Inaccessible walks and long hikes shouldn’t be a reason why you can’t be an Indiana Jones or explorer breaking through new territory by the daunting salt marshes. That’s why Castaway Island Preserve is such a gem for both locals and tourists visiting the area. With boardwalks lasting just a mile and a little more, the exploratory trail was built to suit all ages and interests. It runs through 300 acres of coastal habitat to pull the curtains back on the complex salt marsh ecosystem. Winding parallel to the path is the estuarine San Pablo, coursing ahead on its journey to the ocean. From the countless outlooks along the way, birders watch in wait for the graceful Ibis or delicate walk of wood storks by the boggy edges of the marsh. With a keener eye for detail, you might be able to spot the smoothened black back of gopher tortoises poking their heads out of the ground beneath the pine flatwoods. Armed with binoculars and sharp sight, one can’t quite predict the treasures you might find in this sanctuary.