Complete guide to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is approximately 45 miles northeast of Orlando, Florida. You don't want to miss Black Point Wildlife Drive for fantastic birdwatching!

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

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🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

Merritt Island National Seashore is located on Florida's well-known Space Coast. This area includes over 70 miles of Atlantic Coastline, including Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center, and Canaveral National Seashore.

Merritt Island National Seashore was established in 1963 to protect migratory birds. This area has 140,000 acres of coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, hardwood hammocks, and pine flatwoods. This provides critical habitat for more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, including 15 federally listed species.

The refuge actually began in 1962 when NASA obtained the land contiguous to Cape Canaveral to establish the John F. Kennedy Space Center. NASA had acquired a large amount of land that they deemed unnecessary for the program, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to form Merritt Island NWR with the remaining undeveloped areas.

Reddish Egret at Merritt Island NWR — Reddish Egret

Things to know before you visit Merritt Island NWR

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Entrance Fee

Merritt Island Daily Pass - $10.00 per vehicle

Merritt Island Annual Pass - $25.oo per vehicle

Merritt Island Foot/Bicycle Daily Pass - $10.00 per individual entering the refuge on foot or bike.

Duck Stamp - $25.00

Federal Duck Stamps are valid for 1 year, July 1 to June 30, at all National Wildlife Refuges.
The Federal Duck Stamp is so much more than just a hunting stamp. They cover the admittance fee to National Wildlife Refuges, as well as being required for Migratory Bird Hunters (primarily duck and goose hunters). They are also collectible works of art and an easy way for everyone to help support wetland conservation.

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Map

Refuge Information

Time Zone - Eastern Time Zone

Size - 140,000 acres

Date Established: 1963

Phone Number
(321)861-0667

Address
1963 Reuge Headquarters Road
Titusville, FL 32782

Pets - Yes, pets are permitted on the refuge, but must be leashed and under control at all times.

Cell Service - cellular service is generally available in the central portions of the refuge.

Hours
Refuge roads, trails, and boat ramps are open year-round from sunrise to sunset daily. Bair's Cove and Beacon 42 boat ramps are the only boat ramps available for night launching.

Wi-Fi Available - No

Food/Restaurants
There are no restaurants in the refuge; however, numerous restaurants are available in Titusville, a few miles to the east.

Gas
There are no gas stations in the refuge; however, there are gas stations in Titusville.

May I fly a Drone on a National Wildlife Refuge?
No. Launching, landing, or disturbing wildlife by aircraft (drones) on National Wildlife Refuges is prohibited by law - Code of Federal Regulations Title 50 Part 27 Sections 34 and 51 (50 CFR 27.34/51).

Electric Vehicle Charging

There are no EV charging stations in the refuge, but there are several charging stations nearby. Click here for a map of EV charging locations.

Observation Tower at Black Point Wildlife Drive

Don't forget to Pack these Items

Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water.

We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.

Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.

Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!

Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!

Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.

Tricolored Heron at Merritt Island NWR — Tricolored Heron

Getting to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Estimated Distance from Major Cities

Orlando, Florida - 46 miles, 51 minutes
Tampa, Florida - 131 miles, 2 Hours
Gainesville, Florida - 140 miles, 2 hours and 26 minutes
St. Augustine, Florida - 95 miles, 1 Hour and 30 minutes

Closest Airports

International Airports

Orlando International (MCO) 49 miles, 48 minutes
Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB) 51 miles, 51 minutes
Tampa International Airport (TPA) 137 miles, 2 hours, and 10 minutes

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is from November through April. You can expect to see more migratory birds, cooler weather, fewer biting insects, and outside hurricane season.

Common Gallinule at Merritt Island NWR — Common Gallinule

Weather and Seasons

One thing to keep in mind is that hurricane season runs annually from June 1 to November 30 each year.

Central Florida also experiences a wet season (when a large portion of the area's annual precipitation occurs). It typically runs from late May through mid-October.

This is the time when it is common to experience frequent, heavy afternoon thunderstorms with high humidity and rainfall.

Spring (March-May)

Springtime brings more humidity and rain while temperatures start rising into the mid-80s.

Summer (June-August)

Summer is typically hot and humid with the potential of daily lightning storms.

Fall (September-November)

The fall brings a very welcoming decrease in temperature, and humidity as temperatures start falling in the upper 70s.

Winter (December-February)

Winters are very pleasant with average daily highs around 72 degrees. Winters also tend to be windier than the summers.

Black Point Wildlife Drive Sign Merritt Island NWR

Best Things to Do at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Black Point Wildlife Drive Auto Tour

The seven-mile Black Point Wildlife Drive is a must-do for anyone going to Merritt Island/Canaveral National Seashore! This is a one-way drive on a gravel road that follows a dike road around shallow salt and freshwater marshes and pine flatwoods. I have seen guides stating that it takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, but seriously?

LOL, the only person going to complete this drive that fast is either rushing to outrun a hurricane, trying to find a restroom (and yes, there is one), or simply ticking off a check mark on the to-do list.

I could easily spend all day out here looking at birds, especially in the cooler winter months! If you have time, make sure to pick up a copy of the auto tour brochure. The brochure includes 12 numbered stops describing the natural history and management of the area.

What makes this drive incredible is the wildlife you can see along the way, ESPECIALLY Birds! This includes shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, and waterfowl. Also look for alligators, turtles, bobcats, and river otters.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

The Merritt Island wildlife visitor center is a great stop to get a map of the refuge, updated information, see wildlife and habitat displays, a theater, and look for something to bring home in the bookstore.

