Experience Peanut Island Adventures: A Practical Guide to Exploring West Palm Beach’s Tropical Waters

When it comes to discovering the best of West Palm Beach’s coastal charm, peanut-shaped Peanut Island is a highlight that draws many visitors. This private tour, priced at $50 per person and lasting around two hours, offers a personalized way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty, marine life, and outdoor activities like snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, or motor dinghy cruising. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience promises a mix of adventure and relaxed exploration suited for those who love outdoor fun and marine wildlife.
What we particularly appreciate about this tour is the flexibility around tide timings, ensuring that your time on the water coincides with high tide—the best moment for spotting wildlife and enjoying clear snorkel waters. Plus, the option to rent snorkel equipment directly from your guide makes it easier to gear up without hassle. On the downside, the need to call ahead to confirm start times and rental sizes might require some planning, especially if you’re visiting during a busy season.
This adventure suits families, couples, or solo travelers who want an authentic, interactive slice of Florida’s coastal environment. If you’re looking for a low-stress, fun-filled outing with knowledgeable guides, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s especially appealing for first-timers or those eager to see marine life like manatees, turtles, tropical fish, and starfish in their natural habitat.
Key Points

- Flexible Timing: Starts around high tide, so calling ahead ensures optimal experience.
- All-Inclusive Activity Options: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and motor dinghy cruising all available.
- Personalized Experience: Private tour means your small group gets individualized attention.
- Marine Wildlife: Opportunities to see manatees, turtles, tropical fish, and more.
- Guided Expertise: Guides like Curtis are well-reviewed for knowledge and friendliness.
- Value for Money: At $50, the experience offers a lot more than just transportation; it’s about engaging with nature.
Planning more time in West Palm Beach? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Exploring Peanut Island Adventures: A Detailed Review

Location and Duration
This private tour departs from Riviera Beach, FL, placing you right in the heart of West Palm Beach’s aquatic playground. The two-hour duration is perfect for a quick yet memorable escape into nature. Since the start times vary daily based on tides, you’ll need to confirm the exact timing with your guide beforehand— a small inconvenience that pays off with prime wildlife viewing and calm waters. This timing ensures your experience aligns with high tide, the best window for snorkeling and spotting marine animals.
The Itinerary: What You’ll Actually Do
The core of the tour revolves around around two hours of water-based adventure at Peanut Island. The tour is customizable—you choose among snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, or motor dinghy cruising—offering flexibility whether you want to float with the tropical fish or glide across the water in a small boat.
Your guide, like Curtis, leads you to some of the most vibrant spots around the island, known for their marine diversity. The reviews mention snorkeling around Peanut Island as a favorite activity, with some travelers noting the beautiful reef and abundant fish. The guides are praised for their local knowledge; Curtis, in particular, is noted for showing visitors the best spots to see marine life and providing informative commentary.
Wildlife and Natural Highlights
One of the key draws of this tour is the chance to encounter marine animals and tropical flora in their natural environment. Guests have reported seeing manatees, turtles, tropical fish, starfish, and sea shells, which makes the experience especially worthwhile for families with children or anyone curious about marine ecosystems. Guides often share insights about the island’s underwater plants, adding an educational element.
From the reviews, it’s clear that viewing marine life is a highlight. As one guest put it, the variety of fish and the stunning reef make for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure. Some guides also point out wild parrots and iguanas on land, offering a glimpse of local fauna beyond the water.
The Guide and Personal Experience
Many reviews praise the guides for their patience, knowledge, and friendliness. Curtis, in particular, is highlighted as an excellent instructor who makes even first-time snorkelers feel comfortable. One guest shared how Curtis allowed their granddaughter to steer the boat, adding a special touch of fun and interaction.
However, not everyone had a seamless experience. A review described some miscommunication about tour details, but the guide responded with a full refund when plans couldn’t be adjusted to suit the guest’s schedule. This highlights the importance of clear communication about start times and activities.
Equipment and Logistics
You can rent snorkel gear directly from the guide, which simplifies your packing list. Be sure to call ahead with your shoe sizes if you want gear, as rental options are available on-site. The meeting point at Riviera Beach is straightforward, and the transportation to Peanut Island is included as part of the private tour.
Timing is crucial—since the tour is scheduled around high tide, travelers should call or text before arriving. The flexibility helps maximize your wildlife sightings and snorkeling clarity. The tour is private, so your group isn’t competing with others for space or views, making it a more relaxed experience.
Value and Cost
At $50 per person, this tour offers excellent value. It isn’t just transportation but includes guided exploration and water activities. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable guides and the personalized service elevate the experience well beyond a simple boat ride.
Compared to larger group tours, a private outing like this ensures more interaction, tailored activity choices, and a quieter, more intimate setting. For families, couples, or solo travelers willing to call ahead and plan for the timing around tides, it’s a cost-effective way to get a full marine experience.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This adventure suits travelers who appreciate personalized service and want to explore at their own pace. If you’re interested in marine wildlife, want a safe environment for beginners, or simply love being on the water, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s especially good for families, as guides are praised for their patience with kids and ability to engage the whole family.
Those who prefer shorter, flexible excursions over lengthy, organized groups will also appreciate how this experience adapts to the tide schedule. Bear in mind that calling ahead to confirm timings is essential to fully enjoy the tour.
The Sum Up

This private Peanut Island adventure provides a balanced mix of education, outdoor activity, and wildlife viewing that appeals to many kinds of travelers. The knowledgeable guides, like Curtis, make all the difference, turning what could be a simple boat trip into an engaging exploration of Florida’s tropical waters. The variety of activities—snorkeling, kayaking, sailing—means you can tailor the experience to your interests, whether that’s spotting marine animals or just floating in the warm sun.
While the timing and coordination require a bit of planning, the overall value and authenticity of the experience stand out. It’s a wonderful option for those wanting a personal, relaxed outing that combines nature, adventure, and local charm. If you’re prepared to call ahead and enjoy a flexible schedule, this tour is a smart choice for creating memorable moments in West Palm Beach’s beautiful aquatic environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know what time the tour starts?
The start time varies daily based on high tide, so you’ll need to call or text your guide beforehand to confirm the exact timing for that day.
Can I rent snorkel equipment?
Yes, you can rent snorkel gear directly from your guide. Make sure to call ahead with your shoe size to ensure availability.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
Many reviews mention family-friendly experiences, and guides are praised for their patience. If your children are comfortable in the water, they should enjoy the marine wildlife and outdoor fun.
Will I see marine animals like manatees or turtles?
While wildlife sightings depend on nature’s schedule, many guests have reported seeing manatees, turtles, and tropical fish during their tour.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes. Your guide may provide snorkel gear, but feel free to bring your own if preferred.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about two hours, but this can vary slightly depending on tide schedules and group preferences.
Is this a group or private tour?
It’s a private experience, meaning only your group participates, which offers more flexibility and personal attention.
What activities are included?
You can choose among snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, or motor dinghy cruising—the guide will tailor the experience based on your interests.
What is the cost?
The price is $50 per person, which includes the guide, water activities, and transportation to and from Peanut Island.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a rescheduled date or a full refund.
This Peanut Island tour offers a practical, engaging way to enjoy the tropical waters of Florida, especially if you value local knowledge, customizable activities, and small-group adventures. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet enriching outdoor experience with plenty of chances to connect with nature.
