Flamingo DistrictFlamingo offers several exciting ranger-guided programs, so please be sure to check out the park calendar and see what is scheduled! 
Florida National Parks Association Everglades InstituteInterpretive and educational paddling and boating programs offered daily in Flamingo. Visit evernpi.org. Program Descriptions Below are summaries of all ranger-led programs available in Flamingo. Programs are free with park entrance fee unless otherwise noted. Please see the park's calendar for program dates and times. All programs are subject to rescheduling or cancellation in the case of inclement environmental conditions or limited staffing.
There are a multitude of things that make Flamingo special. Come join park staff for insight into Flamingo’s unique qualities while enjoying a backdrop of the beautiful Florida Bay and mangrove islands. The program meets at the accessible amphitheater that has social distance bench seating. After the program staff will also be available for question-and-answer session. Please check our park calendar to see scheduled programs. Be prepared for the possibility of flying insects such as mosquitos.
By road, parking is 100 yards (98 meters) from the amphitheater. For a more recreational opportunity along the picturesque shoreline, walk the accessible approximately half mile (.87 kilometer) Guy Bradley Trail to the amphitheater starting in the southwest corner of the visitor center parking lot. GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 13” N, 80° 55’ 56” W Looking for an experience beyond the pavement and boardwalks? Join staff for a kayak paddle on the incredible waters of Florida Bay. This small group program uses sit-on-top kayaks to explore Flamingo's fish, feathers and fame while journeying along shallow coastal waters and mangrove covered keys. This immersive activity is great for beginners or experienced paddlers. The program is considered strenuous and includes a safety briefing, basic paddling techniques, life jacket fitting and assistance moving the kayaks a short distance.
Reservations are required and can only be made by participants in person the day-of from 8:15 – 10:15 am at the Flamingo Visitor Center. Check-in by 1:15 pm at visitor center desk. Sun and insect protection and appropriate closed toes footwear for slippery surfaces recommended. Life jackets are supplied and required to be worn. Check our park calendar to see scheduled program dates. GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 29” N, 80° 55’ 28” W Other canoe and kayak opportunities may be available through our partners in advance at: evernpi.org and flamingoeverglades.com. Flamingo has a wide variety of tropical plants to explore! Join staff on a short journey to experience local plant life and learn some fun facts. The program travels approximately ¼ mile (.25 kilometer) along an accessible paved route. Meet on the board walk in front of the Flamingo Visitor Center at 8:30 am.
GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 29” N, 80° 55’ 26” W Did you know that a full-sized adult manatee averages nearly 10 feet (3 meters) in length and weighs up to 1200 pounds (545 kilograms) on a diet of plants? Discover and possibly experience wild manatees, and their habitat, during this talk at the Florida Bay side of Flamingo Marina. Join staff to learn the importance of this endangered species.
GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 30” N, 80° 55’ 24” W When these marine hawks catch fish, they will grasp it to face forward to streamline flight! Enjoy this fun up close encounter next to an active nest behind the Marina Store at the Plug (dam-like structure).
GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 33” N, 80° 55’ 20” W Join staff to find out why crocodiles exist in the Everglades along with alligators. Perhaps there will be some sunning or swimming nearby! This program begins behind the Marina Store and may travel a short accessible distance of less than ¼ mile (.25 kilometer) if crocodiles are visible nearby.
GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 34” N, 80° 55’ 20” W Half your park is after dark - join park staff and explore some of the cool things about the natural night life at Flamingo, along with a nice helping of night sky viewing! The program is located at the accessible amphitheater and has bench seating. Check our park calendar to see scheduled program dates and times.
Don’t forget your flashlight, red beam preferred, and be prepared for flying insects such as mosquitos! GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 13” N, 80° 55’ 56” W Meet park staff at the West Lake parking lot trailhead, then begin a journey along the West Lake Trail while enjoying tales of Everglades’ Prohibition Era past. The accessible 40-minute roundtrip program begins at 1:30 pm. (1/3 mile / 0.5 km). Check our park calendar to see scheduled program dates and times.
Insect protection advised. GPS Coordinates: 25° 12’ 51” N, 80° 51’ 02” W Each of these programs are as diverse as the staff member giving them. Come join as they give you a peak into the ranger experience and the wondrous treasures of your National Parks. Staff will also be available on site for a questions and answers session afterword. The program is located at the accessible amphitheater and has bench seating. Check our park calendar to see scheduled program dates and times. Don’t forget your flashlight and be prepared for flying insects such as mosquitos!
By road, parking is 100 yards (98 meters) from the amphitheater. For a more recreational opportunity along the picturesque shoreline, walk the accessible approximately half mile (.87 kilometer) Guy Bradley Trail to the amphitheater starting in the Southwest corner of the visitor center parking lot. GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 13” N, 80° 55’ 56” W Meet with staff near the visitor center information desk for a 15-minute program on what life was like at historic “Mingo” and the mission of local Audubon wardens.
GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 29” N, 80° 55’ 28” W Following the Junior Ranger motto, “Explore, Learn and Protect”. Join park staff in a variety of fun, take home activities in the Flamingo Visitor Center. Session supplies are limited to 10 participants for these 10:30 am programs. These programs are designed for younger participants, ages 5 and up. Parent or guardian supervision is mandatory. Each program meets several education standards and STEM extensions.
GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 29” N, 80° 55’ 26” W Looking for something special? Here you go! The following interactive programs are offered only once a year at Flamingo’s visitor center, each 1:00 pm program lasts around 45 minutes.
GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 29” N, 80° 55’ 26” W Travel the Guy Bradley Trail near Florida Bay as staff tell of Native peoples and early Flamingo history. The accessible 40-minute program leaves from the visitor center going about ½ mile (1 km) to the amphitheater. Check our park calendar to see scheduled program dates and times.
Insect and sun protection advised.
GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 29” N, 80° 55’ 26” W There’s more to Cold War history at Everglades than Nike Missiles. Journey up the Guy Bradley Trail and learn about Flamingo’s more clandestine history. The accessible 40-minute program leaves from the amphitheater going about ½ mile (1 km) to the visitor center. Check our park calendar to see scheduled program dates and times.
Insect and sun protection advised.
GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 13” N, 80° 55’ 56” W Sketch, paint or write with park staff creatively relating your Everglades experience. Begins at 10:30 am in the visitor center and all materials are supplied for this accessible 40-minute program. Check our park calendar to see scheduled program dates and times.
GPS Coordinates: 25° 08’ 29” N, 80° 55’ 26” W |
Last updated: September 10, 2022