June Happenings at Gumbo Limbo

Hammock Happenings E-News: June 2023

Turtle Walk & Hatchling Release Programs

At our Turtle Walk program, participants will learn about the life cycle, behaviors, and threats to the three species of protected sea turtles that nest in South Florida. If our conservation team spots a nesting loggerhead sea turtle, we will head to the beach to observe this fascinating and ancient process of nesting (seeing a sea turtle is not guaranteed). This late evening program is for ages 8 and up and takes place late May through early July. Turtle Walk reservations on sale now.

At our Hatchling Release program, we begin with a presentation about the life cycles, behaviors, and threats to the sea turtles that nest in South Florida. After, participants will watch as our staff place the hatchlings on the wet sand and the tiny turtles make their way down to the waves and head off into the surf. This evening program is for all ages and takes place mid-July though the end of August. Reservations on sale now.

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For both programs, please be sure to set-up your online account so that you can make online reservations. Visit our registration information webpage for instructions.

Summer Holiday Hours

Juneteenth – Monday, June 19 – we will be open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Independence Day – Tuesday, July 4 – we will be closed (including trails).

Labor Day – Monday, September 4 – we will be open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

June Nature Programs
General Program and Registration Information
Advanced reservations are required through WebTrac (unless otherwise indicated). If you do not have a WebTrac account, please see instructions on our website. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds given only if program is cancelled by Gumbo Limbo.

A Resident is someone who lives within the boundaries of the City of Boca Raton or the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District. A Member is someone with a current membership to Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards.

Citizen Science Squad
Gain hands-on field experience by participating in a different scientific data collection project each month. Our educational activities support conservation-based projects that relate to Gumbo Limbo’s mission.

Ages 9-13; adults do not participate but must sign child in and out.
Sunday: June 11; 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per child: Resident/Member $5; All others $8

Family Summer Snorkel
The mangrove ecosystem is known as the nursery of the ocean. Come explore the back side of the island with us as we snorkel the shallow Intracoastal waters to study the animals sheltered and protected from the ocean’s dangers here. Bring your own snorkel, mask, and water shoes (no fins allowed). Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.

Adults and children ages 10 and up; adults must register and participate with minors.
Saturdays, June 10, June 24; 12:00-1:30 pm
Cost per person: Resident/ Member $15; All others $19

People wearing life jackets bending over looking into the clear water.
Intracoastal Adventures – Intro to Canoeing
Not experienced enough to confidently make your way through waves, wind, and tangled canoe trails? Then this program is for you! In preparation for our more experienced canoeing adventure, we provide an opportunity for you to get more familiar with paddle strokes and navigating, get comfortable out on the open water, and learn the best techniques to avoid tipping, all while enjoying the shallow waters along the edge of the Intracoastal. 2-3 people per canoe; single paddlers will be paired with staff or another participant.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 13-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Saturday: June 3; 10:00-11:30 am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $20; All others $25

Intracoastal Adventures – Advanced Canoeing
Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and exercise! Explore the Intracoastal shores by kayak or canoe while learning about the fascinating mangrove and estuary ecosystems of South Florida. Must have moderate canoeing experience and be able to get in and out of a canoe without assistance. This program is not appropriate for beginners; for the safety of our participants and instructors, paddlers who are not able to safely maneuver a boat will return to the shore and a refund will be issued. 2-3 per canoe; single paddlers will be paired with staff or another participant.

Advanced reservations are required.
Adults and children ages 13-up; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Saturday: June 17, 9:30 am-11:00 am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $20; All others $25

Intracoastal Adventures – Kayaking
Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and exercise! Explore the Intracoastal shores and mangrove trails, while learning about the fascinating mangrove and estuary ecosystems of South Florida. Must have kayaking experience and be able to get in and out of a kayak without assistance. Single/double kayaks will be assigned to couples/groups as available.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 7-adult; each child under 12 must be accompanied by one parent/guardian in a double kayak. Minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
Sunday: June 4, June 18; 9:00-10:30 am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $20; All others $25

Little Wonders
This program will allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature through stories, explorations, and crafts.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 3-4 with an adult (one adult per family please).
Saturday: June 17, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per child: Resident/Gumbo Limbo Member $8; All others $10

Nature Detectives
This program will allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature through stories, explorations, and crafts.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 5-6 with an adult (one adult per family please).
Saturday: June 17, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per child: Resident/Member $8; All others $10

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding
What is the connection between mangrove and coral reef communities? How do fish use these habitats? Learn about the fascinating behaviors of native fish, stingrays, and other marine life during these free presentations. Meet at the outdoor marine aquariums.

All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
Daily at 12:30 pm

The Science of Nature
What is the name of the science that studies insects and spiders? What does a dendrologist do? Come find out for yourself! We will explore the science of nature and conduct some scientific experiments and activities of our own.

Ages 7-8; parents/guardians do not participate but must sign child in and out.
Sunday: June 25, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $8; All others $10

VIP After-Hours Guided Tours
Avoid the midday heat and crowds and join us for an after-hours guided walking tour of Gumbo Limbo’s outdoor aquariums, open-air butterfly garden, and Ashley Nature Trail. Parts of the tour take place on a mulched trail.

Adults and children ages 7 and up; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Tuesday: June 6, June 20; 5:30-7:00 pm
Friday: June 16, June 30; 5:30-7:00 pm
Cost per person: Resident/Member $10; All others $13