Green Cay Nature Center: Boardwalk, Hours and Tips Near Amara

Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands is a Palm Beach County park at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road in Boynton Beach, with a 1.5-mile elevated boardwalk over constructed wetlands. The boardwalk is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and the indoor nature center is open Wednesday through Saturday. For buyers at Amara by DiVosta in western Lake Worth, it is one of the easiest places nearby to see wading birds up close. Here is what to know before you go, plus a second wetland boardwalk a short trip south.

Green Cay Nature Center at a Glance

These facts come from Palm Beach County's Green Cay page, checked October 14, 2026.

What Is Green Cay?

Green Cay is a constructed wetland. That means people built it on purpose, shaping the land so that water collects in shallow marsh and ponds. The county says the boardwalk overlooks about 100 acres of constructed wetland.

For a visitor, that means a long walk on a raised boardwalk with water and marsh on both sides, without walking on wet ground.

The Boardwalk

The 1.5-mile boardwalk is the main draw. It runs out over the wetland, so you look down into the marsh as you walk. Bring binoculars if you like watching birds.

A few tips:

• Go early or late. The boardwalk opens at sunrise. Cooler hours are easier for walking in Florida.

• Bring water and a hat. The Florida sun is strong, even on a short walk.

• Stay on the boardwalk. Do not feed or bother wildlife.

• Leave pets at home. The county lists pets as not allowed.

The Nature Center

Inside, the nature center has a lecture hall, a gift shop and a room with live animal exhibits, according to the county's Green Cay details page. The center is open Wednesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The county also lists educational programs Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., by reservation only. If you want to join a program, call ahead at 561-966-7000.

Is Green Cay Nature Center Free?

The county's Green Cay pages we checked did not list an admission fee. They also did not say in writing that it is free. To be sure, call the nature center or check the county's page before you go, especially for programs, which may have their own cost.

Wakodahatchee Wetlands: A Second Boardwalk Nearby

If you like Green Cay, you will want to know about Wakodahatchee Wetlands. It is run by Palm Beach County Water Utilities. The facts below come from the county's Wakodahatchee page.

• Address: 13270 Jog Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446

• Boardwalk and path: about three-quarters of a mile in total

• Hours: open daily, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., changing with daylight and Daylight Saving Time

• Fees: the county says ""There are no fees.""

• Size: built on 50 acres of former wastewater utility land

Wakodahatchee is shorter than Green Cay, so it works well for a quick walk. Green Cay is longer and has the indoor nature center.

Planning a Visit

Here is a simple plan for a first trip to Green Cay.

1. Pick your day. If you want to see the nature center too, go Wednesday to Saturday.

2. Go early. The boardwalk opens at sunrise, and cooler hours are easier for walking.

3. Walk the full boardwalk. At 1.5 miles, give yourself time to stop and look.

4. Visit the nature center after your walk. Look at the live animal exhibits and ask staff about upcoming programs.

5. Save Wakodahatchee for another morning. Its shorter path makes a nice second outing.

Bring water, a hat and binoculars if you have them. Leave pets at home, since the county lists them as not allowed at Green Cay.

Getting There From Amara

Amara sits on the west side of US 441, also called State Road 7, south of Hypoluxo Road. Green Cay is on Hagen Ranch Road in Boynton Beach, and Wakodahatchee is on Jog Road in Delray Beach. Hypoluxo Road and Boynton Beach Boulevard are the main east-west roads near Amara. Use a map app for the turn-by-turn route.

We do not give drive times. They change too much with traffic and time of day.

What Is a Constructed Wetland For?

People are often surprised to learn that wetlands like Green Cay and Wakodahatchee were built on purpose. Palm Beach County describes Wakodahatchee as built on 50 acres of former wastewater utility property, run by the county's Water Utilities Department. The county's Water Utilities page also describes Green Cay as having a similar elevated boardwalk across a constructed wetland.

In plain words, Wakodahatchee sits on land that once served the county's water system, and it is now open for people to walk through and enjoy. That is why they look different from a wild swamp. The ponds and marsh have clear edges, and the boardwalks are long and level.

For a new resident, the takeaway is simple. These are well-kept, easy places to get outside without planning a full day trip. They are good for a walk before work, a weekend morning, or showing visitors a bit of Florida nature.

A Different Kind of Outdoors Than the Refuge

Western Palm Beach County has two very different nature options close to State Road 7.

• Green Cay and Wakodahatchee are built wetlands with boardwalks. They are shorter walks on raised boardwalks over built wetlands.

• The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a huge piece of real Everglades land, with longer trails, a canoe trail and an entrance fee for cars.

If you like the idea of both, read about the Loxahatchee refuge's trails, hours and fees too.

More Outings Near Amara

Living near Amara puts you close to Wellington and the western Lake Worth area. For more weekend ideas:

• Things to do in Wellington, FL, from polo to horse shows

• Things to do near Hendrix Reserve and John Prince Park

• Groceries, the mall and daily errands near Amara

Browse Amara's plans and amenities. Homes there have recently started in the low $1,200,000s. DiVosta describes a clubhouse, resort-style pool, pickleball and basketball courts and a playground inside the community, so you have outdoor space at home too. Call 561-704-0091 for today's numbers and to ask which amenities are open.

Who Green Cay Is Good For

Because the boardwalk is raised and long, Green Cay suits a lot of different visitors.

• Walkers who want a steady 1.5-mile route without hills.

• Bird watchers and photographers who want to look down into the marsh.

• New residents who want an easy first taste of Florida wetlands.

• Visitors from out of town, since it is an easy place to take guests.

If you want rough trails, paddling or a full day outdoors, the Loxahatchee refuge is the bigger trip.

Common Questions

Want a morning on the boardwalk and an afternoon looking at homes? Call 561-704-0091 or plan your Amara visit. We will help you map out the day.

Related reading: Our Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge guide · Groceries, the mall and daily errands near Amara · Things to do in Wellington, FL