Flamingo Ranger Guided Tours

NPS Photo

Flamingo offers several exciting ranger-guided programs. Please check out the park calendar and see what is scheduled, including special events!

You can also check the current status of programs by calling the Guy Bradley Visitor Center at [phone].

Directions to Flamingo

 

Program Descriptions

Below are summaries of all ranger-led programs available in Flamingo in the dry season (December - April). All of our programs are free (with your park entrance fee) unless otherwise noted. Please see the park's calendar to verify program dates and times. All programs are subject to rescheduling or cancellation in the case of inclement environmental conditions, limited staffing, or other unforseen circumstances.

Birding Bonanza: Ranger-Guided Bird Walk

8:30 am daily; about 1 hour; meet at Guy Bradley Visitor Center
Available November 25 to 30 and December 15 to March 31

Join a Park Ranger for this guided walk through one of Flamingo's best birding spots. Check with a Park Ranger for the location; it'll change based on bird behaviors. Cameras, binoculars, and insect protection are encouraged. 

Feathers and Foliage: Bird and Plant Walk

8:30 am daily; about 1 hour; meet at Guy Bradley Visitor Center
Available April 1 - 20

Join a Park Ranger for this guided walk through one of Flamingo's best birding spots. Beginner birders welcome! Along the way, you'll also learn about a variety of different trees and plants. Cameras, binoculars, and sun and insect protection are encouraged. 

Paddling in Paradise: Ranger-Guided Kayaking on Florida Bay

8:30 am Friday to Wednesday; about 3 hours; ages 16+
Available December 15 to April 20; reservations required

Explore Florida Bay the best way: by kayak. This strenuous trip will meander the salty waters while a park ranger tells you about Flamingo's exciting history and wildlife. All paddling equipment is provided. Must be 16+ years of age. Minors must have an adult in their kayak with them. Prior paddling experience required. Register online now or call [phone].

Journey Through Nine Mile Pond: Ranger-Guided Canoe Trip

8:30 am Tuesday and Wednesday; about 4 hours; ages 12+ 
Available December 15 to February 5; reservations required
Explore Nine Mile Pond by canoe! This moderately-strenuous trip will traverse the brackish waters while a Ranger tells you about Flamingo's exciting history and wildlife. Expect to paddle through tight mangrove tunnels as well as open water. All paddling equipment is provided. Must be 12+ years of age. Minors must have an adult in the boat with them. Prior paddling experience required. Reservations are required. Register online now or call [phone].

Guided Boat Tours

Daily; 90 minutes; trips depart every hour from 9 am to 4 pm; fees apply
Backcountry tours available year-round; Florida Bay tours available November 1 to April 30.
Backcountry tours depart on odd hours (9, 11, 1, 3) and Bay tours depart on even hours (10, 12, 2, 4)

Join a naturalist or park ranger (on 1 pm and 2 pm trips) as you explore the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness. Trips depart hourly and visit either Whitewater Bay via Buttonwood Canal or Florida Bay. Come along on a subtropical adventure! Visit the Marina Activities Booth, reserve online, or call 855-708-2207 to purchase your tickets.

Curious About Critters?

10:30 am daily, 3 pm Friday - Wednesday (December 15 to March 31)
1:30 pm daily (April 1 - 20)
Meet at the Flamingo Marina

Learn about the fantastic fauna of Flamingo during this informal program. Rangers will rove the area for 90-120 minutes and discuss manatees, crocodiles, osprey, and any other animals that make an appearance. 

Ranger's Choice!

10:30 am daily and 2:30 pm Friday - Wednesday (daily April 1 - 20)
Meet at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center
Available November 25 to 30 and December 15 to April 20
Each day, a park ranger will choose a new topic to talk about! Join them at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center to see what the topic is today.

Mangrove March: Ranger-Guided Plant Walk

2 pm daily; 1 hour; meet at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center
Available November 25 to 30 and December 15 to March 31

Discover a variety of tree species with a park ranger on this short walk. Sun and insect protection are encouraged.

Evening Programs

Daily; 1 hour; location, time, and topic vary
Available December 15 to April 20

Get a glimpse of Everglades National Park at a variety of evening programs. Insect protection is strongly encouraged. Ask a Park Ranger for more details.

Special Events and Programs

Check with a park ranger during your visit to learn about other programs or special events. You can also check the park's calendar or call 239-695-2945 for more information.