Quick Details
Meeting Location: Oasis Visitor Center in Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee, FL
Duration: 6 hours
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Age Requirement: Ages 5+ are welcome to join this program. Guest ages 5+ can join in our Institute vehicle as long as the passenger does not require a child seat or booster.
Vehicle: Immerse yourself in Loop Road without the hassle of driving with this van tour! Ride with your Naturalist in our comfortable, air-conditioned van.
Important Information:
- Make sure to read all the information below including the drop down menus to learn more about this trip.
- Before completing your booking, make sure to read our Cancellation Policy.
New Program Offer!
Participant
Ages 5 and up
$100
$ 85
Ready to explore the secret heart of Big Cypress National Preserve?
Join our naturalists for a unique van adventure along historic Loop Road, where stories rise from the swamp and the landscape reveals its quiet wonders.
Along the way, you’ll discover how people once carved out a life in one of the most remote pockets between Miami and Naples, inspiring rumors and tall tales of all types. While exploring the largest dwarf cypress forest in North America, home to the world-famous Florida wildlife.
We’ll watch wildlife right from the van, then hop out for short walks that bring you closer to the preserve’s textures, sounds and residents.
Please be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Things to wear: a hat, loose long sleeve shirt and shoes that lace and that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Through this program, you will never see this land as flat or impassable again, but as a welcoming mosaic of subtle beauty, serenity and unique life!
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This Big Cypress National Preserve tour begins at the Oasis Visitor Center located at 52105 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141.
Upon arrival, please check-in with your Institute Naturalist by the flagpole outside of the Oasis Visitor Center. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.
You will then ride in our Institute Van to your tour locations. The trip will end at your last stop. You will then return to the Oasis Visitor Center at the end of the program.
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Participants must be 5 years and older to join this tour. Guest ages 5+ can join in our Institute vehicle as long as the passenger does not require a child seat or booster.
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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We recommend bringing the following items for this tour:
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Plenty of Water
- Bug Repellent and/or bug jacket
Please note that once the program begins, there are no opportunities to buy food or drinks. You can purchase sandwiches or snacks at the Visitor Center before we depart. We will have a water cooler available for refilling water bottles.
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We’ll be riding in a comfortable, air-conditioned high-top van that seats up to 10 people. Please note that there is a step to get in and out of the vehicle.
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No printing necessary. You can even complete the waivers on your phone! Adults over the age of 18 must complete and submit their own waiver. Minors ages 17 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian complete and submit a waiver on behalf of the minor. There are separate waivers for adults and minors, please be sure you are completing the appropriate waiver. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. To complete the waiver process, you will need to confirm your email address through and email that will be sent by Smartwaiver.
If you have a medical condition described on the Medical Statement or any other condition that would be contrary to safe participation in any activities, you must provide documentation that you sought the advice of a physician prior to engaging in any activities.
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What kinds of wildlife will we see?
While we can’t guarantee sightings, it’s common to see wading birds, diving birds, raptors, alligators, fish, turtles, lizards, butterflies, and more.
Can I bring food with me?
Yes. Please bring lunch and snacks, as there are no places to buy food along Loop Road. Choose items that aren’t messy and don’t require heating. We will have a water cooler available for refilling water bottles.
Are restrooms available during the tour?
Because this is primarily a backcountry tour, the only full restroom with running water is at the Oasis Visitor Center. Along Loop Road, there are three basic campground restrooms. There will be a stretch of about two hours with no restroom access
How much walking is required?
About 2 miles total, divided across separate stops.
Does this trip get cancelled for weather?
Yes. The trip may be cancelled in case of persistent rain, thunder, or lightning for safety reasons.