NOTE: Regrettably, the rope swings at this location no longer exist. The Coast Guard has destroyed them for fear of injury. There remain several locations along the Intracoastal Waterway where swings are sometimes created. Keep your eyes open!
Former Location: Intracoastal Waterway between the Jupiter Lighthouse and the Jupiter Route 707 double bascule bridge. This area is to the northeast of the lighthouse and west (across the Intracoastal Waterway) of the homes on Jupiter Island. See location on a nautical chart.
See photos of the rope swing area.
See photos of the rope swings in action.
See pictures of JIB Marina at rope swings.
See aerial photo of this general area.
ROPE SWINGS: You can�t miss the rope swing area as you cruise north up the Intracoastal Waterway from the Jupiter Lighthouse (see photo.)
There are usually ropes tied onto at least two trees. One is a �moderate� rope swing for younger kids. The other is high and heavy duty for teens and adventurous adults.
The ropes are installed by teens that are willing to climb all the way up into the trees.
These ropes are generally strong and in acceptable condition. However, they are �unofficial.� The ropes should be checked for safety prior to use.
It�s best to use the ropes during high tide, when the landing area is deepest. This area is very close to the Jupiter Inlet. The current is strong. It�s advisable for kids to wear life jackets when using the swings to avoid drowning in the current.
The bottom here is generally sandy with submerged tree branches. Use footwear to avoid stepping on sharp debris (I�ve cut my foot here on several occasions.)
When stopping here, head your boat into the current. Use your bow anchor to secure your boat and a stern anchor to hold it in place against wakes.
An easier alternative to anchoring is to nose-up on the sand and tie your bow to one of the trees.
SNORKELING: There is some good snorkeling just north of the rope swings, under the Jupiter Route 707 Bridge. Use the area on the bridge�s west side.
Colorful fish like the area around the rocks and bridge fenders. Do not snorkel in the center of the bridge (used by Intracoastal Waterway boat traffic.) The fish population varies by season.
Watch out for fishing lines and for people who dive off the bridge fenders (note that fender jumping is discouraged by the bridgekieepers)
An alternate snorkeling/diving area can be found on the east side of the bridge. Generally this will require you to anchor on the bridge's northeast side. There isn't good shore access.
THE BEACH: Many boaters like to nose-up to the "beach" area south of the rope swings (just north of the Jupiter Lighthouse.) See photos of the "beach" area.
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER: The water here is crystal clear on an incoming tide. The clear ocean water is getting sucked-in via the Jupiter Inlet. When the water is clear, this is the most beautiful boating spot in the Palm Beaches.
On an outgoing tide the Intracoastal Waterway becomes brown and brackish (as mangrove-stained water drains from canals and the Everglades.) Click here to read more about the changing water color.
NEARBY MARINA SERVICES: The JIB Marinia is immediately across the Intercoastal Waterway from the ropes swings. It's a nice facility with a good staff. They offer fuel, pump out and a small store. Click here for more on JIB Marinia.
ACCESS BY CAR: The Jupiter Ropes Swing area can be access by car. Limited parking (about 6 spaces) can be found on Jupiter Route 707, on the northwest corner of the bridge. Be careful not to park in the spaces reserved for offical use. Alternate parking can be found at the lighthouse or across the bridge on Jupiter Island.
After you park, look for the crude concrete steps leading down to the ICW. The stairs are located next to the bridgekeeper's house (the bridge's southwest landing.)
From the bridge, you can walk south to the rope swings in the Intercoastal Waterway itself or through the "jungle trail" that cuts under the trees.
Note that this area is very well patrolled by boating law enforcement. Click here to read more.
Note that the area just north of the ropes swings is a "monster wake zone." Click here to read more.
Nearby you can find The Square Grouper bar made famous in the Alan Jackson-Jimmy Buffett video "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere." Click here for more information.
The rope swing area is great for kayaking. Another great nearby place to canoe or kayak is the Loxahatchee River.
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