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Pine Island is a wonderful 879-acre conservation area on the northern tip of Merritt Island with 2 miles of coastline perfect for kayaking. The shallow waters of the Indian River Lagoon that border Pine Island are teeming with creatures waiting to be found. Since the water is shallow, the water clarity is usually great: numerous horseshoe crabs, stingrays, fish, and others are easily seen.
Within the conservation area are several lakes and canals which attract a multitude of birds and fish. The Rinker Canal, also known as Sam's Creek, is deep and provides a peaceful area manatees often use for refuge during the winter and early spring months. Many small coves in the canal are fun to explore. There are even some sections of mangrove channels around the entrance of Sam's Creek.
Another unique attraction Pine Island offers is a series of shallow lakes which are connected by narrow waterways. The waterways are too small for boat traffic, so you'll often get to enjoy this area all to yourself. Water levels sometimes make this area impassable, and will dictate if this route will be available. There are still plenty of other areas to explore regardless of the water level, and Pine Island always has lots to offer.
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The area has recently witnessed the discovery of artifacts dating back to the Middle Archaic period of 5,000 – 3,500 B.C. On the southern end of the Pine Island Conservation Area are two homes associated with one of the earliest settlers on Merritt Island. It is also one of the first fossil sites recorded in Merritt Island in the 20th Century.
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