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Merritt Island National Wildlife RefugeAt Port Canaveral, you can enjoy the activity of North America’s busies port (second largest cruise ship terminal in the world) along with outstanding wildlife. Within the Port itself, large ships to be seen include some of the world’s most elegant cruise ships, freighters and tankers from many countries, fishing boats of all types and a wide variety of U.S. Naval vessels. Wildlife is abundant, with manatees, dolphins and plenty of birds, especially in and around the locks, which connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Banana River estuary. Please observe security rules while in or near Port Canaveral. Stay 25 feet away from docks, and 100 feet away from moored vessels. Keep a 300-foot distance from all ships in transit. There is no access to the west turning basin when any cruise ships are in port. Canoes and kayaks may use the locks; however, the lockmaster will not open on demand for them. Paddlers must wait until a motor vessel approaches for the locks to open. Primitive camping is available on spoil islands west of the locks. A full service campground is available at Jetty Park. A new, 1500-foot pier along the south jetty provides for both day and night fishing.Directions: There are two boat ramps at the Port. Both are on the south side. From north Cocoa, go east on SR 528 from I-95 or U.S. 1. After you cross the Banana River, follow the signs for the South Dock and go into the south entrance to the Port (George King Blvd.). To reach Freddie Patrick Park, go east on George King Blvd. to its intersection with Flounder Rd. Turn left on Flounder Rd. and go to the end. The park with boat ramps is on the right. To get to Port’s End Park, turn left off of George King Blvd. onto Dave Nisbett Dr. Turn left again onto Mullet Rd. and follow it around to the park. You will reach the locks if you continue going west on Mullet Rd.
321-783-7111 |
Turnbull CreekThe vast Turnbull Swamp Basin is the northernmost point for fresh water drainage into the Indian River Lagoon, emptying into the lagoon through Turnbull Creek, thus forming its headwaters. The navigable portion of the creek itself begins in a remote wilderness area southwest of Oak Hill. Impassable in low water, the swamp gives way to a narrow waterway that very gradually broadens as it moves downstream. As the water moves toward the estuary, its aquatic habitats change from more typical freshwater vegetation beginning in the swamp with cypress, oaks and palm hammocks, then to wax myrtles, willows and cattails and, finally, to an endless sea of cord qrass. This beautiful salt marsh is home to numerous coastal birds; when the water levels are low, every turn of the narrow winding creek offers a chance for close-up looks at a wide variety of egrets and herons.Directions: Launch from the northeast side of the US 1 Bridge over Turnbull Creek, located approximately 12 miles north of Mims. If you go over a big overpass, you've gone too far. www.abouttitusville.com/outdoors
Lake JesupIf you want to see alligators, Lake Jesup is the place! More than 10,000 strong, Lake Jesup has Florida’s highest population of the ancient crocodilians. In fact, no other lake in North America claims more gators per acre. A large, shallow water body in Seminole County, Lake Jesup and its floodplain extend over approximately 16,000 acres. Over 100,000 years old, the lake itself covers about 10,000 acres. Jesup is home to many eagles. Ospreys, wading birds, bobcats and river otters. Where alligators are present, you’ll sometimes find bird rookeries (the birds know that gators keep predator populations in check) and Lake Jesup is no exception. Bird Island, a small island in the interior of Jesup is a significant wading bird rookery.
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Directions: The north end of Lake Jesup is reached from Cameron Wight Park. East Lake Jesup may be accessed from the Flack Hammock Marina. Bird Island is located near the middle of the lake, about two miles north-west of Black Hammock. Go south from SR 46 at the traffic light in Geneva on CR 426 to Oviedo, 7.5 miles. Turn right on Broadway. Make an immediate right on Central Ave. (SR 434). Go 1.3 miles and turn right on Deleon St. Go to Howard Ave., turn left. Go to Black Hammock Rd., turn right. The road ends at Black Hammock Fish Camp. There is a modest fee to launch.
407-365-1244, 386-329-4044
Econlockhatchee RiverBetween Orlando and the Atlantic Ocean lies an area of Florida that is almost as undisturbed as it was centuries ago. Officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails and a Florida Outstanding Waterway, here visitors can escape to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of an area just 45 minutes away from Disney World. Born in a large area of swamps southeast of Orlando, the serpentine Econlockhatchee River winds eastward through pristine wetlands and ancient forests of giant oaks and cypress, eventually feeding into the north-flowing St. Johns River. Wildlife is abundant; gray squirrels, river otters and white-tailed deer, alligators and turtles are often seen. The forests team with birds – the Econ is a corridor during songbird migration.
Check with Hidden River Park for updates on water conditions. 407-568-5346 |
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