Birding by Boat at Fort Matanzas

Please Note:  National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable.

Stop by Fort Matanzas National Monument – a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail – for Birding by Boat. It’s a unique way to view our feathered friends as you cruise the waterways surrounding the park while birding!

A number of ecosystems are protected … including including beaches, dunes, coastal hammock, and marsh. Birds such as least terns, bald eagles, osprey, roseate spoonbills, and black skimmers are frequent flyers to the park. The Matanzas River, the Matanzas Inlet, and the Intracoastal Waterway are vital to a number of these species. Let’s go on a boat ride to better observe them!

When:  Tuesday, October 21, 2025 — 9:30am, 11:00am, & 12:30pm

It’s strongly recommended that you bring a water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, closed-toed shoes, a hat, and sunglasses. Binoculars will be available to borrow as supplies last.

Boat rides are one hour and are Free. However, space is limited.  Reservations will open starting at 9:00am on September 21, 2025. Sign-up is strongly recommended! Call at 904-471-0116 or come to our visitor center to reserve your space.