Being raised in west Palm Beach from the age of 1 Peanut Island was a great place to hang out after school, weekends and during the summer.
We would camp, fish, dive and torment the coasties who were stationed on the island with our youthful antics. This would include engaging them in dirtbomb fights and then have them chase us all over the island. They were always great fun and good sports. The island was originally formed in 1925 from the dredging of Lake Worth Inlet. It's name came from the planned installation of a peanut factory that never came into fruition. During the 60's a bomb shelter was built behind the Coast Guard station, both the station and shelter still exist as the Palm Beach Maritime Museum. The island is going through a re-development stage by the Army Corps of Engineers, FIND and Palm Beach County. These plans include an artificial snorkling reef, nature trails, camping sites and many other planned amenities. While part of the island is closed due to construction the Northwest and east quadrants are open to camping and daily activites. The only way to Peanut Island is by boat and I happen to own one the 3 water taxi's available to transport visitors to the island. The Aqua Shuttle 561-723-0404 is an ex-navy troop transporter previously attached to the USS Trenton. She transported marines ashore during the Gulf War during combat assaults. We are located at the Riviera Beach Municipal Marina in Riviera Beach Florida. This is just minutes away from Peanut Island with the fare being $5.00 for a round trip ticket.