Peanut Island Day Trip from West Palm Beach

When guests ask me for one easy outing that feels like a real island day, I point them to Peanut Island. It sits in the Intracoastal Waterway near the Lake Worth Inlet, just north of West Palm Beach, and you can only get there by boat. That's part of the fun: a short ride across clear water, then a day of beaches, snorkeling and picnics with the Port of Palm Beach and Singer Island in view.

Here's how to plan it, based on what Palm Beach County Parks and the shuttle operator list right now. Prices and rules change, so check the official pages the week of your trip.

Getting there: the shuttle boat

Peanut Island is a Palm Beach County park, and the county's park page lists it as boat access only. If you don't have your own boat, the simplest option is the independently run Peanut Island Shuttle Boat, which leaves from Riviera Beach Marina (200 E. 13th Street, Riviera Beach), a short drive north of downtown West Palm Beach. The ticket kiosk is at the southeast end of the marina.

What to know, per the operator's day trip page and FAQ:

Hours: Open daily, weather permitting. Boats to the island run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or until capacity), and the last boat back leaves the island at 5 p.m. Get in line on the dock before then, especially on busy weekends.
Tickets: Round-trip tickets are $25 for ages 11 and up, $12 for kids 10 and under, and free for infants. Card payments carry a 2.5% fee. Day tickets are first-come, first-served; the operator's homepage currently says online reservations aren't available because of limited parking.
Extras: Paddleboards are $18 and beach carts are $5. Kayaks are no longer allowed on board.
Weather: The boats don't run in wind advisories or thunderstorms, and there are no refunds for weather.
Parking: Marina parking is limited (paid, with the first two hours free), so the operator recommends coming in the morning.

The ride itself takes about 10 minutes, and the operator notes you may spot manatees or sea turtles along the way. The county also lists the Palm Beach Water Taxi out of Sailfish Marina on Singer Island as another independent option.

What to do on the island

Swim and relax. The county lists beach frontage, guarded and unguarded swimming beaches, picnic areas with grills, a few chickee huts and a paved walking path that loops the island. The shuttle drops you at the northeast dock, which is right next to the main swimming and snorkeling area.

Snorkel. This is the big draw. There are two easy spots: the artificial reefs off the beach (look for the rocky outcropping to your left after you get off the boat) and the snorkeling lagoon on the southeast side, reached by the walking path and a wooden bridge. Snorkeling is self-guided, so bring your own mask and snorkel or rent a set at the shuttle desk for $20 (a government ID is required). You need to be a confident swimmer, and the county notes the swimming area is currently unguarded during the week.

Walk the loop. The paved trail is an easy way to see the whole island, with views of the inlet, the port and the observation deck.

Fish. Saltwater fishing is allowed in designated areas, including the fishing pier.

One note: the historic John F. Kennedy Bunker on the island is closed until further notice, per the county.

Camping overnight

Peanut Island has a small campground with 17 reserved tent sites, and the county requires reservations (561-845-4445). If you take the shuttle, you'll need to book your campsite first and then call the shuttle at least 24 hours ahead; campers are carried between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Rules worth knowing before you pack

No food for sale on the island. The county says there's no food or rental concession, so bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. The shuttle desk and boat sell some snacks, drinks and sunscreen.
Alcohol. The county restricts alcohol to camping permit areas only, and the shuttle doesn't allow alcohol on its boats or for day visitors at all. Coolers may be checked.
No balloons anywhere in the park, to protect sea turtles.
Keep it quiet. The shuttle doesn't allow large speakers, bikes, skates or motorized vehicles.
Dogs. The shuttle carries dogs for free, but county rules keep dogs on a six-foot leash and off county beaches, so check the county's dog rules before you bring yours.

My packing list

Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water shoes, a mask and snorkel, a cooler with lunch, a beach umbrella (shade is limited), a towel, and a dry bag for phones. Check the tide chart too; the county links to Port of Palm Beach tide predictions, and many snorkelers prefer calmer, clearer water around high tide.

Make it a full day

Pair Peanut Island with an early dinner back on the mainland, or save it for a calm, sunny morning in the drier winter months; our season-by-season guide explains when the weather is most reliable. If you love the water, our guides to the best beaches near West Palm Beach and manatees and wildlife have more ideas.

Stay close to the water

I'm Chris Linteris, and I host guests through West Palm BnBs. Staying in a home gives you a kitchen to pack a picnic, room for beach gear, and an easy drive to the marina. If you're planning a trip, reach out here and we'll help you find the right home for your dates.