Drive the Tamiami Trail with an audio guide that narrates Big Cypress’ ecology, history, and roadside highlights on your schedule. Stop for short boardwalks, 1–5 mile hikes, and wildlife viewing while you explore this low‑lying Everglades landscape.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The highway thins to a single ribbon of gray and the sawgrass leans toward the road as if to listen — that’s the entry to Big Cypress. Drivers will feel the landscape open: shallow canals, bowed cypress knees, and the low, patient breath of a subtropical swamp. The audio tour unlocks this terrain, cueing stories and directions as you pass Shark Valley’s 15-mile wildlife loop, the small, reflective surface of Deep Lake, and roadside curiosities like the tiny Ochopee Post Office.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
13–14 hours (self-paced; can be split across days)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; optional short hikes (1.5–5 miles) may be strenuous in heat
Wildlife
History
Big Cypress was designated in 1974 to protect the Everglades’ watershed and cultural landscapes, including Miccosukee tribal sites and early 20th‑century logging remnants.
Conservation
The preserve relies on visitors staying on trails and respecting wildlife; water management and invasive species remain ongoing conservation challenges — pack out waste and never feed animals.
Reserve your spot on the Big Cypress National Preserve Audio Tour Guide today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download the tour before you go
Redeem in the Shaka Guide app and download the audio and offline maps via Wi‑Fi to avoid spotty cell service in the preserve.
Bring ample water and sun protection
Low elevation and open marshes mean intense sun — carry at least 1 liter per person per 2–3 hours and a wide-brim hat.
Watch for wildlife from pullouts
Stop at designated turnout areas for photos and observations; never approach or feed alligators or other animals.
Use a hands-free phone mount
The audio tour plays via GPS — mount your phone to follow directions safely while driving.
Smartphone with Shaka Guide app
Necessary to run the GPS‑activated audio narration and offline maps.
Reusable water bottle (2L capacity recommended)
Hydration is critical in subtropical heat and on exposed boardwalks.
summer
Binoculars
Makes it easier to observe birds and distant wildlife without disturbing them.
Insect repellent and sun hat
Mosquitoes and sun exposure are common—protection improves comfort on trails and boardwalks.
spring