Hutchinson Island is a barrier island located off of Florida's east coast, approximately nine miles east of Port St. Lucie. Hutchinson Island has approximately 22 miles of Atlantic Ocean-facing beach. The island and its beaches can be accessed via boat, or by driving over any of the three bridges that link it to the mainland. You'll find that there are a number of opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreational activities on the island.
Sea Kayaking
If you are a sea kayaker, then you'll love Hutchinson Island. Not only does the island have approximately 22 miles of Atlantic-facing beaches that you can launch from and explore by kayak, but you can even circumnavigate the island. Both the Fort Pierce Inlet and the St. Lucie Inlet allow you to access the Indian River Lagoon side of the island, allowing you to paddle all the way around the island if you like. If you don't have a kayak with you, there are places on Hutchinson Island and nearby Jensen Beach where you can rent one.
Canoeing
Canoeing is another recreational activity that you can enjoy while visiting Hutchinson Island. Because of the ocean swells and waves you will want to restrict your canoeing to the Indian River Lagoon side of the island. There you'll find plenty of coves, creeks, and even an animal sanctuary that you can explore by canoe. There are also two parks within easy reach of Hutchinson Island where you can canoe. These are the Savannas Preserve State Park and the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.
Swimming
With 22 miles of Atlantic Ocean beach, and no need for any equipment beyond a swim suit, swimming is the easiest outdoor recreational activity for you to enjoy on Hutchinson Island. Because the Gulf Stream passes so close to the island, you'll find that the Atlantic is relatively warm and pleasant to swim in here. If you're not a strong swimmer, or are simply looking for a less strenuous time in the water, then you can walk to the other side of the island and swim in the Indian River Lagoon instead.
Fishing
Hutchinson Island is also a great place to spend some time fishing. You can fish along the Atlantic Ocean side of the Island, in the Fort Pierce Inlet, the St. Lucie Inlet, or on any of the beaches and marshes on the Indian River Lagoon side of Hutchinson. If you'd prefer to do some deep-sea fishing then you can do so by chartering a fishing trip at one of the many nearby marinas.
Hiking
If hiking is more your thing, then you can hike on Hutchinson's Bear Point Sanctuary. This is a short trail that winds through the mangroves. For more extensive hiking trails you'll want to visit two other nearby parks; Savannas Preserve State Park and the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve. The trails in both of these parks are relatively flat and wind through the park's marshes, so they can be very wet if it has rained recently.
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