Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is hosting a Summer Solstice Evening on June 21. Visitors are invited to stroll the boardwalk, talk to Boardwalk Naturalists, and get a fascinating glimpse of life in the swamp as the sun is setting. Discounted admission is $8 for adults, $3 for youth and FREE for children 5 and under, US military/veterans (with ID) and Friends of Corkscrew Members. Doors open at 5 p.m. with last admission at 7 p.m. Sunset that evening is 8:21 p.m., and the boardwalk will close at 8:30 p.m. The Blair Visitor Center Nature Store will also be open from 5 – 8:45 p.m.
Open 365 Days a Year
The Blair Audubon Center, at 375 Sanctuary Road in Naples, is open with timed daily admissions from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out indoor exhibits, a Nature Store, and the world-famous, 2.25-mile boardwalk that meanders through pine flatwood, wet prairie, freshwater marsh, and the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. Several days a week, skilled and passionate Boardwalk Naturalists wearing khaki-colored uniforms will be on the boardwalk, ready to answer questions and point out the sights and sounds of the swamp for visitors. Admission is $17 for adults, $6 for kids 6-14, and FREE for kids 5 and under and for Friends of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary members. Online tickets are required at Corkscrew.Audubon.org/Visit.
Memberships and donations provide crucial support for conservation work at the Sanctuary.
Guided Tours
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, established in 1954, has been an Audubon-protected site for more than 100 years. Recognized as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention and a Wetland of Distinction by the Society of Wetland Scientists, it conserves more than 13,000 acres, including the world’s largest remaining, old-growth bald cypress forest. Guided tours are some of the best ways to learn about and enjoy the Sanctuary.
Ancient Forest Tours
Corkscrew Swamp's ancient bald cypress forest is the world's largest remaining old growth bald cypress forest and was protected from logging in 1954. Join us for a three-hour tour along the 2.25-mile boardwalk through the ancient forest, with highlights on history, ecology, storytelling, and ancient cypress trees. There are occasional opportunities for rests along the way. Participants must be aged 16 or older. Cost is $30 for adults, with discounts for members. Limit: 10 participants. Dates: June 16, Aug. 4. Get tickets.
Early Birding Walk
Experience the sights and sounds of the awakening swamp with one of our naturalists guiding you to look for birds. Learn about the birds' life habits and the importance of the native upland and freshwater wetland plants and habitats that reside at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Plus, learn what you can do to help improve habitats for birds. This program is offered monthly at 8 a.m. Cost is $30 for adults, with discounts for members. Limit: 10 participants. Dates: June 18, July 12, Aug. 23, Sept. 20. Get tickets.
Sunset Stroll
This guided tour on the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary boardwalk leads you into the swamp as the day draws to a close. As twilight approaches, many creatures are winding down their day with nocturnal creatures beginning theirs. Watch sunset from the observation tower, then listen to the sounds as the day changes to night. Search for nocturnal creatures on the way back to the visitor center, and learn about some of their adaptations that enable them to be active at night. Cost is $40 for adults, with discounts for members. Limit: 10 participants. Dates: June 15, July 6, Aug. 10. Get tickets.
Night Walk
Enjoy a night in the swamp on this guided walk which takes you into the swamp when nocturnal animals are out and vocal, while you gaze at the amazing views of the night sky (clouds permitting). You never know what you will hear or see on a night visit to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary but expect to hear the sounds of calling insects, possibly owls and alligators, and most likely a surprise or two! You will also learn about the nocturnal biodiversity of the swamp and adaptations that enable some wildlife to thrive at night. Cost is $40 per adult, with discounts for members. Limit: 10 participants. Dates: June 22, June 29, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 11. Get tickets.
