Peanut Island Paddle Boarding Tour: Spot Manatees & Turtles

Paddle at your own speed to an island teeming with marine life

A 90-minute private paddle boarding activity to Peanut Island in West Palm Beach where you paddle alongside a master naturalist guide, watch for manatees and sea turtles in their natural habitat, and explore mangrove trails and a snorkeling lagoon. The guide handles all equipment and brings filtered water. Photos are emailed after the paddle. Minimum age is 13, and some paddling experience is suggested.

The experience

You arrive at the meeting location and push off on your own paddle board with a South Florida native guide who has been leading these paddles since 2011. The 90-minute adventure starts across a boat channel toward Peanut Island, where you'll watch for spotted eagle rays, manatees, sea turtles and colorful sea stars along the way. Because this is a private tour, you set the pace and choose which sights hold your attention: the guide adjusts to what interests you most. Winter months bring manatees seeking warmer water, while high tide reveals the crystal-clear aquamarine water the island is known for.

Once you reach Peanut Island, you paddle through a natural mangrove trail, explore a man-made snorkeling lagoon, or head to the east side of the island depending on conditions and what you want to see. Windy days can make the paddle more challenging, especially crossing the boat channel or paddling against current, but your experienced guide stays with you and helps if needed. If conditions are too breezy, the location may shift to a more sheltered area so the paddle remains manageable.

All paddle boarding equipment comes with you (boards, paddles, everything), so you don't pack gear. Filtered drinking water is included, and the guide photographs the paddle. Those photos are emailed within three days. The activity requires a minimum age of 13 and some paddling experience is suggested, though beginners are welcome if they're comfortable on the water.

What’s included

• All paddle boarding equipment and filtered drinking water.
• photos taken during the paddle, emailed within three days.
• a master naturalist guide who leads the private paddle at your own pace.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 08:30, 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We will meet inside the parking lot of Jim Barry Light Harbor Park. This is a small park with restrooms, a short walking pier and 3 boat slips.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by South Florida Paddle

Is this one for you?Book this if you're paddling solo or with a small group and want to control the pace and stops. The private format means the guide adjusts to what you want to see rather than following a set itinerary.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of marine life will I actually see on the paddle to Peanut Island?

Spotted eagle rays, manatees, sea turtles, sea stars and tropical fish live in these waters. Winter months bring manatees seeking the warmer water near Peanut Island, and high tide brings the clearest visibility for spotting them.

Do I need paddle boarding experience to book this activity?

Some paddling experience is suggested, though the guide will help if you're new to it. The minimum age is 13 to paddle on your own board. If you're a beginner, the operator recommends their Jupiter location for an easier paddle boarding experience.

What happens if the weather is windy or rough on the day of my paddle?

Windy days can make the paddle more challenging, especially crossing the boat channel. If conditions are too breezy, the location may change to a more sheltered area so you can still enjoy the paddle safely.

What's included with the paddle boarding activity?

All paddle boarding equipment, filtered drinking water, and photos taken during the paddle are included. The photos are emailed to you within three days after the activity.