Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pelican Island and its array of birds can be viewed from the refuge's new public facilities located adjacent to the island or by making reservations with one of the local boat tour operators.

The new public facilities on the refuge were opened on March 14, 2003, partnership with Indian River County, as a part of the Centennial Celebration of Pelican Island and the National Wildlife Refuge System. These new facilities are providing the public with the first opportunity, in it's 100-year history, to view the Pelican Island rookery from land and without the use of a boat and explore other areas of the national wildlife refuge. Recreational opportunities at the new refuge facilities include hiking, bird watching, wildlife observation and photography.

Pelican Island can be viewed by boat. There are several public boat ramps to access the refuge waters by personal watercraft. Access to the island itself is restricted to outside of the posted closed area signs around the island. Boating is permitted elsewhere in the open water areas of the refuge within the Indian River Lagoon. Boaters are cautioned to observe posted manatee slow speed zones in the Refuge.

Fishing is permitted in the open water areas of the Refuge. There are good fishing opportunities for redfish, snook, sea trout, mangrove snapper, and other popular sport fish. State fishing regulations apply within the Refuge.