Samsons Island Nature Preserve

Samsons Island, owned by the City of Satellite Beach, Florida, is located within the City's boundaries on a 52-acre island in the Banana River.  Contrary to its name, the Banana River is not a river at all, but part of the Indian River Lagoon estuary system.  Unlike a river, its brackish water, which results from salt water from the sea mixing with freshwater from the land, is moved more by wind than by tide and does not flow from headwaters to a mouth.  The Lagoon makes up 40% of Florida's east coast, is 156 miles long, and run through six counties, from Ponce de Leon Inlet in New Smyrna Beach to Jupiter Inlet  just  north of West Palm Beach.  With more than 2,200 different animal species and 2,100 types of plants, the Lagoon system contains more species than any other estuary in North America.  Included are 700 fish species and 310 bird species, the most diverse bird population in  North America.  Also included are 36 endangered animal species, one of which is the manatee.  The rich array of plants and animals results from the Lagoon's climate zones, which range from temperate to subtropical.  Samsons Island Nature Park is part of this extraordinary estuary system.

Except in inclement weather, the City provides free boat transportation each Sunday from the Satellite Beach Fire Station (1390 S. Patrick Drive).  The boat, which holds 11 passengers, leaves at 1 p.m. (first come, first served) and returns from the island approx. at 3:30 p.m.  Park at the Fire Station, and walk to the dock behind the Station.

Rules while enjoying Samsons Island

While visiting Samsons Island please observe the following:

• It is preferable to stay on marked trail.
• Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed in the interior canals.
• Some animal species on the island are threatened or endangered and must be protected.  All animals living on the island should be viewed from a distance and not disturbed or fed.
• Dogs are permitted on the island, they must be on a leash at all times.
• Camping is permitted only in designated areas.  Camping at the pavilion is prohibited.  Park visitors must have a permit to be on the island between dusk and dawn.  Permits must be obtained from the Satellite Beach Recreation Department.  Permit holders must be 18 years of age or older (must show current driver's license.)  NOTE:  If members in the group are under 18 years old, permit holders must be 21 years old.
• Cutting any tree, dead or alive, is prohibited.  Plenty of dead wood is available on the island for firewood, but please do not use the border logs along the trail for this purpose.
• To help preserve the shoreline, please come ashore at the main dock or landing platforms located at the north and south canal cuts.
• Alcohol is prohibited during the hours of dusk and dawn.
• Paintballs, BB Guns, and all firearms or weapons of any kind are prohibited on the island.