Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Delray Beach

An off the beaten path oasis of nature in a pleasant suburban neighborhood. I was surprised and delighted to find this hidden gem on Jog Road in Delray Beach. Given that this marsh is located in a suburban area and not, say, the heart of the everglades, I really didn't expect that much. But as soon as we walked up a wheelchair accessible ramp onto the boardwalk and crossed into the park we encountered a dozing 10 ft alligator under the first bridge. We watched from the boardwalk above as it floated beneath us, its nostrils and eyes just above the surface, while bass swam in the shallow water only a few yards away and a softshell turtle swam along the muddy swamp bottom. Although the bottom of the swamp is muddy as one would expect, the water is quite clear and offers excellent visibility. The City's Water Dept. has designed this land to act as a natural water-purification system and has encouraged birds and other wildlife to populate the area by planting desirable plants. The birds forage and seek shelter among the many species of native trees, shrubs and grasses of the marsh and an entire ecosystem has sprung up amongst it with fauna including alligators, fish, marsh rabbits, iguanas, and waterfowl of all kinds from herons and ducks to diving anahingas and wading spoonbills. A wooden, elevated boardwalk was built that is about 1 km long and allows viewers to walk out all throughout the marsh and observe and photograph all aspects of the diverse wildlife that can be found there. I have been there with an elderly family member who loves it as much as I do. There are benches along the boardwalk to sit in the shade of a gazebo and watch the action and there is something to see in every direction. If you love to observe or photograph nature then don't miss this place. It is free to enter and walk throughout the grounds and there is so much to see. I will return here every chance I get.

Free to public ...get there while it lasts..... great place to get away and enjoy florida birds and natural like habitat. Not only a functional water treatment area , but pleasant environment that will offer a good time if u take the time to walk the boardwalk throughout. I like to read the educational signs that identify specific plant and wildlife located close to sign. This place is awesome. I love to take my seasonal friends for a pleasant nature walk at Wakodahatchee Wetland.

The place is a beautiful respite from the everyday world. Birds, turtles, aligators!! The boardwalk is 1/4 mile back and forth from the parking lot to the 1/2 mile boardwalk loop through the wetlands. It is an easy walk and there are places to sit along the loop.

Wow! What a beautiful place. Try to go during a mating season to be blown away by beautiful birds, gators, turtles and more. Parking is ample, and the hike is on a boardwalk that loops.

This is a perfect example of a big use of a small area. These wetlands are a beautiful opportunity to easily step back into nature. The diversity of wildlife, the upkeep of the boardwalk, and the information for the public all make this preserve such a great place to walk and relax.