Okefenokee Swamp Sunset Boat Tour

Perhaps the swamp doesn’t immediately come to mind when planning a romantic Valentine’s Day date, but a sunset cruise in the Okefenokee Swamp doesn’t miss the mark for romance!

The main entrance to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is on the eastern side at the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area. There is a small interpretive museum, a great concession stand, and a small gift shop. One of the best features is the guided boat tours. This is perfect for those wanting to get a bit out into the swamp on a day trip, or who may not have a canoe or watercraft of their own.

The boat tours are definitely worth the small fee. The staff always does a great job of pointing out different features of the Okefenokee including the geography, natural history, and the habitats within the refuge. Early morning cruises are probably the best for wildlife viewing, but the sunset cruise shouldn’t be missed!
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During my November 2021 visit for the photography workshop hosted by the Refuge, I didn’t have time after the class to launch my own canoe, so I took the evening sunset cruise. The guide motored us out to Grand Prairie and parked the boat. It was like watching a Discovery Channel movie at a drive-in theater… but even better! The purples and oranges of the skies and lowering sun were so vibrant, while Cypress silhouettes marked the horizon with incredible detail. There was a tangible serenity, like being wrapped in a warm blanket on the somewhat cool evening!