Dog Island is located just 3.5 miles off-shore from Carrabelle. The origin of the name "Dog" island is a mystery; one legend says that Native Americans believed the shape of the island resembled a crouching dog, another says that the island was named after "seadogs" (a nickname for sailors). The island has a rich maritime history. Evidence of early residents includes the discovery of a 9th century canoe. During the 17th and 18th century the island became a haven of piracy and smuggling along with the other barrier islands in the area. There have been a few major shipwrecks on or near Dog Island.
Currently, there are less than 100 people living on the island, which is only accessible by boat or plane. There are water-taxi services available from Carrabelle. Less than seven miles long, the majority of Dog Island is owned by the Nature Conservancy, with some privately owned residential property. The island has pristine marshes and forests and miles of unspoiled white sand beaches to explore.