John D. MacArthur Beach State Park Ranger Programs
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GUIDED KAYAK TOURS
Daily at High Tide
Tour fee. Single kayak, $20; double kayak, $35. This ranger-led, two-hour program provides an informative exploration of the estuary, Lake Worth Lagoon and Munyon Island. Daily tours take place at high tide. Please call the Ranger Station for scheduled times. Tours are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Call (561) 624-6952 for more details. -
NATURE WALKS
Daily, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join one of the staff naturalists for a one-mile Nature Walk through John D. MacArthur Beach State Park's four distinct habitats, and learn about the park's ecosystems and history. Walk is free with Park admission of $4.00 per carload and reservations are not required. Meet at the Nature Center.
Call (561) 624-6952 for more details. -
NATURE RIDES
Daily, Reservation Required
Reservation only. Please call the Nature Center at least one week in advance. Offered as an alternative to our nature walks for those who may have difficulty walking long distances. Visitors ride in an open-air tram for a close-up view of the plants and wildlife. For information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.
Call for more details. -
WILLIAM T. KIRBY NATURE CENTER
Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
15 minute - "Island in Time" video is shown throughout the day upon request. Professionally produced video introduction to the diverse ecology of the park. Also offers detailed overviews of the Park's habitats: the rock reef, dune, hammock, and estuary. Two large aquariums, live animals, and a gift shop round out the Nature Center.
Call (561) 624-6952 for more details. -
BIRDING AT MACARTHUR PARK
Sept. 7, 9:15 AM; Oct. 26, 1:30 PM
Bird lovers can join a ranger-led educational walk identifying many species of birds that make their home in John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Bring the whole family out for a birding adventure. Reservations recommended. Visitors should bring binoculars or rent them at the park's Nature Center. Program is free with park admission of $4.00 per carload.
Call (561) 624-6952 for more details. -
KAYAK RENTALS
Daily, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Rent one of our single or double kayaks and explore the estuary. Manatees, Great Blue Herons and Osprey are some of the wildlife you will see. Hourly, half-day and full-day rates are available.
Call (561) 624-6952 for more details. -
YOGA ON THE BEACH!
Sept. 4, 18; Oct. 2, 16; 8:30 AM
Come and awaken your inner spirit, while gazing out at the clear blue waters of John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Join yoga instructor Anne Marie Phelan as she guides you through an hour-long session on the beach. The only supplies needed are a beach towel and water bottle. Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing yoga for years, all are welcome. Reservations are required. The program is free with park admission of $4.00 per vehicle.
Call (561) 624-6952 for more details. -
ANIMAL FEEDING
Weekends, 11:00 AM
Come down to the Nature Center and watch a baby loggerhead sea turtle, French angelfish and a Florida King snake eat their breakfast!
At 3:00 p.m. on Sundays, come see a live rat snake and Florida King snake in person and listen to a staff naturalist give a snake talk.
Call (561) 624-6952 for more details. -
GUIDED REEF TOUR
Saturdays, July & August; 10:00 AM - Noon
Take a guided snorkeling tour of the park’s spectacular near-shore reefs. Learn about the species that inhabit MacArthur’s reefs and waters. Bring your own snorkeling gear. Must be an experienced swimmer and snorkeler and at least 10 years of age. No lifeguard on duty. Reservations required. For more information and reservations call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $4.00 per carload.
Call for more details. -
BUTTERFLY WALK
Sept. 13, Oct. 18; 11:00 AM
Join a Park Ranger on a walking tour through one of South Florida’s last remaining hardwood hammocks. There will be several species of butterflies to identify and observe. Also, learn which plants attract these winged wonders to your backyard. This program is informative and entertaining for children and adults alike. Reservations required. For more information and reservations, call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $4.00 per carload.
Call for more details. -
INTRODUCTION TO KAYAKING
Sept. 7, Oct. 5; 2:00 PM
Representatives from Adventure Times Kayaks will teach a land-based course that gives beginners the skills necessary for kayaking. Reservations are recommended. The program is free with park admission of $4.00 per carload. For information and reservations call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.
Call for more details. -
RECREATIONAL SKILLS: SURFING
October 12, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Ranger Rob Matriscino instructs kids and adults of all ages on the basics of surfing. Lessons will be on land and in the water. Bring your surfboard if you have one. Reservations required. For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $4.00 per carload.
Call for more details. -
READING WITH A RANGER
October 26, 11:00 AM
Come down and listen to a staff naturalist read from the children’s books, 'Bats at the Beach' by Brian Lies and 'Stellaluna' by Janell Cannon. This will be a storytime that is truly 'batty'! There will also be a fun activity and refreshments. The program is for children and their families. For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6970. Free with park admission of $4.00 per carload
Call for more details. -
CRABBY CRITTERS
October 25, 11:00 AM
Join a staff naturalist in search of the many different species of crabs that inhabit the estuary and beach. Learn why the male Fiddler crab has one large claw and other interesting facts. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet and please wear sunscreen. The program is for children ages six and older and their families. For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $4.00 per carload.
Call for more details.
