Glide along Palm Beach’s waterfront on a 90-minute intracoastal cruise that passes Peanut Island and millionaire mansions. Expect local history, coastal ecology commentary, complimentary snacks and the chance to spot dolphins near the shoreline.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Salt air and low-slung clouds move across the water as the red-and-white boat slips out of the Marina Event Center. On a 90-minute loop through the Palm Beach intracoastal, the engine hum becomes a metronome for coastline stories: seawalls, yacht basins and the occasional osprey diving for breakfast. The route skirts Palm Beach’s narrow barrier island, sweeps around Peanut Island’s shoreline, and runs past the waterfront estates that made the area famous. This coastline sits on Pleistocene sand and reclaimed mangrove flats; the island itself was expanded in the 20th century using dredge spoils to form a protective harbor. Local history reads like chapters of development and leisure — a mix of Native Tequesta presence, Gilded Age vacations and mid-century resort growth that shaped the shoreline you pass today. Listen as the guide points out architectural styles, ecological notes and the marine life visible from the rail. You’ll see concrete bunkers on Peanut Island, palm-lined avenues, and marina life in motion — fishing boats, paddleboarders and the occasional dolphin that seems to dare the tour closer. Practical details: arrive 15 minutes early at the Kyalami Too/Scuba Club, slip P14. Snacks and soda are provided; BYOB is permitted. Wear sun protection and soft-soled shoes for boarding, and bring a small dry bag for phones. Plan this trip in the cooler morning hours to avoid peak heat and afternoon chop. This is an easy, low-effort cruise designed for curious travelers who want a compact coastal introduction to Palm Beach’s history, ecology and waterfront lifestyle.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; able to stand for sightseeing and step on/off a small passenger boat.
Wildlife
History
The Palm Beach intracoastal evolved from natural barrier islands and 20th-century dredging projects; Peanut Island itself was expanded using dredged material and later developed into a public park with Cold War-era structures.
Conservation
Boat traffic and shoreline development pressure coastal habitats—stick to viewing from the boat and avoid feeding wildlife; choose reef-safe sunscreen to reduce chemical runoff.
Reserve your spot on the Cruise the Palm Beach Intracoastal on a 90 minute Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early for boarding
Get to the Marina Event Center 15 minutes before departure to find slip P14 and secure good viewing spots on a small boat.
Protect your skin
Florida sun is strong year-round—bring reef-safe sunscreen and a brimmed hat even for short cruises.
Bring a small dry bag
Phones and cameras are best kept dry when you’re near the rail or during light spray—use a zip pouch or dry bag.
Watch your step boarding
Boat gangways can be narrow—wear stable shoes and use handrails when stepping on or off the vessel.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin during sun exposure on exposed decks.
summer
Sunglasses and hat
Reduces glare for clearer views of shoreline architecture and wildlife.
summer
Light wind jacket
Useful for cooler mornings or when the breeze picks up on open water.
winter
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated; bottled water is provided but a refillable bottle reduces waste.