Island Hopper Cruises
Our regular Scenic Cruises are about 1¾ hours and focus on Atsena Otie and Seahorse Keys. Captains will point out highlights and briefly discuss the history and ecology of the area. You will land on one of the islands and have some time to explore or take a stroll down the beach. Seahorse is closed from March through June for bird nesting. During this time we land on another key.
Our regular Scenic Cruises are about 1¾ hours and focus on Atsena Otie and Seahorse Keys. Captains will point out highlights and briefly discuss the history and ecology of the area. You will land on one of the islands and have some time to explore or take a stroll down the beach. Seahorse is closed from March through June for bird nesting. During this time we land on another key.
- Special parties (weddings, etc.) are available on request
- Spreading of ashes available
- Island Drop-off
- Sunset Cruises
- Sand Dollar trips
- We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover
- Located at City Marina on Dock Street
Call (352) 543-5904 for reservations
Seahorse Key
Lying on the outermost edge of the refuge, it is so named because it is shaped like a seahorse. It is the site of the regional lighthouse, and has been used as a military post and hospital -- during the Civil and Seminol Wars as a prisoner of war camp -- and later as a small fishing/farming village.
It is the highest point of land on the Gulf Coast, rising 52 ft. above sea level. It hosts abundant bird life, with ibis, egret, osprey, cormorant and brown pelican the most prominent, and frigate birds the most unusual.
The lighthouse was built in 1851, decommissioned in 1915, and is the oldest remaining lighthouse on the Gulf Coast. Since 1952 it has been leased by the University of Florida which established it as a marine biology laboratory and dormitory.
Lying on the outermost edge of the refuge, it is so named because it is shaped like a seahorse. It is the site of the regional lighthouse, and has been used as a military post and hospital -- during the Civil and Seminol Wars as a prisoner of war camp -- and later as a small fishing/farming village.
It is the highest point of land on the Gulf Coast, rising 52 ft. above sea level. It hosts abundant bird life, with ibis, egret, osprey, cormorant and brown pelican the most prominent, and frigate birds the most unusual.
The lighthouse was built in 1851, decommissioned in 1915, and is the oldest remaining lighthouse on the Gulf Coast. Since 1952 it has been leased by the University of Florida which established it as a marine biology laboratory and dormitory.
Atsena Otie Key
Atsena Otie means Cedar Island in the original Native American dialect. The U.S. military later referred to it as Depot Key. It lies about ½ mile offshore from the big dock in downtown Cedar Key, and was the site of much of the original town, its pencil factories, sawmills and fishing activities. Wiped out by a hurricane in 1845, and again in 1986, it was not rebuilt. Only the cemetery, water cistern and foundations remain. A nature trail -- originally Main St. -- provides access back to the cemetery.
Atsena Otie means Cedar Island in the original Native American dialect. The U.S. military later referred to it as Depot Key. It lies about ½ mile offshore from the big dock in downtown Cedar Key, and was the site of much of the original town, its pencil factories, sawmills and fishing activities. Wiped out by a hurricane in 1845, and again in 1986, it was not rebuilt. Only the cemetery, water cistern and foundations remain. A nature trail -- originally Main St. -- provides access back to the cemetery.
Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge consists of 12 islands lying offshore within five miles of the town of Cedar Key. The islands range in size from one acre to 165 acres, and were set aside by executive order of President Hoover in 1929 with Seahorse Key being added in 1936 by President Roosevelt. In 1972 these islands were declared wilderness areas. Prior to European settlement, Native Americans occupied the refuge for at least 1,000 years.
Find out more about Cedar Key via the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service by clicking here.
Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge consists of 12 islands lying offshore within five miles of the town of Cedar Key. The islands range in size from one acre to 165 acres, and were set aside by executive order of President Hoover in 1929 with Seahorse Key being added in 1936 by President Roosevelt. In 1972 these islands were declared wilderness areas. Prior to European settlement, Native Americans occupied the refuge for at least 1,000 years.
Find out more about Cedar Key via the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service by clicking here.
Details
- Adults-$20.00 (tax incl.)
- Children under 12-$15.00 (tax incl.)
- Pets-free
- Two-person crew for safety and comfort
- U. S. Coast Guard-licensed Master Captains
- The only USCG-inspected vessel in Cedar Key
Call (352) 543-5904 for reservations
