Seahorse Key Open House, July 2023

The dock is under repair

The lightstation. Photo by Pete Tirrell

The Refuge has three more Open Houses scheduled at Seahorse Key this year, in July, October, and November.

• Saturday, July 1, 9 am-3 pm
• Friday, October 13 (rain date October 14), 9 am-3 pm
• Friday, November 10 (rain date November 11), 9 am-3 pm

Visitors can walk up to to the Light Station and cross over to the beach on the far side of the island. It is a beautiful, adventuresome experience.

Open Houses are free once you arrive at the Refuge island. However, visitors must arrange their own transportation. Shuttles are provided for a fee by tour companies in Cedar Key, or visitors can arrive by private boat.
However, for the July 1 Open House, private boat tie up may not be available. See Andrew's note below.

Note from Refuge Manager Andrew Gude

 We have been rebuilding the dock at Seahorse Key. It is supposed to be finished by July 1, but such dates do tend to slip. If the contractor has not completely finished and pulled away, it will not be possible to tie to the dock. If you arrive on a private boat, you are welcome to keep someone on the boat while others get off or you can anchor off the front beach and walk up the hill.  

Also, It is important for visitors to note that Seahorse Key is an island almost 3 miles from Cedar Key. Access is only by boat. There are no amenities, such as food or water on the island. Restroom facilities are limited. 

Should there be a medical or other emergency requiring professional assistance or evacuation, response times could be lengthy.

Please plan with this in mind. Seahorse Key is wonderful, but it is not a walk in the proverbial park.

Dolphins spotted on the way to Seahorse Key. Photo by Pete Tirrell.

The path from the dock to the lightstation. Photo by Jeri Treat.