Cheryl's View // Gumbo Limbo Nature Center - Boca Raton, Florida

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is located in Boca Raton, Florida and gets its name from one of the tree species that is located within the park, the Gumbo Limbo Tree (Bursera simaruba), otherwise known as the "tourist tree" because of its red peeling bark. The center was founded in 1984, sits on 20 acres, and is committed to protecting and rehabilitation of sea turtles. 


There were two large fish tanks in the lobby when we entered. One contained tiger fish, and the other one had pretty, bright and colorful saltwater fish. They also had a tank display that gave information on some of the animals that you may see while at the center, such as the Golden Orb Spider and snakes.

The ladies at the front desk in the lobby were very friendly and helpful.  They gave us our map of the facility and brief description of where everything was. They told us how to follow the painted animals on the sidewalks,which is really cute and kid-friendly.  When you follow the blue fish, you find two large marine aquariums. These aquariums had sting rays, puffer fish, sharks, and several other native fish. There are two large aquariums just to the right of the marine aquariums that have sea turtles who are in the process of rehabilitation. There were several turtles in the tank that were being treated for “Bubblebutt Syndrome". We were told that these turtles were struck by a boat, which causes air to get trapped under their shell and that they would have to spend the rest of their lives in captivity. The treatment for Bubblebutt Syndrome is having weights attached to their shells, which allows them to dive for their food.

Gumbo Limbo has a few rehabilitation tanks and a hatchling area. We were able to see some of the rehabilitation process for three turtles while we were there, and we were able to see several hatchlings. 

While there, we followed the black and yellow butterflies painted on the walk way to the butterfly garden and walked through Ashley's Trail.  The butterfly garden has several different types of butterflies and lots and lots of the Golden Orb Spider.  I don't think that I have seen that many of them in one place.  They were everywhere! I am thankful that most of them were high enough in the trees that we didn't have to walk through them.  Ashley's Trail ends at the Intercoastal Waterway, where they have an authentic Seminole Chiki, which is used as an outdoor classroom for the schools and Gumbo Limbo Programs. There is also a boardwalk at the center but unfortunately it was closed when we were there. 

Would you like to help with Gumbo Limbo care for these turtles? There are several ways you can help.  You can adopt a sea turtle or a hatchling or you could volunteer at the center.