Directions To The Refuge
From I-95, take Exit 220 (Titusville, State Road 406 Exit). Head east on SR406, also known as Garden Street. Continue east on Garden Street for several miles and go over a the Max Brewer Drawbridge. Continue three miles passed the bridge to the fork in the road and bear right onto SR402. Continue two mileson SR402 and the entrance to the visitor center entrance will be on your right.

SHUTTLE LAUNCH CLOSURE

The refuge closure may be extended if the shuttle launch is delayed and rescheduled. Please contact the refuge at 321-861-0667 for further information. Please visit the following website to view shuttle launch schedule: http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html

The refuge closure may be extended if the shuttle launch is delayed and rescheduled.

Please contact the refuge at 321-861-0667 for further information.

Shiloh Marsh Road and L Pond Road are closed annually to motor vehicles from November 1 - February 15. This is to reduce disturbance to winter waterfowl. Individuals may enter by foot to birdwatch or fish from the road during this close period.

Banana River No Motor Zone -- Most of the Banana River north of Port Canaveral and the Beach Line Highway (SR 528) has been closed to motor boats for the protection for manatees. The portion of the Banana River sandwiched between the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station has one of the highest concentrations of manatees in Florida. Boaters generally referred to this area as the “No Motor Zone”. Motorized vessels are not permitted within the waters of the zone. This includes any vessel having an attached or non-attached internal combustion or electric trolling motor capable of use. The boundary of the No Motor Zone is delineated with signs.

This 10,600 acre open water area is one of the few places in Florida free from motor boats and has become a popular destination for paddlers and fishermen. The shoreline on the north, east, and west side of the lagoon is within the “Security Area” of the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station; therefore access to the No Motor Zone is very limited and restricted to two locations from the south. From the southwest side, KARS Park provides a 30 car parking lot, store for ice and supplies, and restrooms. The launch site is located at the north end of KARS Park and provides direct access into the No Motor Zone. KARS Park charges a $5.00 per boat launch fee which can be paid at the KARS store. KARS Park is located at the east end of Hall Road off Courtney Parkway (SR3). From the southeast side, paddlers can launch off of the 401 Causeway north of the Cruise Terminals at Port Canaveral. Paddlers on the east side, be advised, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station maintains a permanent closed area that extends 10,000 feet into the Banana River and occupies about half the east shoreline. This closure is marked with buoys.

The open waters of the Banana River can be very rough during windy conditions. It’s best to get a weather forecast before planning your trip or picking a launch site. Camping is not permitted and several of the islands are closed to protect nesting birds.