Green Cay Wetlands Guided Boardwalk Walk

What is Green Cay Wetlands Guided Boardwalk Walk?

Green Cay Nature Center overlooks 100 acres of constructed wetland run by Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation. A 1.5-mile elevated boardwalk loops through the marsh with interpretive signs and QR codes you can scan for information about each zone. The nature center has a lecture hall, gift shop and an exhibit room with live animals.

The wetland is one of the easiest places in South Florida to see wading birds up close. Herons, egrets, ibis, gallinules, turtles and alligators are common, and winter brings migrating songbirds such as painted buntings. Guided walks with a county naturalist explain what you are seeing.

When it happens

Boardwalk: daily from sunrise to sunset. Public restrooms open from 6:45 AM to sunset.

Nature center and exhibits: Wednesday to Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM; closed Sunday to Tuesday and on county holidays.

Guided walks run Wednesday through Saturday, but times change; call the center to confirm. Other programs are by reservation, Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM.

Next dates on our calendar

• Sat, Oct 249 AM
• Sat, Oct 319 AM
• Sat, Nov 79 AM
• Sat, Nov 149 AM
• Sat, Nov 219 AM
• Sat, Nov 289 AM
• Sat, Dec 59 AM
• Sat, Dec 129 AM

What it costs

Admission and parking are free. Reservation-only programs are listed on the county's program guides.

Parking and getting there

Free parking in the nature center lot off Hagen Ranch Road, west of Florida's Turnpike in suburban Boynton Beach.

Questions: call the nature center at 561-966-7000 or email greencay@pbc.gov.

Tips before you go

• Go early in the morning or late afternoon for the most bird activity and cooler air.
• Not allowed on the boardwalk: pets, food, alcohol, drones, bikes or skates, jogging, smoking and fishing.
• Winter (roughly December to March) is peak season for migrating birds.
• Bring binoculars, a hat and sunscreen; much of the boardwalk is in full sun.
• Scan the QR code signs along the boardwalk for a self-guided tour if you miss a guided walk.

Nearby

• Green Cay Wetlands: full venue guide
• Wakodahatchee Wetlands: a second boardwalk nearby in Delray Beach
• Boynton Beach guide: more to do nearby
• Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge: larger Everglades refuge

Frequently asked questions

Is Green Cay free?

Yes. Admission, parking and the guided walks are free.

How long is the Green Cay boardwalk?

1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk through 100 acres of wetland.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Pets are not allowed at Green Cay.

When are guided walks?

Wednesday through Saturday, at times that vary. Call 561-966-7000 to confirm.

Is the nature center open every day?

No. The exhibit building is open Wednesday to Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM, and closed on county holidays. The boardwalk itself is open daily from sunrise to sunset.