INDIGENOUS

ADVENTURES

discover the Space Coast

INDIGENOUS

ADVENTURES

discover the Space Coast

Pine Island Conservation Area

900-Acre Florida Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kayak Launch area near the Manatee Observation Deck is open for public access. Commercial ventures have preferential use of the area twice daily on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Please use Courtesy during times of high traffic so that all may have safe entrance and exit from the water at the ramp.

Please use trash containers on site and or pack out all extra waste materials.

This 880-acre conservation area provides access to the trailhead 0.5 mile from main entrance leading to over 7 miles of trails. These moderate walks lead through pine flatwoods and hydric hammock habitats, as well along the restored Saltmarsh habitats. Hikers will also see cabbage palm hammocks and hardwood hammocks, with mangrove forests and marshes fringing the Indian River Lagoon. The interior marsh ponds and borrow lakes make great spots for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The canoe/kayak trails invite a relaxing way for visitors to observe area wildlife. Cycling and horseback riding are permitted on the established roads and bike trails only. Please do not ride bikes on hiking trails. Learn more.

BIOLUMINESCENCE

Nature puts on a show

Our Lagoons are the perfect place to discover bioluminescence. Single-celled microorganisms, called dinoflagellates, create a fascinating glow.  There are only a few places in the world where this happens and our Lagoons are one of them.  The bio is stirred up by kayakers’ paddles, jumping schools of fish or when lumbering manatees swim by.  Tours are available up and down the Space Coast, and guides are equipped with everything you need to stay together after dark.  A real bonus of night kayaking is the dark night sky filled with stars.  Magical.

Loggerhead sea turtle

SEA TURTLES

Our area is a favorite nesting spot for sea turtles

The sea turtles you are likely to see:

  • Loggerheads
  • Leatherbacks
  • Greens

Locals take care to protect these night-nesting mamas, reducing lights that might cause false crawls and preserving the quiet and privacy needed for a successful season. Several groups offer sea turtle walks (late night on our beaches). It’s an amazing sight to see.  If you get up very early, you may spot hatchlings making there way to the sea.

manatee cove park

Manatee Cove Park

A good place to put in a kayak

A lovely stop off North Courtenay Parkway on the way to Kennedy Space Center, Manatee Cove features waterside viewing, a gathering place for manatees as well as launch for kayaks and canoes. Parking is easy, there is a short kid-friendly but rustic trail around the cove.  You will pass a playground and an equestrian trail on the way in –  family fun, with great nature payoffs. Learn more.

Cocoa Beach Pier

Cocoa Beach Pier

A beautiful view over the Atlantic

A historical landmark on the Space Coast, the Cocoa Beach Pier was built in 1962 and stretches more than 800 feet to the Atlantic.  Now Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, it offers fishing., shopping, dining and just lazing back along the railing at the view of people below and activities up and down the beach. The view often includes local surfers riding the waves and helps make this a favorite stop. Learn more.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Maybe you've seen the billboards

Internationally known, this is the flagship Ron Jon providing more than 2 acres of fun in Cocoa Beach. You can rent surfboards and other beach gear here and visit the Florida Surf Museum next door . The beach nearby is famous too, named after astronaut Alan Shepard.

Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary

Large wetland area & bird preserve

805 Sykes Creek Pkwy.

Merritt Island, FL 32952

321-633-1874

A 436-acre sanctuary, natural lagoon and bird rookery, Ulumay is a Florida wilderness escape set in an urban environment. Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary is an international attraction for bird-watchers. A trail on the dike provides access for fishing and paddling.  A fishing pier, locally known as Old Humbacked Troll Bridge, juts into Sykes Creek at the southwest corner of the park.  An observation tower provides views and opportunities for nature photography.  Historically, Ulumay was a village of the Ais Indians who disappeared around 1720.  May see dolphin and many bird species, and alligators. Visitors should be cautious when hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking or fishing—all good things to do at Ulumay. Source: visitspacecoast.com

DISCOVER MERRITT ISLAND

Filter by
TitleCategoryAddressDescriptionLink

Get Directions

Add Waypoint
show options hide options

We’re Here To Help
Your Business

Through Planning, Partnerships,
Infrastructure, Financing Tools & Grants

Dedicated to Sustainability & Economic Growth in Merritt Island