Banana River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Banana River |
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Merritt Island from Banana River
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 Banana River
Location in Florida
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| Location | Merritt Island, Florida |
| Coordinates | 28°18′22″N 80°38′51″W / 28.30611°N 80.64750°W |
| Type | Lagoon |
| Part of | Indian River Lagoon |
| Max. length | 31 mi (50 km) |
| Islands | 2 |
The Banana River is a long, narrow body of water called a lagoon. It stretches for about 31-mile (50 km) in Brevard County, Florida, in the United States. This special waterway lies between Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island.
The Banana River is part of a bigger system called the Indian River Lagoon. It connects to the Indian River at its southern end. What makes it unique is that it's the only part of this lagoon system not used by the Intracoastal Waterway, which is a path for boats along the coast.
This river also has a connection to the Atlantic Ocean. Boats can travel through a special gate called a canal lock into Port Canaveral to reach the ocean.
The Banana River is home to many different environments. You can find salt marshes, mangrove swamps, and wide areas of seagrass. There are also algae beds, oyster bars, and flat areas of mud that appear at low tide. Some small islands, created from dredged material, also provide homes for animals.
These areas are perfect habitats for many marine creatures. The water in the Banana River is brackish, meaning it's a mix of fresh water and salt water. It's often shallow, only about waist-deep, with a soft bottom made of sand and grass. The river is very important to the local area, helping the economy by supporting fishing and other fun activities.
Long ago, the Banana River was one continuous waterway. It completely separated Merritt Island from Cape Canaveral. But in 1964, a special road called the Crawlerway was built at Kennedy Space Center. This road connected Merritt Island to Cape Canaveral. Because of this, the Banana River was divided into two parts: a northern lagoon and a southern lagoon.
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Amazing Animals of the Banana River
The Banana River is a lively place filled with many different kinds of animals. It's a great spot to see some incredible marine life.
Meet the Mammals
You might be lucky enough to spot playful dolphins swimming and jumping in the water. These smart creatures often hunt for fish in the lagoon's rich waters. Gentle manatees, sometimes called "sea cows," also live here. They are peaceful giants that love to eat the seagrass found on the river bottom.
Fish and Other Creatures
The river is home to many types of fish. You can also find stingrays gliding gracefully along the sandy bottom. These flat fish use their wings to move through the water. The different habitats like seagrass beds and mangrove swamps provide safe places for young fish and other small creatures to grow.
Why the River is Important
The mix of fresh and salt water, along with all the different plants, makes the Banana River a perfect home for these animals. It's like a giant nursery and feeding ground for many species. Protecting this unique lagoon helps keep all these amazing creatures safe and healthy for years to come.
