Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Wakodahatchee Wetlands
5
6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Situated on 50 acres of previous wastewater utility property, Wakodahatchee is a constructed wetlands that is free to the public. The site features a three-quarter mile boardwalk that crosses between open water pond areas and islands. A part of the South section of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Wakodahatchee is home to an abundance of wildlife as more than 178 bird species have been identified along with turtles, alligators, rabbits, fish, frogs and raccooons.
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See what travelers are saying
- vasile123New York City, New York744 contributionsAbsolutely the best bird watching placeWe came one hour before sunset. The birds were coming to sleep perched on the trees. As the sun was coming down, more and more birds were coming, so we could observe many types up close. There are illustrations around the park so we learned their names. It was an amazing experience we did not have in any other park or nature preserve here. We already went twice in one week and we'll be back. The best time is late afternoon. Do wear your mask; other people want to watch too, so while being a distanced activity, this is not a solitary one. We also were lucky to see the resident alligator ( unless there are several, as we saw an alligator each time we were there).Visited January 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten January 18, 2021
- DiverMJupiter, Florida555 contributionsStunning but arrive early for sunsetI drove 40 miles from Jupiter to see this park for the first time. We planned to meet almost right at sunset which was a mistake. There was literally no parking. Shortly after sunset there was a mass exodus and parking opened up. I would suggest arriving well before sunset. I was very impressed with this boardwalk. There were an incredible number of birds. It is interesting up to and after dark as well. I would recommend bring some mosquito spray as they are a good number of the pests there. We really enjoyed going to Bambinis Pizzeria afterward which is nearby and has great pizza and is full of antiques. They also have ice cream and lots of unusual sodas. That was a very nice experience as well.Visited February 2020Written February 23, 2020
- Granite43Dover, New Hampshire62 contributionsA lovely attractionThis is a great way to spend some time at Delray Beach. Who would have thought that a man made wetland could be so interesting? Lots of different birds and even an alligator. The boardwalk is spacious and uncrowded. Parking was a bit tight on a Sunday morning but admission and parking are free.Visited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 12, 2020
- Herb MRockport, Massachusetts378 contributionsA lovely walk with a lot of birdlife to watchWe visited Wakodahatchee based on reviews. We had no trouble parking at about 830 - we noticed it was more crowded as we left one hour later. The raised walkway (3/4 mile) was moderately crowded - some people are walking and others are stopping to bird-watch. There were large numbers of egrets, some with babies in their nests. We saw a couple of large alligators, and some turtles, but the birds were the main animals to watch (over 150 species have been seen here). If you want to go I recommend going early (before 8 or 9) or later (after 4).Visited February 2020Written February 16, 2020
- Jasmine38Chichester UKChichester, United Kingdom1,863 contributionsAmazing place - and it's free!This nature reserve is deservedly popular - you can expect to queue for a parking spot. There are so many wetland birds here, as well as alligators, turtles and iguanas. Unusual to see so many birds in one spot. March is a great month to visit as hundreds of woodstorks arrive to nest too. The well maintained wooden boardwalk is flat and provides a circular trail of just under a mile over the marshlands. Perfect all the family. We spent about an hour and 15 mins here.Visited March 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten March 7, 2020
- PatDBradenton, Florida38 contributionsLots of nature on a short walkYou walk over the wetlands on a wooden path. It does connect land areas, but you stay on the path. Many photographers were there the morning we were. Plentiful birds of all types roost in the trees, Early morn would be the best time, less people and only nature to enjoy. A great place to go if you only have an hour or so.Visited March 2020Written March 14, 2020
- anne l38 contributionsWonderful Place to See Many of S. Florida's Birds and AnimalsBeautiful wetlands, for birding can see lots of birds any time of day, but morning is best, they open at 6:30am. Nice easy boardwalk that is about a mile long. I took a bird photography class a couple years ago and the class came here for several days. I have been back many times since. We saw dozens of different types of animals, a cottonmouth snake, marsh bunny, gators big and small, great blue herons, tricolor herons, snowy egrets, great egrets, swamp hens, black bellied whistling ducks, little blue herons. In late January and February there are loads of nesting birds including blue herons, cormorants, anhingas, little blue, tricolor, common moore hens, purple gallinules, ospreys, and hundreds of endangered wood storks, it is really a fantastic place to get great photographs! But parking is limited so often wait in line for a few minutes to get a parking place. Also take water with you, it can get hot.Visited January 2020Written January 14, 2020
