Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
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Things to Do in Ochopee, FL - Ochopee Attractions
Things to Do in Ochopee
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ochopee.
Top Attractions in Ochopee
Government Buildings
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Speciality Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Drives
Sightseeing Tours
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Boat Tours • Eco Tours
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Nature & Wildlife Tours
Boat Tours • Eco Tours
Old Naples
4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Teardrop Trailer TravelerUnited States712 contributionsBig Cypress National Preserve is large and fairly remote. I started my visit at the Oasis Visitor Center. I only stopped in the building long enough to stamp my National Park passport book, as I arrived much later than I wanted and the visitor center was about to close. There was a short boardwalk by the visitor center, so I walked that. It runs along a little body of water, which was filled with fish. I also saw several alligators in the water.
After leaving the visitor center, I drove down the road to a nearby trail, with another boardwalk. I did a portion of the trail. The boardwalk begins as grassland, but the enters the cypress trees for which the preserve is named.
I would have liked to have gone further on the trail and to have driven the loop road back, but it was getting dark. I did find the portion of the trail that I walked quiet lovely and it was a great spot for photography. Big Cypress was definitely worth the drive.Written July 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LeadFoot2014Batesville, AR691 contributionsThis is a gravel road and there are some rough spots so it’s a good idea to take it really slow. We saw several alligators, turtles in the road and wading birds. This is a really fun drive and if you are in the area be sure to take it.Written July 17, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Malcolm HAylesford, UK437 contributionsThis was a tremulous opportunity to get up close ( but not too personal) with alligators in the wild. There were so many of the creatures, spoilt for choice. Unfortunately the actual rangers lectures were not available due apparently to lingering (Covid) staff shortages but it was still a fantastic experience to be virtually guaranteed to see the gators.Written May 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TWBCincinnati, OH2,235 contributionsWe decided to tour the Everglades loop and this is not to be missed. Bed sure to bring post cards and postage or cash for some. The best part of this experience was the PO attendant! He made sure we felt welcome and left smiling.Written April 11, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, CA1,586 contributionsThis is the second ranger recommended stop in Big Cypress National Preserve. The boardwalk at this stop is approx. 800 feet – again, a rather short walk. But, here, we saw several gators and birds - although not as many as on the fourth stop (Oasis Visitor Center).Written May 17, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rich G1 contributionOur first experience at the Gallery was an "open house" we received an invitation to last month. We were able to see what we would be getting ourselves into, and it looked great! So happy to have made the decision to go.
I had not finished unpacking the car when my wife pointed out the juvenile Red Shouldered Hawk in the tree not 20 feet from the edge of the building. The Bungalow is comfortable and well appointed - you have a comfortable bed in the middle of the Big Cypress. The Photo Swamp Walk was exceptional. Scott has so much knowledge and experience in these woods, and he is excited to share that knowledge. Walking the paths, sitting outside or laying in the hammock, it was serene and peaceful. The photo opportunities were fabulous, as was enjoying the artwork that was displayed in the Bungalow. Turn off the phones, they don't work anyway! Sit back and relax!Written April 12, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dalessiopietroMurray, UT456 contributionsMy son and I enjoyed our time at Skunk Ape Headquarters. Everyone was friendly, welcoming and forthcoming with information and answers to our questions. A great little reprieve with enough items and critters of interest for all ages. We were in awe of the snakes. We enjoyed seeing the baby alligators and the snapper turtle. Definitely a must-do when passing through the area. The awesome gift shop also was stocked with one of a kind items.Written February 21, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, CA1,586 contributionsThis is the first ranger recommended stop in Big Cypress National Preserve: Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center. The small ranger station has an example alligator nest among other exhibits. Out back is a short, approx. 400 feet boardwalk that takes a few minutes to walk. We did not see much here. There are several stops on the map, and if you are short on time, you could skip this one.Written May 17, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, CA1,586 contributionsThis is the third ranger recommended stop in Big Cypress National Preserve and is the longest of the boardwalks. The ranger said this boardwalk is approx. a mile. It was a very interesting walk with flowering plants attached to and growing from trees. You also get a great view of the many cypress trees and swamp areas. In one area, we saw a path in the mud that clearly, from the foot prints and tail prints, the gators walk. At the end of the boardwalk is a lagoon covered in plants and we saw 4 small (young) alligators in the water along with some turtles and a heron. On the way back we saw a colorful approx. 2 inch (huge) grasshopper. I highly recommend this stop and boardwalk.Written May 17, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, CA1,586 contributionsThis is the fourth ranger recommended stop in Big Cypress National Preserve. It contains another smaller, approx. 800 feet, boardwalk. We saw a lot of gators off of this boardwalk – perhaps 10-15. Several were in the same area which made for a great pic. There are also several pretty plants in the area and fish. We also saw a larger ranger station, but it was closed for the day when we arrived. I definitely recommend stopping here, if you want to see gators.Written May 17, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Steve5863Avon, OH13,020 contributionsTurner River Road is a well maintained, dirt road, passable by ordinary cars in dry weather, which heads north from Tamiami Trail (US-41) near the western end of Big Cypress Preserve and into a less developed area. Following along the Turner River Canal, it provides an excellent opportunity to see lots of Everglades wildlife. Turner River Road is actually the first leg of a 17 mile (27k) scenic loop which also includes Upper Wagonwheel and Birdon Roads.
