What is it like to Visit Seahorse Key?

All Remaining 2024 Open Houses are Canceled because of Hurricane Helene's damage to the docks, buildings. The Refuge does not yet know if it will be able to hold Open Houses at Seahorse Key in 2025.

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 a hurricane. Refuge staff have built a longer new trail to avoid the erosion caused by the hurricane. It is not as easy as it was to get to the beach, but hardy souls can explore the beach as they have at previous Open Houses.

It is a lovely boat ride out to the island and a delightful way to spend a day on the Cedar Keys Refuge. 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.

Refuge Manager Andrew Gude points out that it is important for visitors to note that Seahorse Key is an island almost three 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.