Morning Cruise at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Morning Tranquility: A Guided Boat Tour at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Start your day with a peaceful and scenic boat tour through the breathtaking wetlands of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge! Step aboard the Heron Now pontoon boat for a leisurely morning cruise, where you’ll take in stunning landscapes, watch birds and wildlife, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Everglades.

Led by an expert guide, this tour offers a deeper look into the refuge’s rich ecology, the conservation of wading birds, and the vital role of the American alligator as a keystone species. While this experience is perfect for photographers seeking incredible shots, it’s also an opportunity to relax, learn, and appreciate the natural world.

Meeting Place: The parking lot near the boat ramp

(take Lee Road all the way back to the end.)

Field Guide & Captain: Avian ecologist Mike Baranski will be our boat captain and guide for the morning. Our AE Field Trip Cooridinator, Paula Gatrell, drives a yellow Bronco Sport.

Age Requirement: This event is for ages 10 and older.

Check-in Time: 7:45 AM
Departure Time: 8:00 AM

Required Waiver: https://fareharbor.com/waivers?shortname=heronnowboattours&bookingUuid=457b6d72-17f1-49c5-b938-a8a701135165&source=copy-link

$10 per vehicle unless you have a park pass.

Available inside the Visitors Center (opens at 9:00 AM) and outdoor facilities beside it.

Porta Potty at the parking lot for the cruise.

• Heron Now's required Waiver found here: https://fareharbor.com/waivers?shortname=heronnowboattours&bookingUuid=457b6d72-17f1-49c5-b938-a8a701135165&source=copy-link
• Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
• Appropriate clothing for Florida weather (rain or shine)
• Bug spray
• Sunglasses (polarized recommended for better visibility in the water)
• Other sun protection (the boat's Bimini top provides partial shade)
• Headlamp with a red-light mode for night vision

• Registration Required: Advance registration is mandatory. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
• Limited Group Size: To ensure a personalized and enriching experience and due to boat capacity limits.
• eBird Participation: A shared eBird list will be available. Please ensure you have an eBird account, including a user ID and password, to access the list. Discover more about eBird here: eBird.
• Photography Notice: We encourage photographers to capture the beauty and fun of our birding adventures. By signing the AE consent, you agree to having your photo taken and used on our social media pages. If you prefer not to have your photos shared, please inform us in advance.
• Consideration for Others: If you register and find yourself unable to attend, please cancel your ticket to allow others the opportunity to participate. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

No need to print your ticket; we will have your registration on file. For any questions, contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to sharing this birdwatching experience with you!

Expert birder and Avian ecologist Mike Baranski will serve as our boat captain and field guide for this sunset cruise. Mike is a USCG certified Captain. The boat meets USCG standard and has personal flotation devices (PFDs).

Host or Publisher Audubon Everglades