Press release: The Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) and Pensacola Paddlesport are partnering to create a guided archaeology kayak tour of Deadman’s Island in Gulf Breeze.
The area known as Deadman’s Island in Pensacola Bay has served as a careening ground (ship repair), shipbuilding center, quarantine station, and cemetery. Archaeologists have found remains of extensive activities, both prehistoric and historic, ranging from shipwrecks to barrel wells to coffins.
Learn about the unique geography of this interesting landform, and why people have used it for thousands of years in this two and a half hour long kayak, hike, and snorkel tour on Thursday, September 24. The tours are led by underwater archaeologists from the Florida Public Archaeology Network.
The program fee is $30 and is limited to 20 participants. The fee includes rental of kayak, personal flotation device, and paddle. Single and tandem kayaks are available. To register for this program and reserve a spot call Pensacola Paddlesport at (850) 255-5423.
Program Schedule-
10:00 am- Participants will meet inside the classroom at the Gulf Breeze Community Center located at 800 Shoreline Dr, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 for a presentation on Deadman’s Island history and archaeology by Dr. Della Scott-Ireton.
11:00 am- Meet FPAN and Pensacola Paddlesport staff at the Wayside Park West boat launch by the three mile bridge in Gulf Breeze to obtain kayaks and basic paddle instruction.
11:30 am- 12:30 pm- Participants will be led on a guided kayak tour to the site. Through hiking and snorkeling participants will explore the area and learn what they can do to help preserve and protect this non-renewable cultural and environmental resource.
Participants should dress for the weather and are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, plenty of drinking water, snorkeling gear and food.