In the 1880s, the cut was listed on geological maps of the United States, but storms and sand shifts quickly closed the confluence that same year. In 1881, Thomas New made his next attempt to dig in the bay, and 700 people lost their lives in this disaster, 1500 survived. Coast Guard to dig the first hole in the area, now called Sebastian Inlet. Gibson was promoted to Commander of the U.S. By the 1760s, they had all disappeared, but not before the arrival of large numbers of settlers from England and the United States. In 1715, eleven of their treasure galleons sank off the central and eastern coasts of Florida, and like other natives of Florida, they succumbed to disease and abuse.
In 1696, the English Quaker Jonathan Dickinson was captured by the AIS after his ship was driven into ruins.ĭickinson's description of the Ais and their lifestyle is the best description we have of these people. The Ais Indians were the new inhabitants of the barrier islands, and they were hunters - gatherers who lived in abundance on land and at sea. When the vegetation settled on the sandbanks, animals moved in, followed by the first human inhabitants, the paleo-hunters. Sebastian Bay has a history dating back to the end of the last Ice Age, and barrier islands formed on sandbanks along the coast and on the mainland. A variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, birds of prey and other animals can be observed routinely. Occasionally, you can spot goblins, alligators and river otters off the coast of Sebastian Inlet State Park, Indian River Lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico. In January and February, whales can sometimes be seen off the coast of Sebastian Inlet State Park, Indian River Lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico. One of the most endangered whale species in the world, with a population of only 300, is a real whale. No reservations or tours are required for the annual dolphin and manatees tours at Sebastian Inlet State Park. Manatees inhabit the waters from March to October and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are often seen in and around the waters of the park. Young green sea turtles are seen feeding in the seagrass meadows of the Indian River Lagoon and can be seen on the beach in the summer months as well as in the winter months. The Indian River Lagoon and surrounding beaches, as well as the beach itself, are home to a variety of bird species, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds of prey and other wildlife. In June and July, visitors have the opportunity to observe nesting loggerheads loggerheads sea turtles and their nestlings on ranger-led walks. Sebastian Inlet State Park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and visitors can see over 180 bird species throughout the year. Located in the Indian River Lagoon, the hotel is just a short walk from the main entrance to the park. Sebastian Inlet State Park is a wonderful place to see wildlife, and birds stream through the water that surrounds them. Visitors can also relax on one of the three fully equipped campsites with picnic tables, picnic chairs and picnic tables. Three miles of beautiful beaches offer a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, boating, canoeing, swimming and much more, all within the park.Ĭanoeing and kayaking in the Indian River lagoon is also a popular pastime, and gazebos and picnic areas near the water are ideal for family outings. Two museums tell the history of the region: the McLarty Treasure Museum tells the story of a Spanish treasure fleet from 1715 and the Sebastian Fishing Museum tells the history of the fishing industry in the region. Surfing is also another popular pastime, as well as a great place to kayak, snorkel, canoe and other outdoor activities. It is a popular fishing spot for anglers from all over the world to catch snook, and several major competitions are held here every year.