Cruising Palm Beach’s Intracoastal: Mansions, Yachts and the Secret of Peanut Island

RIVIERA BEACH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Cruising Palm Beach’s Intracoastal: Mansions, Yachts and the Secret of Peanut Island

A 1.5-hour narrated boat tour from Riviera Beach that threads the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway to Palm Beach Island and historic Peanut Island—essential planning and on-deck tips for photographers and sightseers.

Cruising Palm Beach’s Intracoastal: Mansions, Yachts and the Secret of Peanut Island.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Riviera Beach
Operator
Palm Beach Water Tours
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The Palm Beach Water Tour slips out along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from Riviera Beach for a compact, vividly narrated 1.5-hour loop that takes in Palm Beach Island’s waterfront estates and the low-lying shore of Peanut Island, where guides point out the entrance to the Cold War–era bunker associated with President John F. Kennedy.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

HISTORIC SITE

Peanut Island and the JFK Bunker

The tour draws attention to Peanut Island’s shoreline and the marked entrance to the island’s underground bunker built during the Cold War era—an arresting piece of local history described by guides as the boat rounds the island.

WATERFRONT SPECTACLE

Mansions, Yachts and Palm Beach Island Views

Passengers get repeated up-close views of the lavish mansions, gardens and private yachts that line Palm Beach Island as the vessel cruises its length, with guides narrating anecdotes about the island’s notable residents.

THE ROUTE

A Narrated Intracoastal Passage

The voyage is a narrated passage along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, with knowledgeable guides providing history and context while the boat’s spacious layout gives ample viewing angles for photography.

What the day feels like

What the 1.5-hour cruise feels like

This is a relaxed, narrated sightseeing cruise aboard a comfortable, spacious boat: guides point out landmarks and the tour alternates between cruising the Intracoastal and moving close to Palm Beach Island and Peanut Island so passengers can absorb the coastline, listen to stories about residents and history, and photograph waterfront architecture.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits—and the considerations to check before you book.

1
Sightseers & First-Time VisitorsWell suited: a compact, narrated glimpse of Palm Beach Island and Peanut Island that delivers landscape and local-history highlights in 1.5 hours.
2
PhotographersGood fit: the boat’s spacious layout and repeated passes along the shoreline provide many photo opportunities—operators explicitly recommend bringing a camera.
3
FamiliesGenerally appropriate for families seeking an easy, short water excursion; the tour length (1.5 hours) keeps it manageable for younger passengers.
4
Visitors Seeking HistoryA good option for travelers interested in local Cold War history and island lore—the guide highlights Peanut Island’s bunker as a primary historical point of interest.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The narrated tour runs 1.5 hours with typical departures listed at 4:00–5:30pm and 6:00–7:30pm.

What to Bring

Bring a camera. The operator notes passengers may bring their own food and drinks.

On-Board Comfort & Refreshments

The cruise operates on a comfortable, spacious boat and provides complimentary beverages including bottled water and soft drinks.

Booking & Operator

The excursion is operated by Palm Beach Water Tours out of Riviera Beach; check operator materials for current availability and any updates.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Palm Beach Water Tour?

The tour is a narrated 1.5-hour cruise.

What time do tours typically depart?

Listed departure times for the 1.5-hour narrated tour include 4:00pm–5:30pm and 6:00pm–7:30pm.

Does the tour visit Peanut Island and the JFK bunker?

Yes—the guide points out Peanut Island and the entrance to its underground Cold War bunker during the cruise.

Are refreshments provided on board?

The operator provides complimentary beverages, including bottled water and soft drinks.

What should I bring?

The operator advises bringing a camera; passengers may also bring their own food and drinks.

What kind of boat is used and is there seating?

The cruise is conducted on a comfortable, spacious boat with ample seating for guests.