![]() ![]() ![]() There are a number of places where you can get out and walk around, particularly at low tide. I don’t know why they are on the trail, but they eventually lead to Marker #17. These unfamiliar signs are what cause the confusion. ![]() At this point you begin to see signs with arrows but no numbers, and they look quite old, not newly painted like the numbered markers. The only time the trail gets a little confusing is between Marker #16 and #17. The EXIT signs pertain to the return trip. You return the same way to get back to the open waters of Mosquito Lagoon. The trail is lollipop-shaped, meaning you paddle out on the “stick” before coming to the loop. This is because Markers #1 through #4 are also used as the exit route. When you first start the trail, in addition to the numbered markers are a couple of signs that read EXIT and point in the direction you just came from. Numbered marker on the Shipyard Island Canoe Trail at Canaveral National Seashore These mark the start of the Shipyard Island Canoe Trail at a narrow inlet, though you can’t see the inlet until you get right up to the poles. Wherever you start from, keep an eye out for Boat Ramp #1 and look directly across the lagoon for two white PVC poles sticking out of the water like football goalposts. Once across, just follow the shoreline of the islands until you come to the entrance of the canoe trail. I suggest doing this as quickly as possible because motorboats speed through the area and the captain may not be able to see a low-lying canoe or kayak. Sooner or later you must make your way across the lagoon to the islands. The Visitor Center is south of Boat Ramp #1, so I headed to the right and paddled north. I started the trip from the Apollo Beach Visitor Center where I rented a canoe (see the Paddling web page for information on Canoe Rentals). There are various other places from which you can launch your canoe, so just be aware of your location in relationship to this ramp. This is the ramp that you first come to when entering the Apollo Beach unit of Canaveral National Seashore. The trail begins across Mosquito Lagoon from the Apollo Beach Boat Ramp #1. There are parking areas, restrooms and accessible ramps at each beach parking area.Shipyard Island Canoe Trail map (click to enlarge) Some tips to know before you go is to bring everything you may need while enjoying the beach (water, food, sunscreen, chairs, etc). Playalinda offers fourteen beach access areas leaving plenty of space for visitors to find relaxation. Look a few miles into the distance and catch a glimpse of the historic launch pads that launched man to the moon. Once you enter Playalinda Beach vistas one through eight offer wildlife viewing for a variety of migratory birds, alligators and other pond dwelling species. On the way to the seashore stop off at our sister park Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge or Kennedy Space Center at their visitor complex.Ĭanaveral National Seashore manages the Playalinda District up through Klondike Beach to Apollo parking area number four to provide enjoyment, education and wildlife protection on behalf of Kennedy Space Center. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge co-manages 140,000 acres on behalf of Kennedy Space Center. Located on the space coast in Brevard County, Playalinda Beach is a popular destination for beach going, wildlife viewing and rocket launch viewing. ![]()
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