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Canoeing & Kayaking

Our Route Summary

• Submitted by: Jeri Shockley jeri.shockley2@gte.net
• Date Submitted: 9/2001
• Location: Satellite Beach, Florida on the Banana River
• Class: 1 - Typically flat water river, very easy and very pleasant. The Banana River can become wind blown, but the other channels remain calm.
• Distance Paddled: Approximately 2 miles round trip from the Satellite Beach Fire Station entry or 5 miles round trip from the put in at Pineda Causeway
• Water Level: a good paddle even during low water conditions
• Water: brackish
• Wildlife: Egret, Heron, Pelicans, Osprey, Dolphin, Turtles, raccoons, and maybe a Manatee or two
• Special Regulations: No firearms or gas powered arms of any kind are allowed on the island. Camping is allowed and firewood is plentiful.

Entry and Exit - Satellite Beach Fire Station (1/2 mile south of Samsons Island)

• Directions: Exit Interstate 95 at Wickham Road north of Melbourne. Proceed east on Wickham and follow it about 2 miles. Wickham will curve to the south. Follow it about another 2 miles and turn left (east) onto the Pineda Causeway (Rt. 404) toward Satellite Beach and Patrick Air Force Base. Over the next 2 1/2 miles, the Pineda Causeway will cross US 1, the Indian River, Merritt Island, and then the Banana River. Turn right (south) onto South Patrick Drive. Proceed south about 2 miles to the Satellite Beach Fire Station on the west side of the road. Park in the Fire Station Parking designated for Samsons Island.
• Fee: none
• Description: Dirt slope to a canal behind the fire station
• Parking: adjacent paved
• Facilities: Samson's Island has a restroom, picnic areas, trash receptacles, camping areas, hiking trails, and docks
• Handicap Access: none

Entry and Exit - Pineda Causeway (2 miles north of Samsons Island)

• Directions: Exit Interstate 95 at Wickham Road north of Melbourne. Proceed east on Wickham and follow it about 2 miles. Wickham will curve to the south. Follow it about another 2 miles and turn left (east) onto the Pineda Causeway (Rt. 404) toward Satellite Beach and Patrick Air Force Base. Over the next 2 1/2 miles, the Pineda Causeway will cross US 1, the Indian River, Merritt Island, and then the Banana River. Just after crossing the bridge over the Banana River there is a grassy area on the south side to put in. The area is grassy and unpaved now, but a project is underway to build a park with concrete ramps and other facilities.
• Fee: none
• Description: There are several sandy beaches to launch
• Parking: adjacent unpaved (grass)
• Facilities: maintained Port-O-Let at Pineda.Samson's Island has a restroom, picnic areas, trash receptacles, camping areas, hiking trails, and docks
• Handicap Access: sandy beach

What We Saw

Samson's Island is an easy paddle for beginners, but is also enjoyable for the experienced kayaker or canoer. Read more below about how this gem of a park was saved from development by the citizens of Satellite Beach.

From the fire station, paddle 100 yards west to the Grand Canal, then north about 1/4 mile to Samsons Island, which is on the north side of the first canal that leads to the Banana River on the west side of the Grand Canal.

From Pineda Causeway, you can choose to paddle south on either the broad Banana River or the Grand Canal to reach Samson's Island. To reach the Grand Canal, head east from the put in area, then south on the large canal that parallels the river even beyond Samsons Island. In the Banana River you will encounter more open spaces and less boat traffic, as the water is very shallow on the east side along the homes and dock of Tortoise Island. Fishing in this area is good

Going through these passages makes you forget that you are in Satellite Beach. Mangrove and grass lined canals make it feel remote and natural. There is a canoe and kayak landing on the north, east side of the canal that runs north and south on the south end of the island.

At the south end of the island is a nice beach and picnic area. There are trails on the island that are nice for a twenty minute hike. Just be sure to bring your bug spray, particularly in the summer when the mosquitoes are there in force day and night.

There is a footbridge over the channel that runs east to west on the north end of the island. During high water, it's a fun limbo exercise (see photo at left). The northern tip of the island is one of the nicer camping areas with a great view of the river.

Camping areas have iron grills or fire rings as well as picnic tables. There is no potable water source on the island, so you'll have to bring your own.

In 1968, Sam Fuchs donated about half the island on the east side of the Banana River to the City of Satellite Beach with the stipulation that it be used for recreation and named after his sons (Samsons). The city subsequently purchased the remained of the 52 acres from other owners.

In the late1980's, a consultant retained by Satellite Beach city council recommended that the island be sold for development. There was such strong and vocal public opposition that Mayor David Schecter formed a citizens' committee to decide the fate of the park. This first committee (which included Al Vazquez, the founder of KayakGuide.com) recommended that the island be retained by the city and gradually turned into a nature park.

Over the years, many volunteers, and several grants, created today's park. Canals were cut, uplands and wetlands created, exotic plant species removed, trails cut, and basic camping, picnicking, and docking facilities built. The project has been awarded recognition as a showcase of cooperative environmental restoration.

Today, the city provides complimentary boat transportation from the fire station on a regular schedule so that all citizens can enjoy this wonderful recreational area along with kayakers, canoers, and boaters.