Wakodahatchee Wetlands
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ENTRANCE
13270 South Jog Road
Delray Beach, Florida 33446
Google Maps [external link]
HOURS: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily
CLASS: Special Facility
ACREAGE: 65.51 acres
AMENITIES- boardwalk (0.75 miles)
- interpretive
- elevated over wetland
- parking
- bus parking
- regular parking
- restroom facilities
INFORMATIONFrequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an admission and/or parking fee for Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: There are no fees. Visitors may park and visit Wakodahatchee Wetlands for free.
Q: Are the wetlands open 365 days a year?
A: Wakodahatchee Wetlands is open daily. Exceptions include annual closures for maintenance and safety-related repairs to the boardwalk. Typically, this annual closure is scheduled for October or November and will be posted in advance on the website. Other closures may arise due to unpredictable severe or inclement weather such as tropical storms and hurricanes. If other county parks are closed due to extreme weather or hurricane-related events, it is safe to assume that Wakodahatchee Wetlands will also be closed.
Q: Do opening/closing times change throughout the year?
A: Yes, mostly due to changing amounts of daylight with the seasons and Daylight-Saving Time. Please check this webpage for current hours of operation.
Q: Is there a designated parking lot?
A: Yes, parking for Wakodahatchee Wetlands is available on site at 13270 S. Jog Rd. During hours of operation, enter through the entrance gate. Be aware that during busy times of year, there may be a wait for parking. Remain patient and wait until a spot opens up. On-site security staff will assist with directing traffic to an available spot. Do not drive past security unless they direct you to do so.
Q: What if the parking lot is full?
A: While the parking lot may become full during the day, especially from late winter to early spring, spaces will periodically open throughout the day as people leave. Please note that there is no overflow parking and we do not keep track of wait times. Remain patient and wait until a spot opens up. On-site security staff will assist with directing traffic to an available spot. Do not drive past security unless they direct you to do so. If you do not have time to wait, Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands is located a few minutes away at 12800 Hagen Ranch Rd., Boynton Beach, and has triple the amount of parking spaces available. Green Cay also offers an indoor nature center and a similar elevated boardwalk across a constructed wetland environment.
Q: Do you have parking available for buses?
A: Yes, there is one designated bus space available on a first-come, first-serve basis at Wakodahatchee Wetlands. This bus spot can accommodate a typical shuttle bus; it cannot fit a coach-size bus.
Q: How long is the boardwalk at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: The entire boardwalk and walking path is ¾ of a mile (1.2 kilometers). There are benches and shaded gazebos which allow places to stop for a break.
Q: Is the Wakodahatchee Wetlands boardwalk and path a full or partial loop?
A: It is a partial loop. There is one way in/out near the entrance but more than half of the path is a loop.
Q: What material is the Wakodahatchee Wetlands boardwalk and walking path made of?
A: The path is mostly an elevated wooden boardwalk over open water and there is a shorter concrete section over land.
Q: Are there any scheduled maintenance closures at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: The county often performs routine maintenance in October or November; it's wise to check for specific closure dates which will be posted on this webpage.
Q: Are there benches along the boardwalk at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: Yes, there are several benches and places to sit and rest.
Q: Are there vending machines at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No, there are no food services, vending machines or other eating amenities at Wakodahatchee Wetlands. In order to maintain as natural an environment as possible, eating is discouraged and there are no picnic areas on the property. Food may also attract wildlife and lead them to become dependent on human assistance, which is discouraged at this and other natural sites.
Q: Do you have a picnic area or place to eat at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No. There are no food services, vending machines or other eating amenities at Wakodahatchee Wetlands. In order to maintain as natural an environment as possible, eating is discouraged and there are no picnic areas on the property. Food may also attract wildlife and lead them to become dependent on human assistance, which is discouraged at this and other natural sites.
Q: Do you have a water fountain/refill station?
A: Yes. It is recommended that you have your own water bottle to use at our refill station which is located by the restrooms in the parking lot. Once you enter onto the boardwalk at Wakodahatchee Wetlands there will be no additional water stations until you return to the parking lot.
Q: Where are the restrooms at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: Restrooms are located opposite the boardwalk entrance/exit on the east side of the parking lot. Observe the pedestrian crosswalk markings which lead to the restroom building.
Q: Is there a visitor's center at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No. Other than the restrooms, there are no other enclosed buildings on property. To visit the nearest Nature center with visitor amenities, try Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands, located at 12800 Hagen Ranch Rd., just a few minutes away from Wakodahatchee Wetlands.
Q: Is there shade on the boardwalk at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: You can stop by one of the gazebos for shade and trees provide some shade on different parts of the path. However, many parts of the boardwalk can be in full sunlight. As such, hats, sunblock/sunscreen, parasols and/or other protective clothing is recommended.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No. We do not offer Wi-Fi anywhere on property. However, you may be able to receive cellular service (for example, 5G) from your local carrier.
