Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Offers Nighttime Nature Experiences and More

Walking through a swamp is an immersive sensory experience, with unique sights and sounds. On a regular day, one can see giant bald cypress trees dripping with ferns and orchids and hear the calls of resident woodpeckers, hawks, and more. However, experiencing a swamp at night is absolutely surreal.

Audubon’s 2.25-mile boardwalk is one of the best places to experience the swamp at night, when everything looks different under the moonlight. Your feet stay dry while you explore this magical habitat. Nighttime sounds are remarkable and include singing insects, calling owls, and croaking frogs, oh my! There is even a chance of catching a glimpse of bioluminescent fungus that appears on tree trunks after heavy rains.

There are many opportunities to enjoy the Sanctuary, including guided night tours, sunset strolls, early birding tours, and a Butterfly Identification Workshop and Walk on September 22.

Florida residents (with proof of residency) can enjoy half-price admission in August and September. The Sanctuary will be closed for annual maintenance from August 16-29. Online tickets for guided experiences, the butterfly workshop, or anytime admission are recommended.

Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is the gateway to the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. The Blair Visitor Center and 2.25-mile boardwalk are located at 375 Sanctuary Road W. in Naples. Open daily, off-season hours from May through mid-December are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the last admission at 1 p.m. Regular admission is $17 for adults, $6 for kids 6-14, and free for children under 6 and Sanctuary members.

This article was published in the Audubon Florida 2025 Summer Naturalist Magazine.