pavilions, tiki-huts and man-made reef. The old Coast Guard building is being refurbished as is President John F. Kennedy's Cold War bomb shelter, neither of which is yet open. No alcohol is allowed on the island except in the camping area.

How to Find Us on Peanut Island:
We will have a pavilion, hopefully, just to the south of the ferry dock (N.E. corner). If you are coming by ferry, turn left when you get to the sidewalk. Look for P&P and RFAR signs at the end of the dock. There is a restroom across the sidewalk and an outdoor shower on the beach-side of the sidewalk. WE WILL HAVE PACK & PADDLE SIGNS on the pavilion posts. If we don't get this pavilion, we will be further south with our signs.

Getting There:
There are 2 ways to get to the island.

• Paddle over with your own paddleboard or kayak, or rent one at Nautical Ventures, 561-612-7076, or Get Wet Watersports, 561-2GETWET, both located north of the ferry dock at Riviera Beach Marina...Meet Betsy S. 561 573-1292 savittennis@gmail.com at the kayak launch area at Riviera Beach Marina. Please RSVP to her if you are paddling and want to go in a group. Paddlers are requested to come early 9 AM . Also look for Betsy B. on a paddleboard too. see photo below
• Ride the Peanut Island Shuttle Boat (ferry) located at the ferry dock at the south end of Riviera Beach Marina, 200 E. 13th St, Riviera Beach. The first ferry leaves at 10 AM( but has left earlier before) and the last one leaves the island at 5 PM. This gives you the option of leaving any time you wish. The ferry does not take reservations; it's first come, first served. It runs every 20 minutes and costs $20 round-trip. If you have a partner, you may wish to drop off your gear, then go park. Arrive by 9:20 to park, walk to ferry and buy ticket. They will check your coolers for alcohol before they let you board.
• What to Bring:
• snorkel equipment, sun protection that does not hurt sea creatures
• lunch & non-alcoholic beverages
• towel, cover-up
• optional at this site: dive flag and line Bring your good humor too

Parking:
Is free at Riviera Beach Marina .)
Hope you can make it. Ben bbsdob525@aol.com 561 425-3077
Paid Club Membership Option:
If you would like to become a paid member of Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club for only $20 yearly, we will have applications at our destination. Your fees pay for this meetup site and other club expenses. We have a 501.c* status and contribute to various local environmental charities including Friends of Okeeheelee, etc., and, under normal circumstances have sent kids to summer environmental camp. We would welcome your participation and support.