- shenbaga sTampa, Florida2 contributionsLots of birdsAnhingas, cormorants, great egrets, great blue herons, snowy egrets, roseate spoonbill, coot, moorhen and gallinule. Limited parking. Best timing is 7 to 9am, or after 4pm.Visited February 2020Traveled with familyWritten February 21, 2020
- romazzinoWest Palm Beach, Florida838 contributionsBeautiful NatureGreat easy walk on boardwalks. Awesome sightings of alligators, lots of birds and iguanas. Was a tight squeeze and busy. When leaving there was actually a long line of cars waiting to get in so be aware of that. This was an afternoon visit so I imagine morning time may be better. There are restrooms and some limited seating out on the boardwalks.Visited January 2021Written February 6, 2021
- Connie KFort Lauderdale, Florida128 contributionsA great day enjoying Nature at its finest.We took a drive to Delray Beach, FL and enjoyed a stroll along the beautiful boardwalk pathway. There were so many different varieties of birds to see with lots of turtles, fish, alligator and other wildlife in their natural habitat. A representative from the Audubon Society was there and happy to help you identify some different types of birds. There is parking close to the boardwalk path and admission is free. It was a sure winner for us!Visited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 23, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,737 reviews
Excellent
1,442
Very good
254
Average
31
Poor
5
Terrible
5
J J
Fort Lauderdale, FL269 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Impressed with the city for making the wastewater plant a wonderland for real Florida nature. There is a 3/4 mile loop on a raised boardwalk with 3 stops under shaded cover to rest. There are lots of benches around the walking area too and tons of birds to see. There are no restroom facilities, snack machines, water fountains or anything like that here as expected. There are trash cans and a security officer walking around to keep the place clean and safe. It’s a great place to do a morning or evening walk. There’s plenty of shade around but not all parts of the boardwalk are covered so the heat and sun can get to ya in summer. Bring your camera and binoculars!
Written July 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven H
Bridgewater, New Jersey235 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
spectacular boardwalk over a freshwater marsh, many bird species and gators. Highlight was the big wood stork colony nesting right next to the boardwalk. Hundreds of birds with dozens of nests with young. Almost unbelievable. There is no visitor center or shop. just birds!
Written May 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Picky
Bellmore, NY8 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Amazing visit- birds were nesting-cute babies chirping and waiting to be fed. The trees were filled with many species and you are able to get very close. Saw a few iguanas in the trees and one alligator in the water.
- very easy, short hike
- very easy, short hike
Written May 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scoleman85
Kingston, Canada13 contributions
Mar 2023
Beautiful location for a quick walk among nature and enjoy natural sounds. It can be as long as you make it, different spots to stop and look around, take pictures, and feel like you are far from an urban space. I felt safe walking about although some might think otherwise because of the alligators. You are walking on raised bridge most of the route, above the waters, except for a couple of spots. Free to park, free to enter. Thank you to all who involved in keeping this place beautiful and clean as it is.
Written March 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LucTravelsOFICIAL
Coral Springs, FL1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Family
Very good exports nice,loads of animals where there and the crowd was good also lots of resting places and we had a lot of animal interactions
Written March 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faith H
9 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
WONDERFUL !
I've taken friends from out of town there and they are always impressed with the board walk and how close you are to the birds and gaters.
I've taken friends from out of town there and they are always impressed with the board walk and how close you are to the birds and gaters.
Written March 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Izz1971
Afton, MN8 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Unexpectedly cool! So nice to see all these amazing birds and got to see an alligator resting. Easy walk path and short hike around the wetland. It was so much fun I went twice in a week.
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patty531
Vestal, NY48 contributions
Jan 2023
Always lots of wildlife to see - alligators, iguanas, rabbits - and MANY, MANY birds!
The 1/2 mile boardwalk is an easy, fun way to see what lives in this part of Florida.
Sometimes there is a line to get into the parking lot, but it moves quickly & is worth the wait.
The 1/2 mile boardwalk is an easy, fun way to see what lives in this part of Florida.
