Boat Tours

Tour boat service to the island is available through "Robbie's Marina." For reservations and fees, please call (305) 664-9814. Tour boat departs 1/2-hour before listed tour times. Ranger-guided tours of the island are available Thursday through Monday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Boating

Visitors can rent powerboats and kayaks from "Robbie's Marina" or a number of other local marinas. Knowledge of the channels is critical because of the surrounding shallow grass flats. Kayaks and canoes can float across most flats offering spectacular chances to see a variety of wildlife from dolphins and manatees to sharks and rays.

Canoeing

Visitors may access the island by boat, canoe or kayak.

Facilities

Fishing

Anglers can fish for a variety of species from Bonefish on the flats, to Tarpon in the channels. Snapper, Spanish Mackerel and Snook are also found in the area. Caribbean Spiny Lobster and Stone Crab are also found in the waters surrounding the park and can be harvested when in season. A Florida saltwater fishing license, with special stamps for Lobster and Snook, is required. Fishing may be done around the island, but not within 100 feet of the nearest dock.
Do you need a Fishing License?

Guided Tours

1.5-hour guided walks are given at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday. The tour fee is $1 per person. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge. Access to the Key for these tours is limited to privately owned boats or charter boats available at nearby marinas. For reservations call (305) 664-9814. Tour boat departs 1/2-hour before listed tour times.

Snorkeling

Some local marinas, as well as "Robbie's Marina," run Eco-tours that involve brief stops at the island and snorkeling in the area around the island and out on the reef. Remember, all snorkeling requires a "Diver Down" flag. All snorkeling must be conducted 100 feet from the nearest dock.

Visitors Center

The Matheson House, built in 1919, serves as the park's Visitor Center and offers a glimpse of how island people lived during a 'simpler' time when most of their needs were met by the land and sea around them.

Wildlife Viewing

A variety of shore, wading and migratory birds may be viewed on the island.