Bird Rookery Paddling Trail

This route is often used by the Marine Discovery Center for its beginner paddling tours. The beginning portion of the paddle takes you through the Salt Marsh Restoration Project - a Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission project. You'll also paddle along the seawall built by the Turnbull Settlement in 1766-76 and also take in a view of homes along Riverside Drive. The route passes under the North Causeway and through the New Smyrna Beach City Marina. The rookeries are two mangrove islands where water birds choose to nest year-round. You may see birds on the nest during mating season, which is February - June. Pelicans inhabit the area the rest of the year. 

The islands were protected by Theodore Roosevelt - a bird enthusiast - in 1908. These are the only two rookery islands in the area that are protected by Presidential order. Both islands are just east of the NSB Marina. Please use binoculars or a camera zoom lens for a closer look at the nesting birds and keep a good distance between you and the rookery. Launch behind the Marine Discovery Center, 520 Barracuda Blvd., New Smyrna Beach, FL.