Things to do nearPeanut Island
Peanut Island is a small but storied barrier island in Palm Beach County, Florida, known for its snorkeling reefs, sandy shores, and a fascinating Cold War bunker.
Peanut Island sits in the Lake Worth Lagoon near the Port of Palm Beach, a location that belies its surprisingly layered history. Originally created from dredge spoil in the late 1910s, the island was once considered as a site for a fuel transfer facility before eventually becoming a public recreational park managed by Palm Beach County. Its most historically significant feature is a fallout shelter constructed in 1961 during the Kennedy administration, intended as a secure retreat for the president during a nuclear emergency. The bunker has been preserved and is open for guided tours, offering a rare and tangible window into Cold War-era civil defense planning.
Above ground, the island draws snorkelers and swimmers to its artificial reef, which rings much of the shoreline and supports a lively community of tropical fish, sea turtles, and the occasional manatee. The reef was created using natural limestone boulders and provides clear, calm conditions that are well-suited to beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. A sandy beach lines the lagoon-facing side, and a paved walking path circles the entire island, making it easy to explore on foot in under an hour.
Camping is available for those who want to extend their stay, and the island's small campground offers a genuinely peaceful setting once the day-trippers have headed home. Sunsets viewed from the western shore, with the Palm Beach skyline glowing in the distance, are a particular highlight. Peanut Island earns its place as a must-visit for anyone curious about Florida's natural and historical character in equal measure.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Peanut Island
Visit during the week to avoid weekend boat traffic and enjoy the snorkeling reefs with far fewer crowds.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a snorkel mask, as the artificial reef surrounding the island offers some of the best shallow-water snorkeling in Palm Beach County.
Take the guided tour of the preserved Kennedy Bunker, a Cold War-era fallout shelter built for President Kennedy that sits on the island's northern end.
Arrive early to secure a picnic shelter, as shaded spots fill quickly on warm spring and summer days.
Catch the water taxi from the Phil Foster Park boat ramp in Riviera Beach, which runs regularly on weekends and is the most convenient way to reach the island without a boat.
Top tours & experiences near Peanut Island
Cruise on a 2-Hour Sunset Catamaran in West Palm Beach
Sail West Palm Beach at sunset with music, drinks, and skyline views
Paddleboard Rental in Riviera Beach
Rent a paddleboard at Riviera Beach City Marina Village and explore Peanut Island
2-Hour Kayak Rental in Riviera Beach
Paddle Peanut Island in a sit-on-top ocean kayak
Peanut Island Sandbar Boat Tour & Swim
Cruise the Intracoastal Waterway and float at Peanut Island’s sandbar
Private Peanut Island Boat Cruise from Jupiter
Snorkel and island-hop on your own private cruise
Peanut Island Kayak or Paddleboard & Snorkel Rental
Self-guided Peanut Island paddle with snorkel gear, up to 8 hours
Guided 1.5-Hour Palm Beach Island Cruise
See Palm Beach waterfront scenery with stories from a local guide
Private Peanut Island Sandbar & Snorkeling Charter
Snorkel, explore, and unwind on an island escape tailored to you
Guided Snorkel Tour at Blue Heron Bridge
Explore Blue Heron Bridge’s shore-access snorkel trail with an expert guide
Private 65' Yacht Day Charter in Palm Beach
Cruise your way, from Palm Beach sightseeing to a swim off Peanut Island
Guided Paddle Board Wildlife Tour of Peanut Island
Paddle through a tropical island setting with beaches and clear waters
Peanut Island Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Drone Photos
Trade paddling for pedal power on a Peanut Island outing with lunch included
Historic Palm Beach Bike Tour Along the Lake Trail
Cycle Palm Beach Island’s Lake Trail with a local guide
Kayak Rental in Riviera Beach for Up to 8 Hours
Rent a sit-on-top kayak and explore Peanut Island for up to 8 hours
Guided Paddleboard & Snorkel Tour to Peanut Island
Paddle to Peanut Island, then snorkel with a certified guide
Guided Peanut Island Kayak & Paddleboard Tour
Explore Peanut Island by kayak or paddleboard with a guide
Snorkel Peanut Island Artificial Reef Boat Tour
Boat snorkel tour to Peanut Island’s artificial reef with gear and a certified guide
Captain-Narrated Tiki Cruise Past Celeb Homes
Cruise by opulent Palm Beach mansions on a two-hour tiki boat adventure with engaging captain commentary.
Peanut Island Sunset Cruise From Riviera Beach
Cruise Peanut Island and the Intracoastal Waterway at sunset
Polynesian Catamaran Sailing Charter in West Palm Beach
Sail beneath wing-like sails on a spacious, flat-sailing catamaran
Private Peanut Island Boat & Snorkel Tour
Snorkel Peanut Island from a private boat with a captain and mate
Private Fishing Charter in West Palm Beach
Fish Palm Beach waters using live bait, trolling, and bottom-fishing methods
Guided Peanut Island Kayak Tour With Snorkeling Option
Paddle to Peanut Island and explore beaches and snorkel lagoon
Peanut Island Kayaking Tour in Riviera Beach
Explore Peanut Island on sit-on-top kayaks and enjoy two hours of independent paddling freedom