John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
N 26° 49.595 W 080° 02.579
17R E 595098 N 2967586
This can be a short and easy trip around the lagoon or it can be extended to Lake Worth.
Waymark Code: WM17BB
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 02/10/2007
Views: 133
In the 1970s, businessman John D. MacArthur donated the land for this park to preserve a subtropical coastal habitat, much of which had already been lost to urban sprawl. A unique mixture of coastal and tropical hammock and mangrove forest, this barrier island provides a haven for several rare or endangered native tropical and coastal plant species. The park's nature center shows visitors why the park is a biological treasure. Visitors can swim, picnic, and surf at the beach; scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities. Birdwatchers can see herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers, and gulls. Anglers can fish in the lagoon by wading, kayaking, or canoeing-they can also fish from non-swimming areas of the beach. Located in northern Palm Beach County, 2.8 miles south of the intersection of U.S. 1 and PGA Boulevard on A1A.
(The above text was copied from the John D. MacArther State Park website.)
This canoe/kayak trip can be as long or short as you are willing to paddle. From the put-in, it is about one mile to Munyon Island. There is a boardwalk and some picnic pavilions on the island. There are also a few geocaches. It is a fun island to explore and watch wildlife.
For an extended trip, it is about three and a half miles south to Peanut Island. Watch for waves from the big boats.
Parking/put-in/launching information:
There is a lot of parking near the put-in. The put-in itself is just a small clearing in the trees to the lagoon. See the gallery.
Paddling conditions to be expected:
Paddling on the lagoon is easy. On Lake Worth you can expect to experience some waves because there are some big yachts that use this waterway to get to the ocean. Some of them go faster than others. Wind can also be a factor. It can be calm on the way out then on the way back there might be some head wind. Ya just never know so plan accordingly!
Difficulty of the trip:
beginner
Length of trip: 2-7 miles...more?
Portages:
No portages unless you go out when the tide is low. Check tide charts before heading out because getting stuck in the mud is not fun! Local tides: http://www.saltwatertides.com/dynamic.dir/floridaatlanticsites.html
Permits required:
No permit is required to go canoeing or kayaking. There is a fee to get into the state park. Call them for information: 561-624-6950. Florida State fishing licence rules apply.
Type of trip:
This trip can be an out and back trip or you can arrange for someone to pick you up at some point other than where you started.
Other information:
There are kayaks for rent at the park. Call the park for details. There are also tours lead by park rangers to Munyon Island.
Take-out Coordinates: Not Listed
|
Visit Instructions:Logging waymarks in this category requires a picture of your boat and your GPS at the given parking/launching coordinates,and a brief description of your canoe/kayak trip.
Additional photos and information and/or suggestions for future waymarkers will be appreciated, but is not necessary.