Visitor Center hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday and is closed on Sunday, Monday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Birding/Wildlife Viewing

Merritt Island is a birder's dream location! There have been 358 species of birds identified in the refuge, including federally protected species like the Florida Scrub-Jay, Roseate Spoonbills, Mottled Duck, Bald Eagles, Reddish Egrets, and the American Kestrel.

Make sure to click here to download the Bird List from Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Wood Stork at Merritt Island NWR — Wood Stork

Canoeing, Kayaking, and Boating

Canoeing and Kayaking are great ways to experience the refuge and to see wildlife. There are many areas within the Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River Lagoon that are available for exploration.

Click here to download the paddler's guide at Merritt Island Refuge. Motor boats may also be used for wildlife observation, fishing, and hunting. Be aware that speed regulations are in effect in several areas for manatee protection. Launching is limited to:

Bairs Cove - Haulover Canal
Beacon 42 - Mosquito Lagoon
WSEG - Mosquito Lagoon (no fee)
Bio Lab - Mosquito Lagoon
Eddy Creek - Mosquito Lagoon

Click here to download the Merritt Island Boat and Fish Regs Brochure.

Hiking

There are seven designated hiking trails at Merritt Island, including:

Visitor Center Boardwalk Trail - easy ¼ mile loop boardwalk trail highlighting native vegetation, and potentially wildlife like birds and alligators.
Wild Bird Trail - This is an easy ¼ mile round-trip hike along Black Point Wildlife Drive. Wild Birds Unlimited Trail is a short, flat trail connecting two bird observation platforms overlooking the marshes.
Oak Hammock Trail - Easy ¾ mile loop trail that ventures off into the ferns, live oaks, and oak hammocks.
Palm Hammock Trail - Easy two-mile loop trail surrounded by marshes, saw palmettos, cabbage palms, and live oaks.
Scrub Ridge Trail - a moderate one-mile loop trail where hikers get to hike from a freshwater impoundment and scrub habitat.
Cruickshank Trail and Tower - Moderate 5-mile loop trail. This open sunny trail, named the Allan Cruickshank Memorial Trail, honors him for advocating for the protection of this sweeping wet landscape when NASA began plans for the Kennedy Space Center.
Pine Flatwood Trail - Moderate one mile loop that follows established fire break roads in the pine flatwoods ecosystem.

The Wild Bird Trail has two Observation Platforms

Activities in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking/Wildlife Refuge
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 hour and 30 Minutes | 🛶Check Rates and Availability

Here you will follow your guide to the area's top manatee and dolphin hotspots around Cocoa Beach to maximize your chances of seeing these incredible marine animals. Manatees are known as the gentle giants of the sea, and they are curious creatures who love to come up to kayakers for a closer look! You may even be able to pet one. Dolphins are equally playful and often swim right by your Kayak.

Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
⭐️ Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 hour and 30 Minutes | 🛶Check Rates and Availability

Enjoy the rare experience of seeing plankton glow in the water below you by paddling through the Banana River through the protected wetlands of Merritt Island Refuge, away from light pollution, for excellent viewing of the bioluminescent sea life.

Sunset Kayaking - Wildlife Refuge
⭐️ Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 hour and 30 Minutes | 🛶Check Rates and Availability

This is an unforgettable experience as you end your day with a relaxing paddle on this sunset kayaking tour. Look out for area wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and numerous bird species. Then enjoy seeing the ocean come alive with the light and color of the sunset, and look out for that rare chance of witnessing the bioluminescent dinoflagellate algae!

Hooded Mergansers at Merritt Island NWR — Hooded Mergansers

Lodging near Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore

The Salty Mermaid Oceanfront Hotel
Click here to book your stay at the Salty Mermaid Oceanfront Hotel

The Salty Mermaid is located on New Smyrna Beach and on the north end of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Cape Canaveral National Seashore. This unique upscale botique Inn is a 5 room hotel has an exceptional rating (9.9 of 10 stars) and has amenities geared towards complete luxury making this the perfect destination to explore the beach, wildlife refuge, Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center.

Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center
Click here to book your stay at the Courtyard in Titusville Kennedy Space Center

This Courtyard is located right at the base of the NASA Pkwy. bridge leading to Kennedy Space Center and just minutes south of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore. This hotel is themed out for the Kennedy Space Center with a rooftop bar that gives the best views of the rocket launch pads. Enjoy the outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and splash pad, get drinks from the Splashdown Pool Bar or a bite from the Space Bar.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Camping

There is no camping available in the refuge, but there are several lodging options and private campgrounds nearby.

Green Heron with mouth open at Merritt Island NWR — Green Heron

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Resources

The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crucade for America
This is a great book that centers on Roosevelt's conservation efforts and his role in establishing the Wildlife Refuge system.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
This book provides an in-depth coverage of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Federal Agency that manages the National Wildlife Refuge System, protects endangered species, and conducts fish and wildlife research.

Blue Goose Passport Book
The Blue Goose Passport is named after the symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System and is designed to record your visits to National Wildlife Refuges.

America's National Wildlife Refuges: A Complete Guide
An all-in-one guide to more than 500 sites in the National Wildlife Refuge System. This book lists each refuge alphabetically by state, providing basic information about accessibility, facilities, and habitat types.