Conservation Tour at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Exclusive Swamp Buggy Experience
Get off the beaten path—literally!
Join the Harvard Club of Naples for a rare and immersive adventure at the 13,000-acre Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, one of Southwest Florida's most important ecological preserves.
This experience includes a private, guided boardwalk tour and a chance for members to explore deeper into the Everglades on an exclusive, members-only swamp buggy ride, an off-the-boardwalk journey into areas not accessible to the public. In addition, participants will enjoy a classroom session with a boxed lunch on the importance of this inland watershed to our local environment. These essential wetlands store rainwater, clean storm runoff, send water to the aquifer, and improve water quality for Naples and Bonita Springs estuaries and beaches. This trip includes walking for about 40 minutes, and we will focus on water, wildlife, and the impact of residential development on this habitat.
Why It's Special:
- Members-only access to the Swamp Buggy Experience – just 22 total spots (11 per ride)
- Small-group guided tour through one of Florida's most diverse habitats
- Hands-on classroom session with boxed lunch about local watershed ecology and habitat conservation
- Conversation with a leading voice in Everglades conservation
- ADA-compliant boardwalks – accessible to all guests
Event Schedule:
9:00 AM – Swamp Buggy Ride #1
- Reserved for 11 Club members who register early
- 45-minute off-road ride through remote sanctuary terrain
10:30 AM – Private Guided Boardwalk Tour
- Up to 50 participants, grouped in 10s
- 1-mile walk (approx. 90 minutes) led by sanctuary naturalists
12:00 PM – Boxed Lunch & Conservation Talk
- Informal lunch and discussion with Executive Director Keith Laakkonen
- Learn about the sanctuary's conservation work and the ecological importance of the Western Everglades
After Lunch – Optional Activities
- Explore further on a 2.5-mile self-guided boardwalk tour
- Or head out and enjoy the rest of your day
1:00 PM – Swamp Buggy Ride #2
- Reserved for 11 additional members with special tickets
What to Bring:
Comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, water, sun protection, and binoculars (optional but encouraged!)
Pricing & Details
Members: $50 per person (plus one allowed at the member rate)
Swamp Buggy Add-On (Members Only): $50 per person
A unique ride into rarely seen sanctuary zones
Non-members: $60 per person
No refunds.
This is a rare experience with limited space—especially for the swamp buggy rides.
Register early to secure your spot!
Not a member yet?
Membership is just $75/year and supports meaningful local programming like this.
Join the Harvard Club of Naples!