Turkey Creek Sanctuary

About the Turkey Creek Sanctuary

The Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a small nature reserve in the city of Palm Bay in Brevard County, Florida, and incorporates both salty hammock and sand pine ridge habitats. The sanctuary is part of the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EELs) program, consisting of 130 acres of wonder, biodiversity, and natural resources.

Turkey Creek Sanctuary is the pride of Palm Bay and is known for its gorgeous foliage that includes sand pines, oaks, and saw palmettos. Established in 1981, the Sanctuary offers a 1.85-mile boardwalk passing through hydric (wet) hammock, mesic (moist) hammock, and sand pine scrub communities, both excellent for viewing a multitude of wildlife. The creek is an important breeding ground for both salt and freshwater fish.

The Turkey Creek Sanctuary is also part of the East Florida section of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

A Fantastic Location for Kayaking

Paddling down the black water creek you’ll enjoy seeing manatees, alligators, Florida cooters (turtles), dolphins and you may even see an otter or gar. The tannin-stained waters are full of bass, and birds abound in the old pine canopy, including ospreys and owls, woodpeckers, purple martins, and many other migratory species.

The sanctuary is also covered with glorious sand dunes said to date back over 2,000 years and there is a 4,000-foot boardwalk from which you can take in all the sights in this amazing protected space.

Adventure Kayak Tours Departure Location

Kayak Tours leave from the west end of the sanctuary, located on the beautiful and unspoiled Turkey Creek. This is the perfect launch spot so all you have to do is enjoy the beauty and wonders of the natural environment as we float downstream.

You’ll take a leisurely paddle into the captivating, primitive, meandering Turkey Creek Sanctuary. You will learn about a forest of trees that grows directly from the creek floor as well as along the banks. Your skilled, experienced guide will explain why thriving estuary is so important to protecting the inland environment and to support so many species of wildlife throughout the river and bays, including manatee, dolphin, tarpon, turtles, and many more.

Turkey Creek Sanctuary Tour Details

• Location: Palm Bay, Florida
• Class: Flatwater Creek with a typically light current.
•  Distance Paddled: 4 miles downriver.
• Water: fresh to brackish.
• Wildlife: Manatees, birds (Egrets, Herons, etc.), alligators, turtles, Water Moccasins, Mangroves, salt marsh grasses, scrub oaks.

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.