Q: Are pets permitted at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No. Pets are not permitted due to the confined space of the boardwalk and for the safety of other pedestrians on the boardwalk as well as the nesting birds and wildlife on property.
Q: Is speedwalking or running of any kind permitted at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No, due to the high volume of visitors on the boardwalk at Wakodahatchee, speedwalking and running is not permitted.
Q: Is feeding animals, including birds, permitted at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No, as these are wild animals and should not be fed by the public. Food and picnicking at Wakodahatchee Wetlands is not permitted.
Q: Is touching any plants or animals permitted at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No. Plants and animals (including eggs) should not be touched, even if reachable from the path. Wakodahatchee was designed to create an environment as close to nature as possible, that is, free from human intervention. Please observe all animals and birds from a safe, respectful distance and allow them to conduct their behavior free from human interference.
Q: Are drones permitted at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No, drones are not permitted on property. For the safety of other visitors and for the birds and wildlife, drones are not permitted.
Q: Is biking permitted at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No, biking as well as skating are not permitted on the boardwalk or walking path at Wakodahatchee Wetlands.
Q: Is smoking permitted at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No, smoking is not permitted.
Q: Is fishing permitted at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No, fishing is not permitted anywhere along the boardwalk, walking path, or at a gazebo. Any fish in the waters at Wakodahatchee Wetlands are there to feed the birds and other wildlife.
Q: Is alcohol allowed at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No, alcohol is not permitted.
Q: Are recreational water activities permitted at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No. Activities of any kind are not permitted in the water at Wakodahatchee Wetlands. All visitors must always stay on the boardwalk and designated walking path at all times. Only authorized county personnel and/or authorized county maintenance vendors are permitted to conduct maintenance activities off of the boardwalk.
Q: What is happening at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands right now?
A: You can check out our live cameras to see what is happening at three different areas of the wetlands. While not all parts of the wetlands are visible, it will give you a good idea of what to expect upon arrival in terms of weather and visitor volume on the boardwalk.
Q: Can you provide updates on weather conditions at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: You can check out our live cameras to get an idea of current weather conditions. There are also many services on the internet that can provide up-to-date weather forecasts and the latest conditions in the area.
Q: Are birds nesting right now at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: Different kinds of birds will nest at different times of the year. There are normally the most birds nesting from later winter to early summer. Wakodahatchee is known for active nesting sites of wood storks, egrets, glossy ibis, great blue herons, purple martins, common gallinules, and black-bellied whistling ducks. Other birds will also regularly be visible and possibly nesting as well.
Q: Can we see alligators at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: While there is never any guarantee of a sighting, alligators are commonly present throughout the year and are often visible. Visitors should never attempt to attract, lure, or otherwise disturb any alligators that may be visible.
Q: Are there guided tours available at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: If you would like to book a tour in advance with county personnel which offers a general interest perspective including the history, building of the site, its use of reclaimed water, and its role in the environment, please email WUDPR@pbcwater.com for more information.
Q: Are there scheduled educational programs at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: No, there are no regularly scheduled programs.
Q: Can I schedule a video, filming, or photo shoot at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: All requests for on-site filming on any county property must first be submitted to the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission at www.pbfilm.com.
Q: Can I make a donation for a memorial plaque for the boardwalk at Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
A: The memorial plaque program at Wakodahatchee Wetlands remains discontinued, although existing plaques are currently maintained. Friends of Green Cay Nature Center is accepting new donations in memoriam and Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management also has a memorial bench donation program in place. Both agencies offer options for friends and families to honor the memory of a loved one.
Q: Is the water in the wetlands safe?
A: At Wakodahatchee, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department discharges approximately 750,000 gallons (2.8 million liters) up to one million gallons of highly treated reusable water daily and naturally filters the water further through the layers of soil and sand below the wetlands. While it is not potable water, it is safe for the environment and very beneficial for plants and wildlife.
PARK HISTORY
Derived from a Seminole Indian phrase meaning “created waters,” the Wakodahatchee Wetlands was constructed in 1996 by Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department next to the existing System 3 Water Treatment Plant located one mile southeast of the Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility. This project has significantly enhanced about 65 acres of former percolation ponds into a thriving wetlands habitat. Approximately 2 million gallons per day of highly treated reclaimed water is used to maintain the wetlands, which attracts an abundance of wildlife in a park-like setting including turtles, frogs, otters, alligators and birds. In October 2026, the Parks and Recreation Department entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the County’s Water Utilities Department to assume responsibility for the ongoing management and maintenance of the boardwalk.