Ranger-Led Activities

A female ranger standing with a group of people in a wet cypress tree swamp.
Ranger-led wet walks are a great way to experience the Big Cypress Swamp.

NPS Photo

Wet Walk into the Cypress Swamp

Saturdays & Sundays @ 1pm, Monday thru Friday @ 10am (~2 hours)

Join us Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00pm, and Monday-Friday at 10:00am for a 2-hour adventure into the swamp guided by a ranger! Experience the beauty of the swamp from within, where you have the chance to see birds, extraordinary plant life, and the one-of-a-kind ecosystem in the cypress swamp. Wade through the crystal-clear water of a cypress dome and immerse yourself in this beautiful ecosystem. Bring close toed shoes (preferrably old sneakers) you don’t mind getting wet, that also tie tightly, and wear long pants. Locations and difficulty may vary, but expect an easier hike at Skillet Strand on Sundays, and on Saturdays gear up for an adventure on a more difficult hike at Gator Hook. Reservations required, call the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center (239)695-4758 to reserve your spot.

*No programs offered on December 25th.

Kirby Storter Boardwalk

Daily @ 2:00pm (~1 hour), Accessible Walk

Want to experience the swamp, but don’t want to get wet? Join us for a casual 1-mile ranger led hike into a Cypress strand at Kirby Storter Boardwalk! Meet at the Kirby Storter Boardwalk parking lot alongside highway 41. This program is open to all age groups and has wheelchair accessibility.
*No programs offered on December 25th.

Bike Programs

Saturdays 10:00am to 2:00pm (~4 hours)

Enjoy the scenic route and explore the preserve by bicycle! Join a ranger on Saturdays at 10 am to experience and learn about the plant and wildlife found within the preserve. Take stops and observe, bring binoculars as there is plenty of birding found in Bear Island! Bring water and comfortable shoes, as well as a snack or lunch. Reservations required, call the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center (239) 695-4758 to reserve your spot.
*No programs offered on December 25th.

Kayak/Canoe Programs

Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30-12:30 (~3 hours)

Experience the preserve's waterways and join us on a ranger-led kayak/canoe tour through Turner River on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30-12:30. Float through cypress and mangroves on an interpretive tour given by rangers. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Call the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center (239)695-4758 to reserve your spot.
*No programs offered on December 25th.

 

Requesting Special Interest Group Programs

If your organization or special interest group is interested, park rangers may (schedule permitting) be available for on-site special request programs and off-site presentations. Special interest groups may include school groups, civic organizations and other local groups. For information and scheduling, please contact the Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator at 239-695-1164.

Permitted Commercial Operators

Various activities into the national preserve are also offered by permitted commercial operators. Click on the link to see current operators and permitted activities.

 
 
A group of park rangers with a green laser pointing towards the night sky.
Night sky programs allow the public to experience Big Cypress National Preserve with a new and exciting perspective.

NPS Photo

Astronomy Programs

For more information about dark sky programs and the preserve's role as an International Dark Sky Park, please visit our Astronomy Page.
 

Last updated: February 14, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, FL 34141

Phone:

239 695-2000

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