Deerfield Island Park
Deerfield Island Park
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
72 reviews
Excellent
34
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29
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8
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0
Stretchpackrat
montreal
Oct 2014 • Friends
First this is a park that is run by Broward county and access is only by boat and the shuttle they have is free (give a couple of bucks in a tip if you can)and runs on the weekend only. I was pleasantly surprised to see what it had to offer . You can spend as little as 45 minutes to 3-4 hours on the island. You can even have a BBQ however everything is bring it yourself as nothing is available on the island.
There are very clean bathroom facilities so need to worry about that.
The one negative I had is that there were a number of signs obviously giving some info about the wildlife or plant life that were so old they were faded out and as such you missed out on this info. This needs to be revived.
Hints:
- go in the morning when there is a little more action and the heat is so tough.
- Be ready to deal see spiders. They are not dangerous but they are big. The operators clear the paths in the morning but you need to be on the lookout if you decide to venture off the trails. I suggest picking up a dead palm branch to use in clearing any areas you want to go that have some webs in the way.
- Don't make a lot of noise when walking the paths, and look far ahead before looking from side to side as you can see the wildlife. We saw a raccoon walking the path up ahead of us and a 3-4 ft iguana crossed our path. We also were able to catch up with 3 turtles.
- Don't be shy to ask the operators working if they had seen any turtles. They often know where the nests are and might be able to help you catch a glimpse of them.
-Typically the boat going to the island leaves on the hour, and it comes back at 10 minutes to the hour.
-Take your time and enjoy the jungle of an island you are on in the middle of one of the more expensive areas in the US. It is nice to be able to jump on a 3 minute boat ride and sort of go back in time.
There are very clean bathroom facilities so need to worry about that.
The one negative I had is that there were a number of signs obviously giving some info about the wildlife or plant life that were so old they were faded out and as such you missed out on this info. This needs to be revived.
Hints:
- go in the morning when there is a little more action and the heat is so tough.
- Be ready to deal see spiders. They are not dangerous but they are big. The operators clear the paths in the morning but you need to be on the lookout if you decide to venture off the trails. I suggest picking up a dead palm branch to use in clearing any areas you want to go that have some webs in the way.
- Don't make a lot of noise when walking the paths, and look far ahead before looking from side to side as you can see the wildlife. We saw a raccoon walking the path up ahead of us and a 3-4 ft iguana crossed our path. We also were able to catch up with 3 turtles.
- Don't be shy to ask the operators working if they had seen any turtles. They often know where the nests are and might be able to help you catch a glimpse of them.
-Typically the boat going to the island leaves on the hour, and it comes back at 10 minutes to the hour.
-Take your time and enjoy the jungle of an island you are on in the middle of one of the more expensive areas in the US. It is nice to be able to jump on a 3 minute boat ride and sort of go back in time.
Written October 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jillemccarthy
Ohio
Jan 2011
This is a lovely activity if you have an hour or a full day. A pontoon boat (limit 10 people) takes you over to the island. The docks are handicapped accessible and the board walk could accomodate a wheelchair for a short stroll. There are 2 nature trails with alot of beautiful follage, very shady, easy walk. We took many beautiful pictures. The boat goes back across to the park hourly so you can stay as long as you want until 4pm. We really enjoyed it.
Written January 30, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DBG8474
Boca Raton, FL
Apr 2017 • Couples
The Broward County water taxi to and from the island from Sullivan Park is short, but feels like a real adventure. After a short ride across the intercoastal waterway, we docked and stepped off the boat on to Capone Island. There are walking trails that are well marked all over the island to explore. Lots of birds and lizards to see.
After an hour or so on the island you've seen it all and may wish to head back to Sullivan Park on the next water shuttle.
After an hour or so on the island you've seen it all and may wish to head back to Sullivan Park on the next water shuttle.
Written April 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard C
Barnet, UK
The boat that leaves at 11.00am on the last Saturday of each month encompasses a tour of and around the island with a great guide.
Takes about 90 minutes and costs $6 but is worth every penny.
We didn't make reservations but it wouldn't do any harm. You'll need to Google Deerfield Island Park to get the telephone number.
The island itself is worth a visit. Lots of different plants, picnic and BBQ spots (grills provided). It was once owned by Al Capone!
You can visit the idland at any time if you have your own boat and mooring is free.
Takes about 90 minutes and costs $6 but is worth every penny.
We didn't make reservations but it wouldn't do any harm. You'll need to Google Deerfield Island Park to get the telephone number.
The island itself is worth a visit. Lots of different plants, picnic and BBQ spots (grills provided). It was once owned by Al Capone!
You can visit the idland at any time if you have your own boat and mooring is free.
Written January 15, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ericcandy s
Midlothian, VA
Sep 2018 • Couples
Visited on a Saturday in September. We arrived around 10:45am and caught the 11:00am ride over from the docks at Sullivan park. I think we may were supposed to pay for parking - OOPS! Didn’t see till we got back - but we weren’t ticketed.
The “shuttle” service is a 2min pontoon cruise across the canal to a “marina” on the island.
