Round Island Riverside Park, a hidden gem near Port St. Lucie, offers visitors a unique opportunity to kayak, paddleboard, and hike alongside Florida manatees. Situated just north of the St. Lucie County line, between Vero Beach and Fort Pierce, this 83-acre Indian River County park is renowned for its frequent manatee sightings and diverse recreational activities.
Exploring Round Island Riverside Park Near Port St. Lucie
Round Island Riverside Park is distinct from the smaller 11-acre Round Island Oceanside Park located directly across State Road A1A. At Round Island Riverside Park, visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and hiking along the scenic Indian River Lagoon.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding with Manatees
Visitors often encounter manatees in the protected coves around Round Island. These gentle marine mammals are naturally curious, sometimes approaching vessels to investigate briefly before swimming away. However, their presence can vary depending on weather conditions and seasonal patterns.
Park amenities include two boat ramps and a dedicated launch area for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Paddling around the island typically takes about 15 minutes, depending on currents and tides. During low tide, paddlers should be cautious of shallow areas where paddles might scrape the river bottom. Recently, Port St. Lucie residents advocate for boating restrictions to safeguard manatees in nearby waterways, highlighting the importance of responsible boating.
Hiking and Wildlife Viewing at Round Island Riverside Park
Even without a vessel, visitors can observe manatees and other wildlife from a 400-foot-long wooden boardwalk connecting the barrier island to Round Island. The boardwalk provides excellent vantage points for viewing manatees, pelicans, herons, and jumping fish.
Nature Trails and Observation Tower
The park features a short but scenic hiking trail through mangroves and Australian pine trees. Branches form natural tunnels along parts of the trail, creating shaded pathways. At the trail’s end, visitors encounter a fork leading either to a small fishing pier or an observation tower. The tower offers panoramic views of the lagoon and surrounding mangrove islands.
Fishing Opportunities at Round Island Riverside Park
Fishing enthusiasts can find ample opportunities at Round Island Riverside Park. The mangrove shoreline is an ideal spot to catch redfish, spotted seatrout, snook, tarpon, and jack crevalle.
Park Facilities and Amenities
Round Island Riverside Park provides visitors with convenient amenities including:
- Paved parking lot with 30 spaces and 12 boat trailer parking spaces
- Restrooms and water fountains
- Small playground for children
- Pavilion with picnic tables and grill
Visitors can also enjoy ocean swimming at the nearby Round Island Oceanside Park, located directly across State Road A1A. Both parks are open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset.
Protecting Florida Manatees: Important Guidelines
Visitors must remember that manatees are protected under federal and state laws. The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 prohibit harassing, hunting, capturing, or killing marine mammals. Violations can result in fines up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.
Florida’s Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 also makes it illegal to intentionally or negligently disturb manatees. Violations carry penalties of up to $500 and/or 60 days imprisonment. Visitors must maintain a safe distance of at least 50 feet from manatees and avoid feeding, touching, or chasing them. Recently, there has been growing community support for establishing a dedicated manatee protection zone in the C-24 Canal near Port St. Lucie.
Frequently Asked Questions About Round Island Riverside Park
What is Round Island Riverside Park known for?
Round Island Riverside Park is known for its excellent opportunities to kayak, paddleboard, and hike alongside Florida manatees. It is located near Port St. Lucie and offers scenic views of the Indian River Lagoon.
Are there manatees at Round Island Riverside Park year-round?
Manatees are frequently seen at Round Island Riverside Park, but their presence can vary depending on weather conditions and seasons. Visitors have the best chance of seeing manatees during warmer months.
Can you fish at Round Island Riverside Park?
Yes, fishing is allowed at Round Island Riverside Park. Popular catches include redfish, spotted seatrout, snook, tarpon, and jack crevalle along the mangrove shoreline.
Where is Round Island Riverside Park located?
Round Island Riverside Park is located at 2200 State Road A1A, just north of the St. Lucie County line, between Vero Beach and Fort Pierce.
How much does it cost to visit Round Island Riverside Park?
Round Island Riverside Park is free to the public. Visitors can access park amenities, trails, and boat ramps without any entrance fees.
In the Port St. Lucie area, residents have recently become active in advocating for enhanced protections for local wildlife, notably by promoting manatee protection measures in the C-24 Canal.
Interested in learning more about retirement communities in Port St. Lucie? Download our FREE guide .
Port St Lucie Talks
