Serenity of Black Point Wildlife Drive

Being in the center of nature is something many of us do not get to experience every day. This is what makes taking a ride over the iconic Max Brewer Bridge to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge so special. If you stay to the left at the fork in the road you will soon stumble upon Black Point Wildlife Drive. This 7-mile auto tour wildlife experience is one of the best places to see wildlife.

After you pick up your brochure guide detailing each stop at the front gate, you make your first turn onto Black Point Wildlife Drive. You will be on a dike road that is surrounded by pure nature as you travel through pine flatwoods. There are several shallow marsh impoundments surrounding the site making the experience so serene.

 

You will experience a variety of wildlife including waterfowl, wading birds, shore birds and raptors. If this does not make it enough of a birder’s paradise, the refuge hosts the second largest population of Scrub-Jays in the world! In addition to birds, you will see alligators and usually lots of them! Pro Tip: Alligators can be seen any time of year, but are most easily viewed when basking in the sun in the spring and fall weather. You may also encounter river otters, bobcats, various species of snakes and more!

Know Before You Go:

  • Wildlife is most active in the early morning or late afternoon.
  • The peak wildlife season is October to March, with birding extending into April. However, wildlife can be seen all year long.
  • Mosquitoes and flies are typically prevalent during Spring and Summer Months – Bring Bug Spray!
  • Wildlife are accustomed to quiet, slow-moving vehicles. Drive slowly and carefully.
  • Bring water and a snack as the only place water is available is at the visitor’s center.
  • Do not bring snacks for your wildlife friends, as you should not approach or feed wildlife.
  • Be prepared to see lots of wildlife, some also prefer to bring binoculars.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge also offers guided bus tours around the drive. Stop by their visitor center or give them a call for more information (321-861-0669).

As you come to the end of your amazing adventure around the drive, you can choose to continue in nature and visit the Manatee Observation Deck or head on out to the largest uninhabited beach in all of Florida, the Canaveral National Seashore. No matter what you choose, we guarantee you will be so happy you decided to #LaunchFromHere.

All photos courtesy of the Titusville Area Visitors Council.