Sometimes there is a line to get into the parking lot, but it moves quickly & is worth the wait.
Written February 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen S
Frisco, TX4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
So many beautiful and such tremendous variety of water birds in such an accessible easy walking place. Even though there were plenty of others out there with me everyone had a sense of awe as we were blessed to see tree after tree in the water being used by whole flicks as a nest tree. Peaceful and happy little walk on a boardwalk. Took over a hundred pictures. Walked the loop portion twice.
Written February 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bobfrombmore
Delray Beach, FL69 contributions
May 2022
When we first moved from MD to Delray Beach, FL, my cousin took us to the wetlands, without telling us what we were about to see. It was in early March. We went from the parking lot onto a boardwalk. Within a minute what we saw blew us away. Every Spring waterfowl come to Wakodahatchie wetlands to nest. From the boardwalk (about 3/4 mile around) you see small islands completely covered with nesting birds, primarily storks. As you walk around the boardwalk you see all manner of wildlife from birds, ducks, snakes, gators, fish etc along the way. You are always a camera shot away from them. Because you are out in the open for most of the walk, comfortable shoes and hats are recommended. It can get very crowded in season, but worth the trouble.
Written January 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy
Pompano Beach, FL19 contributions
Is there a Picnic table around?
EndlessSummerCaptain
Southport, NC515 contributions
No tables.
Are dogs allowed in the park
Joel137
Delray Beach, FL487 contributions
Hi. Not sure. It is mostly a boardwalk that goes through the waterways and such. I’ve only been twice, so not an expert.
Sorry.
What's with all the green iguanas? They are an invasive species so why haven't they been removed, especially from the rookery areas?
Rtraveler10570
Westchester County, NY172 contributions
Not only that, the primary reason there are wetlands there is to accommodate wastewater. From the Palm Beach County Water Utilities website:
Each day, the Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility pumps approximately two million gallons of highly treated wastewater into the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, which in turn acts as a percolation pond, returning billions of gallons of fresh water back into the water table.
It's a wonderful place to visit, but it was not created solely to protect wildlife. The state of Florida allows property owners to humanely dispose of the non-native iguana. And, as John pointed out above, without a wide effort, more may move in.
759Charles
Ft Laud1 contribution
Are the wood storks nesting yet?
Stan C
Huntingdon Valley, PA58 contributions
Don’t Know
Can you bring a dog
coriekap
Delray Beach, FL87 contributions
No. I do not think so
Michael G
3 contributions
Are Tripods allowed?
tinkerbelle2016
Coconut Creek, FL256 contributions
I saw lots of people using tripods.
Douglas B
Delray Beach, FL
Are dogs allowed on leash
stop killing 13
Delray Beach, FL7 contributions
only service animals, not emotional support or pets
387kathleenmaryc
Parkland, FL2 contributions
Where do we park?
Stan C
Huntingdon Valley, PA58 contributions
If lot is full, park in shopping center lot 1/4 mile down Jog Road
387kathleenmaryc
Parkland, FL2 contributions
Where do we park?
larktrav
East Meadow, NY785 contributions
Ditto to previous answer. There are parking lots that fill quickly but most people don't stay very long so if you are patient a spot will open up.
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Claim your listingWakodahatchee Wetlands (Delray Beach) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Wakodahatchee Wetlands
- Wakodahatchee Wetlands is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Hotels near Wakodahatchee Wetlands:
- (5.38 mi) The Seagate Hotel & Spa
- (7.30 mi) Sun Dek Beach House
- (5.53 mi) Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa
- (4.75 mi) The Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (5.44 mi) Crane’s Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas
- Restaurants near Wakodahatchee Wetlands:
- (0.49 mi) Nino's Italian Restaurant
- (0.44 mi) Ruven's
- (0.49 mi) Sabai Thai
- (5.52 mi) Drift Kitchen & Bar
- (4.94 mi) Kilwins Ice Cream and Chocolate
Wakodahatchee Wetlands Information
| Excellent Reviews | 1,442 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 254 |
| Wakodahatchee Wetlands Photos | 1,453 |



















































































