Self-Guided Driving Tour of Big Cypress National Preserve from Miami
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Explore the lush wetlands of Big Cypress National Preserve with this self-guided driving audio tour. Designed to take you off the beaten path, it offers a rich mix of scenic stops, local history, and wildlife sightings—especially alligators! As you drive through this serene landscape, you'll learn about the Seminole tribe, the area's fraught history, and the efforts to preserve this fragile ecosystem.
Once you book, simply download the Audio Tour Guide App by Action using your phone while connected to WiFi or mobile data. After entering the provided password, you'll have offline access to the entire tour, allowing you to enjoy it at your own pace. The route starts at a designated point, guiding you through over 42 miles of scenic beauty with more than 27 audio stories.
This private tour is perfect for families or groups of up to four people, offering flexibility to start, stop, and pause whenever you like. Plus, with lifetime access, you can revisit the tour anytime—making it a valuable resource for future trips or repeat visits.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide for this tour?
No, this is a self-guided experience. You'll use the mobile app to navigate and listen to stories at your own pace.
What do I need to participate?
Just your car and a smartphone with the downloaded app. No additional equipment is required.
Can I start the tour from anywhere?
Yes, you can begin at the designated starting point or from 33000 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL. The route works in both directions.
Is there support if I get lost or need help?
Absolutely. Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need assistance during your tour.
Are there any physical requirements?
The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Some stops involve walking on trails or boardwalks, but they are generally accessible.
Does this tour include entrance fees?
No, entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are not included. This is a self-guided driving experience.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours – 3 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
- Support available via chat, email, or phone.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
- No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
Itinerary
This 42+ mile-long tour covers the highlights of Big Cypress National Preserve in about 2-3 hours, with over 27 audio stories and scenic stops.
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Stop 1
Learn about the tribes that called this region home, including the Seminole and Calusa, and explore the history of South Florida's indigenous peoples.
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Stop 2
Visit Miccosukee Indian Village, run by tribe members, featuring native arts, crafts, and a museum about their history. Discover their resilience during the Indian Wars when they hid in the Everglades.
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Stop 3
Walk the Tree Snail Hammock Trail, a short loop through hardwood forest, perfect for spotting the elusive tree snail and stretching your legs.
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Stop 4
Stop at H.P. Williams Roadside Park, where a waterway boardwalk offers chances to see alligators, turtles, herons, egrets, and hawks.
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Stop 5
Travel along the historic Loop Road, originally envisioned in 1915 to connect South Florida's swampy lands for easier transportation.
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Stop 6
Learn how the preserve was nearly lost to plans for a massive airport in the 1960s, which would have been the largest in the world at the time.
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Stop 7
Experience the Gator Hook Trail, a challenging 5-mile hike that begins on dry land and leads into ankle-deep water, offering a unique swamp adventure.
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Stop 8
Visit Kirby Storter Roadside Park, famous for its mile-long boardwalk through lush hardwood and cypress trees—an iconic Big Cypress spot.
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Stop 9
Start your tour at 29701 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, near Buffalo Tiger’s boat shop, covering the highlights of Big Cypress in about 3-5 hours.
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Stop 10
See the tiny Ochopee Post Office, the smallest in North America. Stop by to get a unique postmark souvenir.
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Stop 11
End your tour at the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center, featuring art by Sam Vinikoff and eco-friendly design, and learn more about the preserve.
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Stop 12
Explore the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, a half-mile trail through an old-growth cypress grove, about ten miles from the visitor center.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point in Miami or Ochopee.
You can begin the tour at 29701 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, or at 33000 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL. The route is flexible and works in both directions.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the start
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $16.99 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
