HOMESTEAD GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Into the River of Grass: A Ranger‑Led Wet Walk from Royal Palm
A two-hour ranger-guided wet walk departing from the Royal Palm Contact Station that takes you wading into Everglades waters to study cypress domes, wildlife, and unique plants.
Into the River of Grass: A Ranger‑Led Wet Walk from Royal Palm.
Set in the subtropical sweep of the Everglades outside Homestead, this two-hour ranger-guided wet walk starts at the Royal Palm Contact Station and carries participants out into the clear, water-covered flats of the River of Grass. You will wade under cypress canopies and through strands chosen by the ranger, learning to read the landscape and its plants and wildlife during an immersive, hands-on exploration.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Wade into a select club of wet walkers
This guided wet walk gives participants the rare experience of moving off trail and wading into the Everglades’ shallow waters — a close, tactile way to understand what makes this ecosystem special.
Epiphytes, birds and aquatic life up close
Depending on the site the ranger selects, expect to see tropical epiphytic plants on cypress limbs and good opportunities to spot birds, flowers, fish and other unique Everglades flora and fauna.
Varied destinations: cypress domes and strands
Routes vary by ranger and conditions and can include different cypress domes and strands along the Main Park Road, so each wet walk can offer a different patch of Everglades habitat to explore.
What the day feels like
What the wet walk feels like
You meet at Royal Palm, follow a ranger a short distance to a preselected site, receive a safety briefing and wet‑walk stick, then spend roughly two hours wading through shallow Everglades water and submerged, uneven terrain. The pace is deliberate — a guided exploration that foregrounds close observation of plants, birds and aquatic life while negotiating water, mud and submerged obstacles.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this wet walk suits — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, lightweight long pants and long sleeves, water to drink, and binoculars or a camera if carried securely.
Sturdy, lace‑up, closed‑toe shoes that can get wet and be secured tightly to your feet (old sneakers work well); long pants are required to protect legs from scratches.
Participants MUST bring drinking water for the program; expect uneven, water‑covered terrain and potential mud, and be prepared to carry personal items securely.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the wet walk?
The wet walk program is two hours in duration.
Where do we meet and when should we arrive?
Meet at the Royal Palm Contact Station’s flagpole; plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early to use the restrooms and check in.
Are there age, height or fitness requirements?
Yes. Participants must be at least 12 years old, at least 54 inches tall, and must have full mobility, good balance and some stamina.
What should I wear and bring?
Bring water, sun protection, insect repellent, lightweight long pants and long sleeves, and sturdy lace‑up closed‑toe shoes that can get wet; carry cameras or binoculars securely if you bring them.
Are restrooms available once the walk begins?
No. Restrooms are available at the Royal Palm site but not once the tour leaves for the trail.
Can the tour be cancelled?
Yes. The operator reserves the right to cancel any tour depending on inclement weather or safety concerns.