Seahorse Key Open House

Dolphins seen on the ride to Seahorse Key Open House in July 2023. Photo by Pete Tirrell

The Open House will happen as scheduled on Friday October 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The "rain date" is Saturday October 14.

Visitors can climb to the Light Station and walk around the building. They cannot climb up to the light.

The trail to the beach, on the back side of the island, was destroyed by the hurricane. Refuge staff are working to build a new trail. It is unlikely that the new trail will be ready in time for the Open House.

Nevertheless, it is a lovely boat ride out to the island and a delightful way to spend a day on the Cedar Keys Refuge.  There will probably be only one more Open House this year, in December.

Visitors can arrive at the island in their personal boats or pay for a shuttle service from the dock in Cedar Key. The shuttle is a good way to help the tour operators in their hurricane recovery.

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.