8 Natural Wonders You Won’t Find Anywhere Else in Florida

The St. Lucie Inlet, situated between the southern tip of Hutchinson Island and the northern tip of Jupiter Island, serves as one of six inlets that flow into the Indian River Lagoon, leading to the Atlantic Ocean. Boaters at Sailfish Point enjoy easy access from their protected harbor in the inlet, mere minutes away from venturing into the open ocean. The area is a paradise for sports fishermen. Renowned as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” the region boasts the highest density of sailfish globally. Prized catches including mackerel, mahi-mahi, wahoo, grouper, and more are also teeming through the ocean waters. For more fishing opportunities, the West End of The Bahamas is a mere 55 nautical miles away.

With 21 miles of pristine white-sand beaches and beautiful azure waters, Hutchinson Island is ideal for nature lovers and a hotspot for diverse wildlife. With a four-story height restriction, the area beaches are less crowded, resulting in a pristine setting frequented by sea turtles. The coastline is a popular nesting ground for green, leatherback, and loggerhead turtles. Nighttime sea turtle walks are a popular activity to witness the baby turtles hatch between the summer and fall months. Birdwatchers cherish watching great herons, pelicans, and egrets fly above, while beachgoers find it common to spot bottlenose dolphins skimming the coastline.

Just south of the St. Lucie Inlet and six miles due east, fishermen will find an abundance of marine life teeming through the waters of Six Mile Reef. These reef structures and natural coral ledges, located in 70 to 80 feet of water, are a hotspot for grouper, as well as gag. Anglers bottom fishing at these depths will also be pleasantly surprised to find jumbo mutton and mangrove snapper. Six Mile Reef is one of Stuart’s many reefs. Just 4 miles offshore, Bull Shark Barge and Sand Pile are home to large populations of snapper, grouper, barracuda, and cobia. Further out, Loran Tower Reef, just 12 miles offshore, and Bethel Shoals, located 15 miles offshore, are both known for their abundant snapper, grouper, and kingfish populations.

The Sailfish Flats, surrounding Sailfish Point in the Indian River Lagoon, are a cherished natural fishery that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy fish populations. This picturesque setting is filled with seagrass meadows and warm, gently flowing waters that provide habitat for fish, manatees, turtles, and abundant bird species. Sailfish Point takes great pride in preserving this ecosystem with its zero-discharge design. An innovative self-sufficient water system ensures that stormwater or wastewater does not enter the flats. Members cherish kayaking and paddle-boarding through this scenic coastal habitat.

The Crossroads just inshore of the St. Lucie Inlet is a rare conversion of four major bodies of water. The region is a hotspot for some of the area’s rarest, most prized species, including pompano and tarpon. From here, boaters can head in any direction for a day of family fun. To the north, the sandbars just inside the St. Lucie Inlet are a favored spot, where families idle up to the shore, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or relish the Florida sunshine from the sand. If a weekend getaway is on the agenda, the Okeechobee Waterway, a protected inland passage spanning the entire state from Stuart to Fort Myers, offers an exciting adventure for families. The Bahamas to the south also provides plenty of tropical destinations waiting to be explored.

Just 20 nautical miles south of Sailfish Point along the Intracoastal Waterway, Peck Lake Park is a retreat into Florida’s natural wonders that’s off the beaten path for most visitors. Reachable only by boat, the secluded park is adjacent to the Hobe Sound National Refuge. A short walking trail winds through flatwoods, hardwoods, and mangrove swamps to a serene deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Diving and snorkeling from Peck Lake is a favored activity, with reefs rising from about 32 feet to about 5 feet at its crest. The ledges are steep and full of caverns and crevices that attract sea turtles, lobster, and hundreds of species of reef fish.

Just outside the gates of Sailfish Point, the beach behind the House of Refuge offers one of Florida’s most unique landscapes. This popular photo destination features an exposed section of the Anastasia Formation, a rocky outcropping composed of sands and coquina limestones. Just 100 yards offshore lies the shipwreck of Georges Valentines, inviting guests to dive or snorkel through one of Florida’s few underwater archaeological preserves.

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is a classic Florida barrier island just 15 nautical miles away from Sailfish Point. Since the park is only accessible by boat, it’s one of the most secluded beaches in Florida. Visitors come to relax on the quiet beachfront, where they can walk for miles and never see another person. The park is also a favored starting point for enjoying Martin County’s 37 miles of paddling trails. The trails wind through mangrove estuaries and maritime hammocks while also enjoying an up-close look at the area’s wildlife, including blue herons, white ibis, and snowy egrets.