Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Wakodahatchee Wetlands
5
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 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
- Krishna K2 contributionsA must-see for locals or travelersIf you’re a nature lover, you’re in for a real treat! I brought my partner, who is an avid birder, and this was perfect for him! I recommend wearing athletic or dry-wick clothing because the humidity was intense, but it’s 100% worth it! Definitely coming again.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 14, 2023
- Cynthia WFreeland, Michigan812 contributionsFree to enter, volunteer security drives the parking area, we felt safe, nice restroomsWater treatment plant area. Parking for about 30-40 cars. Flush restrooms. Free to enter. This is an elevated boardwalk, (in good shape) with several covered seating areas, for you to view wildlife. There are trees that birds nest in, and many feeding birds. This is out in the sun, so bring water and wear hats. There is one way onto the boardwalk and it loops around. We really enjoyed ourselves and it was a rainy day.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 5, 2024
- Liltrave1,582 contributionsGreat place to walk & see natureLove walking here & seeing all the different birds. Every time I come here it's a wonderful experience. There are large & small different type of iguanas & lizards in the trees. I sometimes more then not get to spot one if several alligators. Can get very busy after 10 am & there is limited parking. Clean restrooms available at property & security guards in parking lot & walking on walkways. Very clean & lots to see.Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten February 14, 2024
- Picture_PerchWindsor, Canada1,594 contributionsWe saw a huge AlligatorIt was a rainy day but we still went out in hopes of seeing something cool! Lots of birds which was awesome because we don't get those birds in Canada. Then came a huge alligator under the boardwalk & of course at this moment it started pouring rain! It was a highlight to see an alligator in the wild that is for sure! Wish we could have saw more along this boardwalk. The short walk we had was so much fun. Definitely a place to return to one dayVisited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 1, 2024
- RacwohBoston, Massachusetts218 contributionsWhat a treasure!Wow, this was beautiful - so cool to be so close to all the many amazing birds - we saw a heron feeding her chicks, and all the other nesting birds... and an alligator! Really special spot. Not a difficult walk, elevated boardwalk with periodic roofs and benches for breaks if needed.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 11, 2024
- Ann G12 contributionsAmateur bird watching paradise.Wakodahatchee wetlands is a little slice of paradise for birds and humans and other critters. It’s amazing that reclaimed wetlands can attract such a variety of wildlife that can be viewed up close and personal from the comfort of a boardwalk. We like to take out of town guests to show off the beauty of Florida! One tip: go early to avoid the lines in the parking lotVisited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 17, 2024
- Dave MHemel Hempstead, United Kingdom162 contributionsWhat a pleasant surpriseStopped off here to stretch our legs on a journey south. What a lovely place. So much wildlife to enjoy, a pleasant amble, and unbelievable it's free. There's a restroom and water fountain, no shop/cafe. Do take binoculars as you will see so much more.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 16, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Herb M
Rockport, MA366 contributions
Feb 2020
We 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).
Written February 16, 2020
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.
Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,969 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
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.
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.
Written March 7, 2020
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.
PatD
Bradenton, FL44 contributions
Mar 2020
You 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.
Written March 14, 2020
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.
anne l
west palm beach29 contributions
Jan 2020
Beautiful 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.
Written January 14, 2020
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.
shenbaga s
Tampa, FL2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Anhingas, 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.
Written February 21, 2020
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.
romazzino
West Palm Beach, FL795 contributions
Jan 2021
Great 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.
Written February 6, 2021
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.
Connie K
Fort Lauderdale, FL120 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
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!
Written January 23, 2020
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.
Sue H
8 contributions
Jan 2020
Go early in the AM (opens at 7AM) and in the late afternoon for best bird watching. During school vacations it is busy, so you may have to park at the nearby shopping mall. Saw alligators,a marsh hare, huge iguanas as well as hundred of beautiful birds. If all new building was obligated to include natural space planned so well as this marsh by the Water Dept., Florida would be able to keep its natural paradise.
Written January 13, 2020
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.
Rachel S
Jerusalem, Israel12 contributions
Dec 2019
You need patience to look out for the more camouflaged animals, and be aware that there isn't much shade - hats and sun screen advised! Same is true regarding shelter from rain if you get caught in a down poor. My 2.5 year old enjoyed watching the birds, animals and other people walking around. Bring snacks and water. Bathrooms and water fountain near the entrance!
Written January 5, 2020
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.
Sapo59
New York City, NY194 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
A spectacular spot for bird watchers and nature lovers .
Unfortunately, as Green Cay is closed, parking spots are very difficult 511p come by at certain times of the day. I went there last week around 4 and there were dozens of cars lined up waiting for a spot.
Wish there was an alternative parking lot within walking distance but there isn't.
I've seen people park a few blocks away at the shopping center that's down the street but it is a Tow-Away Zone and that would be an expensive trip to look at birds if you get back and your car is gone.
Unfortunately, as Green Cay is closed, parking spots are very difficult 511p come by at certain times of the day. I went there last week around 4 and there were dozens of cars lined up waiting for a spot.
Wish there was an alternative parking lot within walking distance but there isn't.
I've seen people park a few blocks away at the shopping center that's down the street but it is a Tow-Away Zone and that would be an expensive trip to look at birds if you get back and your car is gone.
Written March 13, 2020
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.
What's with all the green iguanas? They are an invasive species so why haven't they been removed, especially from the rookery areas?
Written February 10, 2020
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.
Written February 10, 2020
I saw lots of people using tripods.
Written June 24, 2019
only service animals, not emotional support or pets
Written June 29, 2019
If lot is full, park in shopping center lot 1/4 mile down Jog Road
Written February 1, 2020
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