Dog Island
Carrabelle, FL
Dog Island stretches almost seven miles off the coast of Carrabelle, most of it a Nature Conservancy wilderness preserve with pristine, empty beach and not a single store, restaurant, or public restroom anywhere on the island. The passenger ferry runs mainly for island property owners and their guests, so a visit here takes real advance planning rather than a spontaneous day trip.
Nearly seven miles of genuinely untouched barrier island is a rare find anywhere in Florida, though the ferry's resident-focused access and total lack of amenities mean it's a serious undertaking rather than a casual beach day.
How we score beachesBook the ferry through Dog Island Ferry well ahead, it's primarily intended for residents and guests and non-resident charter rides run considerably more, around 100 dollars each way. Bring everything you'll need for the day, there's genuinely nothing to buy once you're on the island.
There's no vehicle access to the island. The passenger ferry from Carrabelle runs about 15 dollars each way for residents and guests, with a charter option around 100 dollars each way for others.
The ferry dock leads onto natural sand and dune paths, with no boardwalk or paved surface anywhere on the island. Most of the island is wilderness preserve, uneven and undeveloped.
Check with the ferry service directly, pet policies aren't clearly documented and the ferry's resident-focused nature means it's worth confirming before assuming a pet can come along.
Spring and fall bring the calmest ferry crossings and the mildest walking weather. Summer's heat and hurricane season, June through November, make the exposed island tougher going, with no shade beyond scattered dunes.
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