Disappearing Island

New Smyrna Beach, FL

Disappearing Island is the premier sandbar in the New Smyrna Beach area. It’s huge and beautiful and is best during low tide.

LOCATION

Disappearing Island is located in the inside of Ponce Inlet in between New Smyrna Beach and the town of Ponce Inlet.There are many parts to this great sandbar with boats anchored everywhere. The island is a tidal flat that becomes dry at low tide. There are many creeks and tributaries that run around it and it’s very natural-looking and has an unspoiled feel. Also, it’s a hub of activity for boaters with the inlet being so close.

THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL BEACH NEARBY

WATER CONDITIONS

The water conditions at Disappearing Island are nice. Unlike the water in North Florida (with the exception of St. Augustine) the water clarity at Ponce Inlet is clean and nice and floods the the flat on an incoming tide. Unfortunately, Disappearing Island is at its best during low tide so that means that the surrounding water is river water that’s darker in color due to the outgoing tide. Currents can be strong the they weren’t strong at the time I visited. Also, like many sandbars in North Florida, they tend to drop off quickly so it pays to be alert if you have small children.

THIS ONLINE WILL HELP YOU LEARN HOW TO PROPERLY TRAILER YOUR BOAT

BOAT RAMP

The most convenient boat ramp and the one I used the day I visited is “Swoop Site Boat Ramp”. It was a nice facility that had restrooms and two steep ramps. The surfaces was grooved for good traction and there are floating docks for staging. That being said, the docks aren’t big and can only hold 2-3 boats each at once. Therefore, patience is required during busy times. Also, the staging docks are exposed to the ICW traffic. Despite it being a “Slow Speed” zone a few of the passing boats put up wakes big enough to really rock my boat and it was a little unsettling. There is plenty of parking at Swoop Site and it cost $10/day to park.

I really enjoyed Disappearing Island and look forward to visiting again.

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BOAT INFORMATION

LAT/LONG:
29.07’21”N 80.92’87”W

SETTING:
Natural/Exposed Sandbar

SAND:
Light Brown, Hard, Rippled

BEST SPOT TO ANCHOR/BEACH:
Many, but I like the side facing the inlet as well as the southern side on Rock House Creek side

NEARBY RAMP:
Swoop Site Boat Ramp

CURRENT:
Yes

DEPTH:
Shallow but Quick Drop-offs

WAVES/WAKES:
Calm on Rock House Side/Exposed Elsewhere

FAMILY FRIENDLY:
Yes