Airboat and eco tours at the Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve Eco Tour

They are business-minded, the Indians in the Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida, you have to give them that. We are on our way to Billie Swamp Safaris in the Big Cypress Reserve, which is about an hour west of Fort Lauderdale in the middle of the Florida swamps. This is not the original home of the Seminoles. Before the arrival of white settlers, they lived along the coast, where they caught fish in the shallow waters off the coast and collected shells on the beach. In the course of the development of the coasts, which was always associated with the expansion of the tourist infrastructure in Florida, they were increasingly displaced into the humid and swampy interior, into the swamp area of ​​the Everglades, which occupy the entire interior of South Florida.

 

 

 

 

 

Via the "Alligator Alley" to the Big Cypress National Preserve

We follow the fast Interstate 75, which is popularly referred to as "Alligator Alley", and turn north at the large-sized advertising posters that point to the offers that await us: Airboat rides in the Everglades, eco tours the swamps and Indian food. The Big Cypress National Preserve turns out to be a surprise. Along the street we keep seeing well-kept houses, which have nothing Indian about them, between simpler residential buildings. And in the center of Big Cypress we suddenly find ourselves in front of a huge retirement home that you won't find in any other Indian reservation.

 

 

The rise of the Seminoles

When we inquired, we learn that the Seminoles still had 1957, when their tribe was officially recognized as such, had an annual budget of less than 15.000 dollars. Her rocket-like rise to one of the richest American Indian tribes began with tax-free sales of cigarettes on her reservation. They were the first Indian tribe to offer gambling on its territory in bingo halls, which is strictly prohibited outside. Today, they own several major casinos and have been the proud owners of the Hard Rock Cafes hotel and restaurant chain since 2007, which they bought for an astounding 965 million dollars. The income from these tribal companies will flow back into the tribe; how it is distributed, the Seminoles must give no information. However, a few years ago, corruption within the tribe flourished.

 

 

Successful company in the Big Cypress National Preserve

But obviously something sticks with the trunk as well. He can now call himself the owner of a new museum that presents tribal history. And that the Seminoles are also savvy in tourism, we see Billie Swamp Safaris, a company that offers airboat and eco-tours through the swamps and shows visitors alligator fights and shows such rare animals as the Florida panther. We choose the leisurely and above all quiet eco-tour with special vehicles through the swamp area, and our driver explains us - with a lot of humor - animals and plants that we see along the way.

 

 

It doesn't matter that a few cattle or African water buffalos graze from time to time among the numerous cattle egrets, ducks and other water birds. We don't see alligators, but we can imagine that they are in the numerous watercourses and ponds. And our guide insists on having briefly seen one of the almost extinct Florida Panthers behind one of the bushes. Is it true? We cannot prove it because we have not seen him. We learn a lot from the history of the Seminoles. He tells us how the Seminoles successfully defended themselves in the war against the white invaders by using the special features of the site. It remains to be seen whether we believe everything he tells us, but we definitely have a lot of fun.

 

 

On the way with the airboat

Back at camp we watch the airboats driving out into the swamps with a lot of noise. And we are amazed to see that the local birdlife is not impressed by this noise. A heron remains completely motionless in the water in front of us. He looks spellbound at his prey and is not irritated by the sound of the engine. Maybe he's deaf now, who knows? We have a freshly baked Indian meal at the Swamp Water Cafe Bannock Bread taste good. After that we drive back to Fort Lauderdale.

 

 

Questions and Answers about Big Cypress National Preserve

How is a national preserve different from a national park?

A national preserve, such as Big Cypress National Preserve, differs from a national park primarily in the activities permitted. In a preserve, traditional uses such as hunting, fishing, and even limited oil and gas exploration are permitted under certain conditions, whereas national parks have stricter protections and such activities are usually prohibited. This flexibility allows visitors to enjoy a wider range of recreational activities while protecting natural resources.

What species of animals can I see in Big Cypress National Preserve?

Big Cypress National Preserve is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther, American alligators, white-tailed deer, river otters, and a variety of bird species such as herons and darters. If you're lucky, you might also spot the rare Florida black bear or the shy marsh rabbit. The park's diverse habitats provide an ideal habitat for numerous animal species.

Which hiking trails are particularly recommended?

For hiking enthusiasts, the preserve offers several interesting trails. The Kirby Storter Boardwalk is an easy, one-kilometer-long trail that takes you on an elevated boardwalk through an impressive cypress landscape and ends at a Gator Hole, where alligators can often be seen. For adventurous hikers, the Gator Hook Trail is exciting, where you wade through knee-deep water and experience untouched nature up close. It is advisable to check the current trail conditions in advance and be prepared accordingly.

When is the best time to visit?

The ideal time to visit Big Cypress National Preserve is between November and April, during the so-called dry season. During these months, temperatures are more pleasant, humidity is lower, and there are fewer mosquitoes, making outdoor activities such as hiking or paddling particularly enjoyable. In addition, many animals concentrate at the remaining watering holes during the dry season, increasing the chances of spotting wildlife.

Are there guided tours or special events?

Yes, the Preserve offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including Swamp Walks, where you hike through the wetlands with a ranger and learn about the ecosystem, canoe trips to explore the park's waterways, and talks and presentations at the visitor centers. It's worth checking the park's events calendar before your visit to participate in these unique experiences.

 

 

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Source Big Cypress National Preserve Florida: own on-site research courtesy of The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau. However, our opinion remains our own.

Text Big Cypress National Preserve Florida: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline