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Day Trip🚗 45 minutes from Naples

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Day Trip: Ancient Forest

Explore Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary—home to the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest in North America, just 45 minutes from Naples.

Last updated: 10/21/2026·2 min read
Everglades, Florida, U.S.A.: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, operated by the National Audubon Society

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Drive Time

45 minutes

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Best Season

Winter (Dec-Mar) for wildlife

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Difficulty

easy

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Why Visit Corkscrew Swamp?

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary protects the largest remaining stand of old-growth bald cypress in North America—trees up to 600 years old. The 2.25-mile boardwalk offers incredible wildlife viewing.

Quick Facts

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Distance | ~25 miles | | Drive Time | 45 minutes | | Address | 375 Sanctuary Road West, Naples, FL 34120 | | Admission | $17 adults, $6 ages 6–14, free under 6 | | Hours | May 1–Dec 15: tickets 8 a.m.–1 p.m., boardwalk closes 3 p.m. Dec 16–Apr 30: tickets until 3 p.m., boardwalk until 5 p.m. |

What You'll See

Ancient Cypress Forest

  • Trees 500-600 years old
  • Towering cathedral-like canopy
  • Stunning photography opportunities

Wildlife

  • Wood storks (largest rookery in the US)
  • Alligators
  • Otters
  • Barred owls
  • Hundreds of bird species

The Boardwalk

| Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Length | 2.25 miles | | Surface | Elevated boardwalk | | Difficulty | Easy, flat | | Time Needed | 2-3 hours |

Tips

  • Arrive at opening (7 AM) for best wildlife
  • Bring binoculars – essential for birding
  • Winter is best – dry season concentrates wildlife
  • No food inside sanctuary

Frequently Asked Questions

Winter (December-March) when low water levels concentrate wildlife and wood storks are nesting. Arrive at 7 AM opening for the best experience.

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