Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset daily. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days. Visitors enjoy a wide diversity of recreational and educational opportunities such as birdwatching, boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife photography, seasonal hunting, and more.
A Refuge Pass is required to enter the Black Point Wildlife Drive and Bio Lab Road, and to launch a boat at Bairs Cove, Beacon 42, and Bio Lab boat ramps.
This Refuge Pass is valid at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Refuge visitors are required to purchase a Refuge Pass to enter the Black Point Wildlife Drive and Bio Lab Road, and to launch a boat at Bairs Cove, Beacon 42 and Bio Lab boat ramps. A Refuge Pass is not required if the visitor is in possession of a current and signed Federal Duck Stamp or an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass.
Please be prepared to show your printed hardcopy pass or digital Refuge Pass on your mobile device.
If purchasing a Refuge Pass in advance, a printed copy of the pass is recommended for your vehicle. Fold the printed pass on the dotted line and display it on your vehicle dashboard, with the quick response (QR) code visible at all times during your visit.
Print out or download the pass on your mobile device in advance of your visit as cellular service may be limited.
Separate fees apply for concessionaire operated tours and rentals.
Passes are non-transferable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.