While wildlife spotting is always best in the morning and evening, our travels only permitted a visit during midday. Nevertheless, we saw many alligators, turtles, anhinga, herons and egrets along the canals as we enjoyed the backdrop of the surrounding sawgrass prairie, dotted with stands of cabbage palms and slash pines, with the occasional red-shouldered hawk overhead.
While we drove the entire loop, the Turner River Road portion was certainly the best part and if one is limited on time, or prefers less driving along dirt roads, an out and back trip of a few miles on this road alone will provide one a good feel for the area. Also, be sure to visit the boardwalk at H.P. Williams Roadside Park at the corner of Tamiami Trail and Turner River Road.Written June 2, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DoxieGal58Miami, FL210 contributionsI stopped and did this short hike the first time I passed through the loop road. On the day I visited I saw just a few of the namesake snails The trail is not well maintained; likely doesn't have alot of traffic, but passable.Written January 18, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alison J3 contributionsI went on my second swamp walk with Scott and found it was as good or even better than the first, which had been fantastic. First of all, he is incredibly knowledgeable and reassuring so I didn’t feel nervous about any of the possible encounters we might have. Secondly, he has an incredible trove of information that he is able to share about everything from the flora and fauna to the ecosystem and more and has such a nice way of doing so that it’s easy to digest and easy to ask questions. Lastly, he is a fantastic photographer and as someone who would like to take better photos of the swamp and be able to better convey its beauty, I found his advice and guidance enormously valuable. I’m already thinking about a third visit!
On a related note, this time I was able to stay in the cottage behind the gallery and what a treat that was. The place is lovely, clean and welcoming and equipped with pretty much whatever you need. Plus everyone who works there is very kind and helpful. More than anything what I can say is that it was like going on a meditation retreat. I felt so relaxed there that it seemed like all the day to day stresses just melted away. It’s pretty amazing to be able to sit on a comfy couch in front of a huge window and sip red wine while watching a mama gator slip back into the water as the sun starts to set.Written March 4, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Katharine CLondon, UK4 contributionsJust got back from a pole boat safari tour with Brandon. It was the most amazing and unusual way to see the Everglades. Saw plenty of wildlife and delved deep into the mangrove swamps. Brandon is definitely king of the river.. spotted all the wildlife and taught us so much about the flora and fauna of the Everglades . Would highly recommend this experience.Written July 9, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lynn BBurleson, TX5 contributionsCaptain Matt was great! He was extremely knowledgeable and made the tour a lot of fun. You can tell he loves his job and the Everglades.Written July 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ochopee
- The top attractions to visit in Ochopee are:
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- Loop Road
- Oasis Visitor Center
- Ochopee Post Office
- H.P. Williams Roadside Park
- The best outdoor activities in Ochopee according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- Loop Road
- H.P. Williams Roadside Park
- Kirby Storter Roadside Park
- Skunk Ape Research Center
- The best day trips from Ochopee according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat
- Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale
- Miami & Florida Everglades Adventure Package
- Small Group Full Day Everglades: Biologist led wet walk + Two 1-Hour Boat Trips
- Everglades Day Safari from Miami
- The most popular things to do in Ochopee with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- Oasis Visitor Center
- Loop Road
- Ochopee Post Office