Royal Palm Ranger Guided Tours

A group of people hike through water and plants in a cypress forest.
Wade through the River of Grass into the shadows of a "gator hole" or a cypress dome on a slough slog/wet hike.

NPS Photo

Royal Palm and surrounding areas offer many exciting ranger guided tours! These programs can vary greatly by season, and are subject to rescheduling or cancellation in the case of inclement weather.

Check our park calendar to see scheduled programs for the Royal Palm area. You can also check the current status of programs by calling the main park line at (305) 242-7700.

 

Special Events:

Nike Site Festival - January 18, 2025

Program Descriptions

Below are the summaries of all ranger-led programs available in Royal Palm and other areas nearby. ** Available programs for Royal Palm will be updated on a monthly basis.**

Daily Programs

Glades Glimpse- 2:30 PM

  • The Everglades is a place like no other! Sit in the shade as a ranger reveals the amazing wonders of the Everglades. Topics vary daily. Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Wheelchair accessible. 20 minutes.


Anhinga Amble- 10:30 AM

Interested in seeing wildlife? Take a stroll with a ranger and explore the renowned Anhinga Trail where alligators, wading birds and other wildlife are easily spotted! Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Wheelchair accessible. 0.7 miles, 45 minutes.


Nike Open House- 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Everglades National Park houses one of the best preserved relics of the Cold War in Florida, a historic Nike Hercules missile site called “Alpha Battery” or “HM69”. Drop by the site while it’s open.

Nike Missile Site Tour- 2:00 PM

Step into the Cold War for a tour of the historic Nike Missile Site, HM69. See an actual missile and many of the original support buildings. Guided tours begin at the Daniel Beard Center and are conducted most afternoons between December and March. 1 hour 30 minutes.

Bike Hike (Long Pine Key)- 9:00 AM

Explore the natural wonders of the Everglades by bicycle! Bikes and helmets provided. Stop by the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center or call (305) 242-7700 no greater than one week in advance for reservations (age 12 and up). 2 hours 30 minutes.

Wet Walk (Royal Palm)- 2:00 PM

Wade through the River of Grass into the shadows of a "gator hole" or a cypress dome. Wear lace-up shoes, socks and long pants that can get wet or muddy. Call (305) 242-7700 or stop by the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center for reservations, no greater than one week in advance (12 and up). Participants will need their own transportation to reach the hike site. 2 hours.

Evening Programs (Long Pine Key Campground Amphitheater)- 7:30 PM

Join a park ranger for this illustrated program focusing on the unique natural or cultural wonders of the Everglades. Check bulletin boards and visitor centers for program topics. Meet at Long Pine Key Campground Amphitheater. Accessible.1 hour.


Night Walk (Royal Palm)- 7:30 PM

Half the park is after dark! Take a walk with a park ranger on the Anhinga Trail under the stars to see what wildlife is most active at night. Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Wheelchair accessible. 0.7 miles, 50 minutes.


Directions to Royal Palm

 
A person paddling on a blue kayak near mangroves.
Everglades Institute Tours

Everglades Institute is a non-profit partner providing in-depth educational and adventurous tours.

A ranger stands in front of a group of visitors.
Calendar

Use the calendar below to find information about the park's ranger-led programs, events and more!

A tour boat on the water under a bright blue sky.
Guided Tours

Rangers are not the only naturalists that lead groups in the park. Check out the tour options offered by park partners and concessions.

 

Last updated: December 19, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733

Phone:

305 242-7700

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