Ranger-led wet walks are a great way to experience the Big Cypress Swamp.
NPS Photo
Reservations are now being accepted!
At the start of each new month, reservations are accepted through the following month. (i.e. Starting December 1st, reservations can be made through January 31st.)
Public Programming will run through March 30th.
Wet Walk into the Cypress Swamp
Saturdays & Sundays @ 1:30 pm, Monday thru Friday@ 9:30am (all programs 2 hours)
Join us Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm, and Monday-Friday at 9:30am 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 Sundays and challenging hikes scheduled Saturdays. 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 Saturday hike.
Swamp Walks will start on 11/23, *No programs offered on 12/21, 12/25, 1/18 and 2/17
Reservations required, call the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center (239) 695-1168 to reserve your spot and for more information.
Boardwalk Chats at Nathaniel P. Reed and Oasis Visitor Centers
Daily @ 1:30 and 3:30pm (20-minutes), All ages; accessible walk
Join us to learn all about Big Cypress National Preserve with a fun and informative 20-minute ranger program exploring the natural and cultural history of southwest Florida. Meet your ranger at the board walk behind the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center or by the flag in front of the Oasis Visitor Center. This program is open to all ages, accessible, and great for Junior Rangers!
These short chats will start 11/30, *No programs offered on 12/15.
No reservations are required for these chats!
Canoe Programs
Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-12:30 (-3 hours), Children ages 5+
Experience the preserve's waterways and join us on a ranger-led kayak/canoe tour through Turner River on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursday from 9:30-12:30. Float through cypress and mangroves on an interpretive tour given by rangers. 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 11/24
Reservations required, call the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center (239) 695-1168 to reserve your spot.
Bike Programs
Saturdays and Wednesdays 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 (239) 695-1168 to reserve your spot. No programs offered on 12/21, 12/25, 1/18 and 2/17.
Ranger Illustrated Program & Talk at Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center
Thursday thru Tuesday @2pm, (40-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 12/8
Fire Prairie Hike
Mondays @9:30am (2.5-hrs; moderate)
Looking to get off the boardwalks and into the Preserve while still keeping your feet dry? Join us to hike along the Fire Prairie Trail. Wear long pants and hiking shoes, and make sure to bring water and sunscreen. Meet your Ranger at the Fire Prairie Trailhead, off of Turner River Road. This program is recommended for adults and children 5 and up comfortable walking for extended periods of time or able to ride in a hands-free backpack carrier.
Guided Fire Prairie hikes start 12/16.
Campground Chats
Thursday thru Sunday; Times Vary (30-minutes), All ages; accessible
Bring your camp chair and join us for an informal, fun campground or star-talk Thursdays and Saturdays at Monument Campground and Fridays 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.
