SUP Tour: Dutton Island Preserve



Dutton Island preserve is one of Jacksonville’s hidden treasures and a favorite spot of mine to go paddleboarding. Located on the intracoastal in Atlantic Beach off Mayport Rd., it is hard to believe that Walter Dutton had this area slated for residential development just 25 years ago. In 1998 the cities of Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville purchased the land and opened it as a natural preserve in 2002. Let’s all be thankful that this land was not turned into another residential area for only a few residents to enjoy.


Dutton Island Preserve is actually two parks, Dutton Island Preserve and Dutton Island Expansion Park and Preserve. As you head west on Dutton Island Rd. you will first see Dutton Island Expansion Park and Preserve on your right. If you continue west, you will pass the gates into Dutton Island Preserve. Once you are through the gates you are greeted by an amazing view that will make you think you’ve teleported to another place.

Dutton Island is filled with wildlife. From the moment I passed the gates I was greeted by a little box turtle crossing the road. I got out of my truck to encourage the little guy to finish crossing so I can continue on my way. As you cross a little bridge onto Dutton Island, you pass through a narrow gate into the campgrounds and hiking trails. There are signs that will lead you to the end of the road where the kayak launch is located.

The kayak launch area has plenty of parking but is busy on most weekends, especially in the summertime. As I approached the launch area there is a map of the kayak trail along with information about the most commonly seen wildlife in the area. I also saw a lot of tiny crabs that quickly scrambled to hide as I approached. The kayak launch at Dutton Island is in the middle of the kayak trail. You can go north to the Oak Harbor boat ramp or you can go south towards the Tide View Preserve, another natural preserve. Some areas may be hard to navigate through during low tide so plan accordingly.

Today, I decided to head towards Tide View Preserve which is about a 45-minute paddle if you stick to the kayak trail. As I started paddling, I quickly realized that it was going to be a scorcher with temperatures that ended up reaching 98 degrees. I’m glad I wore my sun protection and brought plenty of water.

The kayak trail is well marked so you can stay on course but there are plenty of opportunities to stray off course if you’re looking for a little more adventure. The water creates a maze through the salt marshes for you to get lost in for hours, literally. As I paddled towards Tide View Preserve there were plenty of birds throughout. Many times, I would find them stalking fish while sitting on top of the trail markers.

As I approached the Tide View Preserve there is a long boardwalk with a kayak launch attached. If you keep paddling the length of the boardwalk towards land there is another dock that you can launch a paddleboard or kayak from as well. This is a great place to take a break and rest before heading back towards Dutton Island.

On my way back I was running low on water and the sun had risen over the trees. I could really feel the heat now and it wasn't even noon yet. A cool dip in the water would have been refreshing but unfortunately the water in the salt marshes is shallow and usually covered with oyster shells on the bottom that are razor sharp.

I decided to take a quick break at one of the campsites on Dutton Island before calling it a day. I haven't explored much of their campground but this site looks like it could be one of the best ones on the island. It had a great view of the salt marsh, its own private kayak launch, and covered picnic table to avoid the daily afternoon showers. I will definitely look into camping at this spot in the near future.
Location: Dutton Island Preserve, 622 Dutton Island Rd W, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233, USA

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