Local Guide
Plan Your Hutchinson Island Adventure
Hutchinson Island is a 22-mile barrier island on Florida's Treasure Coast — one of the most beautiful and least-developed barrier islands on the entire East Coast. It stretches from the Fort Pierce Inlet in the north to the St. Lucie Inlet in the south, separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Indian River Lagoon. The island spans two counties (St. Lucie and Martin) and is accessible from the mainland via bridges at Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach, and Stuart.
At the northern tip of Hutchinson Island, right at the Fort Pierce Inlet, Salty's Water Sports operates Florida's largest jet ski rental, boat rental, and dolphin tour operation. The location is exceptional: Atlantic Ocean water flows through the Fort Pierce Inlet twice daily, keeping the lagoon crystal-clear, tidal-flushed, and teeming with marine life. The water here is vivid blue-green, often clear to the bottom in several feet, and unlike anything else on the Treasure Coast.
Salty's dock at 601 Seaway Drive is steps from Fort Pierce Inlet State Park beach — one of the best stretches of undeveloped Atlantic shoreline in Florida. After your water sports session, you can walk to the beach, explore the inlet's fishing pier, or grab lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants on Seaway Drive.
What to Expect
Your Hutchinson Island water sports experience begins at Salty's dock on the Indian River Lagoon, right at the Fort Pierce Inlet. After a brief safety orientation, you'll launch directly into the lagoon's crystal-clear water. The Fort Pierce Inlet creates a unique tidal environment — the water is noticeably cleaner and more vivid than anywhere else on the Treasure Coast, with visibility often reaching 6–8 feet. Jet ski riders will feel the power of the Sea-Doo GTX as they accelerate across the lagoon's glassy surface. Boat rental guests can navigate freely to sandbars, mangrove islands, and the dramatic Fort Pierce Inlet. Guided tour guests will follow expert captains to the lagoon's most productive dolphin feeding grounds, with a 95% sighting rate.
Great for Families and Groups
Hutchinson Island is one of the most family-friendly water sports destinations in Florida. The Indian River Lagoon near Fort Pierce Inlet is calm, clear, and safe for children of all ages — protected from ocean swells by the island itself, but refreshed constantly by tidal exchange. The water's exceptional clarity means children can see fish, dolphins, and the sandy bottom from the surface.
For families, the best combination is a morning jet ski dolphin tour (kids as young as 6 can ride as passengers with a parent), followed by a swim at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park beach steps from the dock. Afternoon options include a pontoon boat rental for the whole family — up to 12 guests, no experience required — to explore the lagoon's sandbars and mangrove islands at your own pace.
Life jackets in all sizes are provided, including infant and toddler sizes. Salty's staff is experienced with guests of all ages and abilities.
