Palm Island and Don Pedro Island are very unique in that there are no commercial high-rises, unpaved firmly packed sandy roads, the beaches are secluded and quiet, the wildlife is truly fabulous, and the islands are accessed by private boat or car ferry only.

The car ferry runs continually from 7:00am until 10:00pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 11:00pm Friday and Saturday. It is a very short ride, only ten minutes, and a very welcome ride for all who live or vacation here. Because there is no bridge access to the island, our beaches remain peaceful in even the busiest of seasons. Due to the non-commercial status on the island, there are no public restrooms or concession stands to litter and crowd the island. The only people using our beaches are those renting a vacation home or permanent residents. You won't find a more equable place to live or visit on the south west coast of Florida.

Although most residents and vacationers on the island arrive by car, the preferred method of travel is golf cart, the most enjoyable way to peruse the whole island. The “island wave” all started by friends and neighbors taking their golf carts to catch the sunset on the beach. The fact you could walk the entire island with bare feet (or sandals if you prefer) also adds to the islands' clean, relaxed atmosphere.

Wildlife abounds on the island. Gopher tortoises are the Mackin Realty favorite. They are beautiful land tortoises that live in burrows they dig themselves several feet underground. You can spot them nibbling on the island vegetation mornings and evenings. And, after a sudden rain, they all come out to get a fresh drink of water. The wildlife ranges from the usual squirrel and rabbit, to the odd armadillo and bobcat! The birdlife is spectacular - ospreys, hawks, herons, egrets, owls and even eagles! And, of course the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding lagoons have dolphins, manatees, fish and more of the beautiful creatures of the sea.

Click on one of our homes to the right, or check our MLS listings to learn more about these unique, individual homes.