Ranger-Led Activities

Ranger-led wet walks are a great way to experience the Big Cypress Swamp.

NPS Photo

Wet Walk into the Cypress Swamp

Daily @ 1:30 pm (all programs 2 hours)

Join us for a 2-hour adventure into the swamp guided by a ranger! Wade through the crystal-clear waters of a cypress swamp while you immerse yourself in the wonders of Big Cypress. Wear long pants and close-toed shoes that tie (preferable old sneakers) and bring a change of clothes.

Locations and difficulty vary by day; family friendly-hikes scheduled on Saturdays and challenging hikes scheduled Sundays.

Call the Visitor Center for more information and age recommendations. Easy and moderate walks are recommended for adults of all ages, and children 5 and up or can comfortably ride in a hands-free backpack carrier. Children must be at least 48inches to go on the Sunday hike.

Swamp Walks will start on 12/20, *No programs offered on 12/25
Reservations required, call the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center [phone] to reserve your spot and for more information.

Canoe Programs

Thursday to Tuesday at 9am; No programs Tuesdays (~1.5 - 2.5 hours), Children ages 5+

Experience the preserve's waterways and join us on a ranger-led kayak/canoe tour through Turner River starting at 9am. Float through the Preserve’s unique ecosustems with a chance to see birds, alligators and maybe a river otter! Canoes, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Basic canoe and paddle experience required. Recommended for adults, children 5 and up (must provide approved life jacket if under 50lbs).

Canoe trips will start on 1/8

Reservations required, call the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center [phone] to reserve your spot.

Bike Programs

Saturdays and Select Mondays 10:00am to 2:00pm (-4 hours)

Enjoy the scenic route and explore the preserve by bicycle! Join a ranger on Saturdays and Wednesdays at 10 am to experience and learn about the plant and wildlife found within the preserve. Take stops and observe everything at a slower pace! Bring binoculars as there is plenty of birding found in Bear Island! Also remember to bring water and comfortable shoes, as well as a snack or lunch. Bikes and helmets provided. This program is recommended for adults that are comfortable riding 14 miles on flat dirt roads.

Reservations required, call the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center [phone] to reserve your spot.

Bike Programs begin 1/10 and are offered on Monday 1/19, 2/2, 2/16, 3/2, 3/16, and 3/30

Ranger Illustrated Program & Talk at Oasis Visitor Center

Thursday thru Monday @2pm, (30-minutes), All ages; accessible
Dive into wonders of Big Cypress Preserve with a Park Ranger as they explore various topics on the ecology, history and culture of the Big Cypress Swamp.

Topics vary by date. All ages and abilities are welcome! Starts 1/11

Campground Chats

Fridays and Sundays; Times Vary (30-minutes), All ages; accessible

Bring your camp chair and join us for an informal, fun campground or star-talk Friday at Monument Campground and Sundays at Midway Campground. See campground sites or visitor centers for program information including start times and topics.

All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend! Campground talks will start 12/11

We look forward to seeing you in the swamp!

Want to take a tour, but we're out of season or our reservations are full? Check out our list of commercial operators who are permitted in Big Cypress National Preserve! They may be able to help!

 

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.

 

 

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.