Castaway Island Preserve

Castaway Island Preserve is a 300-acre natural oasis tucked away in the San Pablo area of Jacksonville, Florida. The preserve features a mix of maritime hammock, salt marsh, and tidal creeks, making it a prime spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. A well-maintained boardwalk winds through the forest and over the marsh, leading to a observation tower with panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors often spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birds, including ospreys and herons. The park has a small beach area for launching kayaks and a picnic pavilion. It's a peaceful escape from the city, ideal for nature lovers and families looking for a quiet outdoor adventure. The preserve is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, so bring binoculars.

Don't miss

• Walk the boardwalk through marsh and hammock to the observation tower
• Kayak or paddleboard through the tidal creeks
• Spot dolphins, manatees, and wading birds
• Picnic at the shaded pavilion near the water

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Castaway Island Preserve

Cheapest way inAmelia Island Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals Talbot State Park4.9★ · 31 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$25 per personSee dates →Most bookedClear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area5★ · 6,424 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$79 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleClear/Standard Kayak Self Guided Island EcoTour Bonita Springs!4.9★ · 209 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$25 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset.
• Bring insect repellent, especially during warmer months.
• If kayaking, bring your own gear; no rentals on-site.
• Pets are allowed on leashes, but not on the boardwalk or observation tower.

A bit of history

The preserve was acquired by the City of Jacksonville in the early 2000s as part of a conservation effort to protect the region's coastal ecosystems. It was named for its former use as a small island inhabited by castaways during the 19th century, though little documented history remains.