Visiting the Refuge
The Refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset and there are no day use fees unless visiting certain areas within Sebastian Inlet State Park.
Visitor Center
Barrier Island Sanctuary Management & Education Center - http://www.barrierislandcenter.com
Located in the heart of the Refuge and operated by Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands Program in partnership with the Caribbean Conservation Corporation.
The Center offers:
- Exhibits on sea turtles and the barrier island
- Environmental education programs and tours
- Auditorium with orientation movies
- Gift shop
- ¾ mile foot trail and lagoon kayak launch
- Closed on Mondays
The Center is located 3 miles north of Sebastian Inlet or 14 miles south of US-192. Address: 8385 South Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951. Phone: (321) 723-3556
Wildlife Observation
Sea Turtle Watch Programs
The best time to view sea turtles is in June and July when guided, night-time sea turtle watch programs are offered. Reservations for the programs are required. Click here for sea turtle watch program information: http://www.fws.gov/archiecarr/turtlewalks.html
Interpretive Foot Trails
A total of four trails on the west side of Highway A1A provide unique wildlife observation opportunities within the rare habitats of the barrier island ecosystem.
- Coconut Point Trail - ¾-mile
- Maritime Hammock Sanctuary Trail - 2-mile
- Barrier Island Sanctuary Trail - ¾-mile with lagoon kayak launch
- Hammock Trail at Sebastian Inlet State Park - 1-mile
Beach Access
All Brevard and Indian River County beach parks within the Refuge are open for day use only.
- Coconut Point Park
- Juan Ponce de Leon Landing
- Judith Resnick Memorial Park (limited facilities)
- Bonsteel Park (limited facilities)
- Sebastian Inlet State Park, North Use Area
North Indian River County
- Sebastian Inlet State Park, Day Use Area
- Ambersands Beach Access (limited facilities)
- Treasure Shores Park
- Golden Sands Park
Saltwater Fishing
Surf fishing is permitted through all designated dune crossovers but outside life-guarded areas. Two ocean jetties and catwalks under the Inlet bridge at Sebastian Inlet State Park provide excellent fishing opportunities. For fishing regulation information and licenses, go to www.myfwc.com or call (888) 347-4356.
