Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park, Salt marsh state park in Levy County, Florida.

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is a salt marsh protected area along Florida's Gulf Coast that spans thousands of acres of coastal wetlands. The land consists mainly of marshes, shallow waterways, and areas where freshwater and saltwater meet naturally.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection established this protected area in 1976 and designated it as a National Natural Landmark. This recognition honored its ecological importance for Florida's coastal ecosystems.

The preserve serves as a living laboratory where researchers study native species and monitor the health of coastal wetlands. Visitors can witness how science works to protect and understand these delicate ecosystems.

The preserve has no land access: boats launch from County Road 40 at Yankee Town, from the Waccasassa River at Gulf Hammock, or from Cedar Key. There are no trails or walking paths, so plan the whole visit on the water. Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown every day of the year, holidays included.

The Florida salt marsh vole (Microtus dukecampbelli) is known from no other place on earth; Waccasassa Bay is its only documented habitat. The rodent lives in the salt marsh between Cedar Key and Yankee Town, a 30,784-acre preserve reachable only by boat.