Peanut Island is one of those Palm Beach County outings that feels pleasantly removed from the mainland, even though the ride over takes only minutes. There is no road or bridge to the 80-acre park, so your day begins with a boat plan. Once you arrive, expect a snorkeling lagoon, sandy swimming areas, a 1.25-mile paved walking loop, picnic spots and plenty of exposure to sun, wind and changing inlet conditions.
Choose the water taxi that fits your day
Palm Beach County lists two independent shuttle services. The most flexible choice for many day-trippers is Peanut Island Shuttle Boat, departing Riviera Beach Marina Village at 200 E. 13th St. Its current round-trip fare is $25 for adults, $12 for children age 10 and younger, and free for infants age 1 and under. Boats begin at 10 a.m. and generally run about every 20 minutes; the last departure from Peanut Island is 5 p.m. The ticket desk can close at 3 p.m. or once capacity is reached, so arrive early on weekends and holidays. Severe weather and small-craft advisories can stop service.
The alternative is the Palm Beach Water Taxi from Sailfish Marina in Palm Beach Shores, at 98 Lake Drive. It is a better fit for travelers staying on Singer Island or those who prefer a set schedule: current outbound trips are at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with returns at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The published fare is $28 per person round trip, and reservations are strongly recommended. Children age 6 and under must wear the life jackets provided by the marina.
Neither boat is automatically “better.” Choose Riviera Beach Marina Village for the more frequent return options and lower child fare; choose Sailfish if its departure times and Palm Beach Shores location work better for you. Confirm schedules, weather holds and space before leaving your hotel, since these operational details can change.
Parking without starting the day stressed
For the Riviera Beach shuttle, use Riviera Beach Marina Village parking and follow the shuttle operator’s current instructions rather than old blog directions. Marina parking is now paid, with the first two hours free; scan the QR code on the lot signage to register your vehicle and select the length of stay. The shuttle says its customers may use any marina parking lot, but spaces can be limited. Park, pay and screenshot your confirmation before walking to the dock.
Sailfish Marina guests should confirm the current parking arrangement when reserving the shuttle, especially on busy weekends. In either case, do not count on a quick free parking workaround nearby. Build parking and check-in time into your arrival, and aim for the first boat if you want a quieter choice of picnic tables or shade.
What to bring—and what you will not find there
There are no stores, rentals or food vendors on Peanut Island. Bring drinking water, lunch, snacks, towels, a hat, sun protection, any medications and a fully charged phone. A soft cooler is easier to manage than a hard-sided production, and a waterproof phone pouch is a smart safeguard for the boat ride and lagoon. Chairs and umbrellas are allowed, but remember that everything has to return with you on the shuttle. The Riviera Beach operator charges $5 to carry a beach cart and does not take kayaks; it also charges an extra $18 for a paddleboard.
For snorkeling, pack your own properly fitted mask, snorkel and fins—an adult snorkel set is all you need for a self-guided swim. Leave glass containers at home, particularly around the lagoon. Restrooms, rinse showers, water fountains, picnic tables, grills and first-come, first-served pavilions are available, but shade is never guaranteed.
Where to snorkel safely
The designated snorkeling lagoon is on the island’s southeast side. Beginners can use the gently sloping sandy entry; stronger swimmers can reach deeper water from the swim platforms and ladders along the walkway. Visibility is often best within two hours before or after high tide, but do not treat that as a promise—rain, wind and inlet flow can quickly change the water.
Snorkel with a buddy, stay inside the appropriate swimming area and check conditions before entering. Peanut Island is currently unguarded on weekdays, so do not assume a lifeguard is present. County guidance says snorkelers outside guarded areas need a diver-down flag. Never swim or snorkel around the boat docks, boats tied to the dock, flushing channels or other marked restricted waters; vessel traffic and currents are serious concerns here.
Current rules and closures to know
- The park is open sunrise to sunset; plan to be back at your shuttle dock well before its final run.
- Alcohol is restricted to permitted campground areas, so day visitors should pack nonalcoholic drinks only.
- Balloons, open fires, feeding wildlife and disturbing plants or marine animals are prohibited.
- Small barbecue grills are permitted on the beach, but use care and ask staff about hot-coal disposal.
- Pets are welcome only in designated areas and must remain on a leash no longer than six feet. County beach rules may limit dogs at beach and swimming areas, so keep them out of the water and follow posted signs.
- The John F. Kennedy Bunker remains closed until further notice. Do not plan a bunker tour as part of this visit.
Practical takeaway: Catch an early boat, pack as if there is no convenience store because there isn’t one, and make the snorkeling lagoon—not the busy docks or inlet edge—your water destination. Check the shuttle and county park pages again the morning you go for weather cancellations, lifeguard status and any new closure notices.
