Discover the wildlife, plants, and ecosystem of the Big Cypress Swamp with a fun and informative hiking program! Each program is guided by a Institute naturalist.
Join our expert guides on a biking tour through the Big Cypress Institute! You can rent a bike or bring your own to explore the trails and wildlife.
Learn the basics of birding with an NPS Ranger or Institute Naturalist at the Big Cypress Institute! You might see great blue herons, songbirds and more!
Join our expert guides on a paddling program through the Big Cypress Institute! Canoe, PFD and paddle included for no extra cost.
Explore and be surprised by this vastly preserved eco system.
Swamp Mud 5 person vintage swamp buggy was custom built for the Big Cypress National Preserve Perfect high seat adventure through the land mass of what is known by many as the “North American Amazon.”
The Big Cypress Institute is a non-profit partnership between the Florida National Parks Association and Big Cypress National Preserve. The mission is to inspire visitors to become environmental stewards through educational exposure to Big Cypress. Be sure to also visit our sister Institutes in Biscayne and Everglades National Parks.
Our visit was so interesting. We saw alligators, many different species of birds, as well as cypress and mangrove swamps, vast grasslands and beautiful sunsets. I highly recommend Big Cypress in South Florida!
– David B. | TripAdvisorSo many birds! And gators, of course. If you’re going to the Everglades or just driving across southern Florida don’t miss Big Cypress. It’s beautiful!
– Bethany N. | TripAdvisorHighly recommend this trip to see some real Florida. We learned about about the panthers, deer, snails and birds that call this Cypress forest home. If you are lucky you will have a ranger as knowledgeable and quietly passionate as Patrick!
– Frances V. | TripAdvisorBeautiful place with an awesome boardwalk and a fantastic nature and visitor center. It’s a great way to get a taste of the Everglades in a safe and relaxing environment. An abundance of birds and wildlife and just a very peaceful walk in nature.
– Lisa S. | TripAdvisor
