Everglades National Park's winter lineup of ranger-led programs at Flamingo starts Saturday, Nov. 14, with a free bird walk every morning at 8:30, ranger-guided kayak trips on Florida Bay and evening programs after dark. The park posted the schedule on Oct. 14, and it runs through Feb. 26, 2027.

Flamingo, at the southern end of the park, is reached through the main entrance outside Homestead. The programs are free once you are in the park; the standard entrance fee applies.

Birding Bonanza: a bird walk every morning

The anchor of the season is Birding Bonanza, an hour-long ranger-led bird walk that meets at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. every day from Nov. 14 through Feb. 26. It is free, and the park says beginners are welcome.

Paddling in Paradise on Florida Bay

The park's Florida Bay kayak trip, Paddling in Paradise, leaves at 8 a.m. and lasts about three hours. Paddling equipment is provided and the trip is free, but it is rated strenuous, is limited to ages 16 and up, and requires a reservation, made online through FareHarbor or by calling the visitor center at 239-695-2945.

From Nov. 14 to Dec. 18, it runs on Saturdays and Sundays, plus Thanksgiving Day and Friday, Nov. 27. From Dec. 19 to Feb. 26, it runs Friday through Monday.

Starting Dec. 19, a gentler option is added: Canoeing for Beginners on Nine Mile Pond, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 a.m., about two and a half hours, equipment provided and reservations required. Paddlers must weigh at least 50 pounds.

Shorter programs through the day

  • Curious About Critters? Daily at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Flamingo Marina, Nov. 14 to Feb. 26. Free.
  • Ranger's Choice: An hour-long talk at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. through Dec. 18, then 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Free.
  • Evening programs: About an hour, at 5 p.m. from November through January, Friday through Sunday until Dec. 18 and daily after that. Free.
  • Park After Dark: About an hour, at 6:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday through Dec. 18, then Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Free.

Rangers also ride along on the 2 p.m. Florida Bay boat tour every day from Nov. 14 to Feb. 26. The boat tours are run by the park's concessioner, and fees apply.

What it costs to get in

Everglades National Park charges $35 per private vehicle, good for seven consecutive days. Visitors arriving on foot or bicycle pay $20 per person, and visitors 15 and under are free. An annual park pass is $70.

The park notes that program dates and times can change or be canceled, and asks visitors to confirm on the park calendar or with the Guy Bradley Visitor Center before the drive.

Season: Nov. 14, 2026, to Feb. 26, 2027
Bird walk: Daily, 8:30 a.m., Guy Bradley Visitor Center, Flamingo; free
Kayak and canoe reservations: FareHarbor online, or 239-695-2945
Park entrance: $35 per vehicle for seven days

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