Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers many ranger and volunteer-led programs throughout the year. Several programs have multiple events throughout the year or season.
Blue Goose Wildlife Tram
The Blue Goose Wildlife Tram is a recurring program, primarily managed by the wildlife refuge's neighbor, False Cape State Park. Tram tours take participants on a ride through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park, with opportunities to discuss wildlife, history and management of the two areas.
The fee for the tram is $8.00 per person. Please note that from April 1 - October 31 there is also a $5.00 per vehicle entrance fee to the wildlife refuge, payable by cash or check, unless you have an America the Beautiful Pass, Federal Duck Stamp or Refuge Annual Pass.
Tram Schedule:
April 1 - Memorial Day: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, leaving at 9:00am, returning at 1:00pm
Memorial Day - Labor Day: Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, leaving at 9:00am, returning at 1:00pm
Labor Day - October 31: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, leaving at 9:00am, returning at 1:00pm
November - March: Winter trips leave at 9:00am and return at 1:00pm. There is no entrance fee to the wildlife refuge at this time but the $8/person tour fee applies and is paid to False Cape State Park.
2024 - 2025 Winter Tram Dates: Registration is required. Please click on the "Register Online" button for your preferred date(s).
• Saturday, November 9 – Register Online
• Monday, November 11 – Register Online
• Sunday, November 17 – Register Online
• Saturday, November 23 – Register Online
• Wednesday, November 27 – Register Online
• Saturday, November 30 – Register Online
• Wednesday, December 4 – Register Online
• Sunday, December 8 – Register Online
• Wednesday, December 18 – Register Online
• Sunday, December 22 – Register Online
• Saturday, December 28 – Register Online
• Saturday, January 4 – Register Online
• Wednesday, January 8 – Register Online
• Sunday, January 12 – Register Online
• Monday, January 20 – Register Online
• Saturday, February 8 – Register Online
• Wednesday, February 12 – Register Online
• Monday, February 17 – Register Online
• Saturday, February 22 – Register Online
• Wednesday, February 26 – Register Online
• Saturday, March 1 – Register Online
• Sunday, March 9 – Register Online
• Saturday, March 15 – Register Online
• Wednesday, March 19 – Register Online
• Sunday, March 23 – Register Online
• Saturday, March 29 – Register Online
Winter Waterfowl Walks
Winter is one of the best times of the year for wildlife viewing at Back Bay NWR. The wildlife refuge was created to provide habitat for ducks, geese and swans that migrate to the area in the winter months.
During our Winter Waterfowl Walk series we walk the Raptor Trail, following along the edge of Back Bay and through shrubby marsh vegetation, looking and listening for the season's wildlife. Binoculars are recommended and we do have pairs to share! Call (757)301-7329 ext.3106 to sign up for one or more dates.
2024 - 2025 Winter Waterfowl Walk Dates
• Friday, December 20 at 3:30pm
• Friday, December 27 at 8:30am
• Saturday, December 28 at 8:30am
• Saturday, January 4 at 8:30am
• Saturday, January 11 at 8:30am
• Friday, January 17 at 3:30pm
