May Happenings at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Turtle Walk and Hatchling Release Programs

We are excited to announce the return of our popular Turtle Walk and Hatchling Release programs for 2022! Turtle Walk reservations are already available, and we will start accepting Hatching Release reservations on May 3 (residents and members only) and May 17 (everyone).

We strongly suggest you create your account well in advance of reservations sales.

If you are a Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward, please call 561-544-8608 to pre-register. The Nature Center does not have the ability to confirm memberships.

Daily Aquarium Feedings and Turtle Talks are Back!

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

Sea Turtle Talk
Get the inside scoop on our Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility. Last year, over 100 sea turtle patients were treated at Gumbo Limbo. Meet some of our current patients and hear their stories. Why are they here? What can you do to help? Meet in the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility for a free presentation.

All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
Daily at 2:00 pm

These programs are Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

May Nature Programs
Advanced reservations are required (unless otherwise indicated); see our website. Please note, programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds given only if program is cancelled by Gumbo Limbo.

Beach Treasures
Beachcombing is a favorite Florida pastime. Learn all about the shells and other treasures found on Boca’s Beaches, then join one of our expert beachcombers in search of the mysteries the sea has left behind!

Call 561-544-8605 to register for this free program.
All ages: children/minors must participate with a registered adult.
Friday, May 20; 9:00-10:30 am

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.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 9 and up; adults do not participate but must sign child in and out.
Saturday, May 28, 2:00-3:00 pm
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $5; All others $8

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, 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 12-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
Sunday, May 15, 10:00-11:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $20; All others $25

Intracoastal Adventures – Advanced Canoeing
Explore the Intracoastal shores and mangrove trails, while learning about the mangrove and estuary ecosystems. Must have canoeing experience and be able to get in and out of a canoe without assistance. 2-3 per canoe, single paddlers will be paired with staff or another participant. These programs are not appropriate for inexperienced paddlers; paddlers who are not able to safely maneuver a boat will return to the shore and a refund will be issued.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 12-adult; minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
Saturday, May 7, 9:00-10:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward 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 adult parent/guardian in a double kayak. Minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
Saturday, May 21, 9:00-10:30 am
Sunday, May 22, 10:00-10:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward 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, May 14, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $8; All others $10

Mother’s Day in Mother Nature
Celebrate Mother’s Day in our beautiful butterfly garden with a special outdoor program and a fun nature craft.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 5 and up
Sunday: May 8, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $5; All others $8

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, May 14, 12:00-1:00 pm
Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $8; All others $10

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. Program for adults and families.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 7-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
Sunday, May 29, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $5; All others $8

A Walk in the Hammock
Join us for a guided nature walk along our quarter-mile boardwalk trail that meanders through the beautiful hammock forest and along the magnificent mangroves by the Intracoastal. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this woodland habitat, interrupted only by the sounds of birds, the antics of squirrels, and the occasional visit of a fox, raccoon, or skunk.

Advanced reservations are required.
All ages: children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Tuesday, May 10, 9:30-10:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $5; All others $8 (under 3 years, free)