Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
Hiking along one of the refuge's seven
trails
is best during fall, winter and early spring.
The shortest hike is 0.25 miles along a raised
boardwalk
behind the visitor center, while
the longest is the 5-mile
Cruickshank Trail
that forms a loop around Black Point Marsh,
making it an excellent place to view wading birds.
Black Point Wildlife Drive
DRIVING TOUR
( 321-633-7245; off FL-406, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge; per vehicle $5)
One of the best places to see wildlife is on this self-guided, 7-mile drive through salt and
freshwater marshes. A trail brochure detailing 12 stops and the habitats and wildlife found
there is available at the entry point.
In season you'll see plenty of waterfowl, wading birds and raptors, including luridly
colored roseate spoonbills and, if you're lucky, the endangered Florida scrub jay. Alligat-
ors, otters, bobcats and various species of reptile may also be visible in the early morning
and at sunset. The drive takes approximately 40 minutes.
Mosquito Lagoon
KAYAKING, BOATING
(Merritt Island)
Hugging the western side of the barrier-island strip, Mosquito Lagoon is an incredibly
peaceful waterway connected to the ocean by the Ponce de Leon Inlet. At barely 4ft deep,
it's a great place to paddle between island hammocks and dense mangroves observing the
birds, manatees and dolphins.
A
manatee observation deck
can be found on the northeastern side of the
Haulover
Canal
, which connects the lagoon to the Indian River. This also makes a great launch
point for kayaks. Boat launches (requiring a Refuge Day Pass, $5) are available at Bairs
Cove, Beacon 42 and the Bio Lab.
The lagoon is aptly named, so bring bug repellent.
A Day Away Kayak Tours
KAYAKING
(
321-268-2655;
www.adayawaykayaktours.com
;
adult/child day tours $30/20, night tours $34/26)