We went over for approximately an hour. The habitat is pristine, and the trails are a combination of landscaped and decked walking paths.
You can expect to see mangrove bird species, mature iguanas, gopher tortises, and huge-beautiful Gold orb weaving spiders. My wife was not a fan, but they were all webbed up well out of reach of human heads or hands.
Overall this was a very pleasant trip. Be sure to check the parking guidelines.
I would suggest bringing a small backpack, sunscreen if up, some insect repellent, a small first aid kit, and water for everyone in your group.
The “shuttle” service is a 2min pontoon cruise across the canal to a “marina” on the island.
We went over for approximately an hour. The habitat is pristine, and the trails are a combination of landscaped and decked walking paths.
You can expect to see mangrove bird species, mature iguanas, gopher tortises, and huge-beautiful Gold orb weaving spiders. My wife was not a fan, but they were all webbed up well out of reach of human heads or hands.
Overall this was a very pleasant trip. Be sure to check the parking guidelines.
I would suggest bringing a small backpack, sunscreen if up, some insect repellent, a small first aid kit, and water for everyone in your group.
Written September 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mossod12
Port Jefferson Station, NY
Feb 2018
Even many people in Deerfield beach are not aware of this great excursion. Pick up the free ferry at Sullivan park (another great hideaway). The park is behind the chamber of commerce on the left BEFORE crossing the bridge. Ferry leaves on the hour weekend only. Great hiking and exploring for kids. Bring your lunch and drinks. We traveled with my elderly mom and have the following tips: exiting off the ferry at the island is tough. A very steep plank and ferry drivers,though very nice, do not offer much assistance. Nicely paved and accessible walkways once in the island but do not attempt to get
To the observation deck if you can’t manage uneven terrain. There are only dirt trails at that point. Instead go left after disembarking the ferry for a nice picnic lunch. Then retrace your steps past the marina and head straight to the dock. Great viewing from there and a shorter accessible walk. We enjoyed it!
To the observation deck if you can’t manage uneven terrain. There are only dirt trails at that point. Instead go left after disembarking the ferry for a nice picnic lunch. Then retrace your steps past the marina and head straight to the dock. Great viewing from there and a shorter accessible walk. We enjoyed it!
Written February 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
grantham353
Deerfield Beach, FL
Jul 2016 • Friends
If you don't have a boat you can only go over on Saturday or Sunday when there is a free boat that takes passengers. You have to know when it goes. It does not go often and only holds 12-14 people. The island is lovely to walk around. We saw many raccoons wandering around during the day and were told they are not a problem.
You can picnic or just walk the island. The boat ride over is about 20 minutes, but that will change once Sullivan Park has finished the reconstruction.
You can picnic or just walk the island. The boat ride over is about 20 minutes, but that will change once Sullivan Park has finished the reconstruction.
Written August 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LADWhitePlains
White Plains,NY
Feb 2016 • Couples
On weekends the town runs a boat, and unless you have your own boat, there is no other way to visit the island. During the first part of 2016 (and until the fall we are told) the boat departs from Pioneer Park. This is actually a big plus since the two minute ride is now about 20 minutes and passes many interesting sights and magnificent water-front mansions.
Once on the island there are several walking trails and bathrooms. Please note: during our February 2016 visit the mangrove trail, with the best chance of seeing wildlife, was closed for much-needed repair. I do not know when this will be repaired.
We only saw one turtle during our visit.
Best of all- its all FREE!
Once on the island there are several walking trails and bathrooms. Please note: during our February 2016 visit the mangrove trail, with the best chance of seeing wildlife, was closed for much-needed repair. I do not know when this will be repaired.
We only saw one turtle during our visit.
Best of all- its all FREE!
Written February 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry D
Lighthouse Point, FL
Nov 2014
Most Deerfield Beach residents haven't been to Deerfield Island Park. They are missing part of the history of Deerfield. Formerly called Capone Island because of the rumored rum running of Al Capone back in the day. Nice trails, wildlife and I was surprised to find there are covered areas that can be rented for parties. Very reasonable rates.
Written June 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chantal P
Montreal, Canada
Dec 2014 • Couples
It was easy to found, got on the shuttle boat right away and were on the island in no time. The captain told us the mangrove trail was closed because the latest hurricane had damaged the passage way (most of it is a suspended stilts) but we ventured just the same to find out that there are no real damage to the structure. Unfortunately it looks like it was almost abandoned. The city maintains it, so maybe they don't have the budget. It's too bad because it was really a nice walk. We saw turtles, iguanas, birds. Bathroom facilities very clean. We stayed 2 hours which gave us just enough time to see it all. We were pleased to be able to disconnect from busy beaches, and trafic and find ourselves in nature. And yes there are lots of spiders webs. Take a branch before you leave and look out for the web on the trails. They're inoffensive but pretty big.
Written January 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard H
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Hello, It's been 3 times I go to see your island... It is always closed.
Can you tell me when I will be able to go and see it. It's been 3 years it is closed
Written February 18, 2024
Hi, Gloria. What would you like to know about this attraction? Are there public restrooms on the island?
Written April 2, 2018
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