Samsons Island 3.78

Samsons Island, owned by the City of Satellite Beach, Florida, is located within the City's boundaries on a 52-acre island in the Banana River.

The island is managed by the Satellite Beach Recreation Department and is patrolled by the Satellite Beach Police Department and Volunteer Marine Patrol.

Access is by boat only.

From the Banana River, boats should enter the Grand Canal in Satellite Beach, using the cross-canal at the north or south side of the island.
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Permits for overnight stay are available for FREE by contacting the Rec Department directly: (321) 773-6458
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Except in inclement weather, the City provides free boat transportation each Sunday from the Satellite Beach Fire Station (1390 S. Patrick Drive). The boat, which holds 11 passengers, leaves at 1 p.m. (first come, first served) and returns from the island approx. at 3:30 p.m. Park at the Fire Station, and walk to the dock behind the Station.

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What can I do on Samsons Island?

Passive Recreation: Enjoy hiking on the many nature trails, one of which leads to a unique sand beach for wading or fishing.

Nature Observation: While bird watching, you can spot more than 30 species of birds, including great blue herons, egrets, ospreys, roseate spoonbills, pileated woodpeckers, and horned owls.

Primitive Camping: Camp in a primitive campsite, or picnic in a peaceful grove overlooking a creek leading to the Banana River. (Dusk to Dawn - permit required).

Water Activities: Enjoy boating in the surrounding waters or for trout, redfish, snook, or tarpon.

Environmental Education Classes: Teachers, camp coordinators and homeschool groups can bring students to the island for one of our educational programs (space limited.)
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Volunteer Opportunities:

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Satellite Beach Recreation Department, 1089 S. Patrick Drive, Satellite Beach, FL 32937. Phone (321) 773-6458, Fax (321) 777-5207 or email: kstoms@satellitebeach.org

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Rules while enjoying Samsons Island:
While visiting Samsons Island please observe the following:

It is preferable to stay on marked trail.
Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed in the interior canals.
Some animal species on the island are threatened or endangered and must be protected. All animals living on the island should be viewed from a distance and not disturbed or fed.
Dogs are permitted on the island, they must be on a leash at all times.
Camping is permitted only in designated areas. Camping at the pavilion is prohibited. Park visitors must have a permit (see below) to be on the island between dusk and dawn. Permits must be obtained from the Satellite Beach Recreation Department (1089 S. Patrick Dr., Satellite Beach, FL 32937; phone 321-773-6458 ; fax 321-777-5207; email: recreation@satellitebeach.org). Permit holders must be 18 years of age or older (must show current driver's license.) NOTE: If members in the group are under 18 years old, permit holders must be 21 years old.
Cutting any tree, dead or alive, is prohibited. Plenty of dead wood is available on the island for firewood, but please do not use the border logs along the trail for this purpose.
To help preserve the shoreline, please come ashore at the main dock or landing platforms located at the north and south canal cuts.
Alcohol is prohibited during the hours of dusk and dawn.
Paintballs, BB Guns, and all firearms or weapons of any kind are prohibited on the island.