Big Cypress National Preserve Self Guided Driving Audio Tour
Drive with Action
4.2
109ScottS109
1 year ago
Our driver Joy was indeed a joy - funny, knowledgeable, and personable. I found the tour to be very scenic and informative. I’ve live in Fort Myers for two years now and this is my first alligator sighting - finally!
Take the road less traveled with this self-guided driving tour through the lush wetlands of Big Cypress National Preserve. Stroll along scenic boardwalks through the preserve’s diverse habitats, dig into the fraught history of this fragile ecosystem, and of course, keep your eyes peeled for alligators! As you tour this serene and strangely beautiful land, you’ll hear about the Seminole tribe, plans to destroy the preserve to build an airport, and a whole lot more. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Departure Point
- You can also begin the tour from 33000 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141, USA. The tour works in both directions, so you can begin in Miami and end in Ochopee, or vice versa.
- Begin from 29701 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Return Details
- You can also begin the tour from 33000 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141, USA. The tour works in both directions, so you can begin in Miami and end in Ochopee, or vice versa.
- Begin from 29701 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Duration
2 hours - 3 hours
Languages Available
- Audio guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: US Highway 41
US Highway 41, Ochopee, FL 34141
Continue straight. The Miccosukee were far from the only tribe to call this region home. Over the centuries, South Florida was home to numerous distinct tribes, including the formidable Calusa. One of the last tribes to form in the region were the Seminole, descendants of the Creek tribe in Georgia. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. The tour is over 42+ miles long, with more than 27+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Miccosukee Indian Village
500 US Hwy 41, Mile Marker 36, Tamiami, Florida
Coming up shortly will be a chance to visit Miccosukee Indian Village. This village, run by members of the Miccosukee tribe, sells Native arts and crafts and features a museum about their history. The tribe has a long history in southern Florida. During the Indian Wars in the 1800s, 100 of them fled into the Everglades and hid to avoid being captured.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Nature Trail Tree Snail
Coming up soon is a short trail with a very special attraction. It’s the Tree Snail Hammock Trail, a quarter-mile loop through hardwood forest which takes only five minutes to complete if you only want to stretch your legs. But most folks will want to linger a little longer. That’s because this is a great place to spot the elusive tree snail.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: H.P. Williams Roadside Park
33100 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, Florida
Just ahead is H.P. Williams Roadside Park. If you’ve been hoping to see plenty of wildlife, this is the spot for you. A boardwalk runs along a waterway which is a favorite among alligators, turtles, and the occasional snake. It’s also a great place to see herons and egrets wading in the water, as well as hawks perching in the trees above.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Loop Road
Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, Florida
Continue straight. You’re cruising along what’s called the Loop Road. It might be easy to drive, but it certainly wasn’t easy to build. Back in 1915, Miami businessman James Jaudon had an idea. He envisioned a highway which cut across the South Florida swamp, allowing for easy transport of goods.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Gator Hook Trail
Jerome, FL 34141
So how did this place end up becoming a national preserve anyway? Well, it actually started with plans to build an airport. See, when the Everglades became a national park in the 1940s, the federal government wasn’t able to purchase this land from private owners, so it wasn’t included. That left it vulnerable to development. In the 1960s, the government unveiled a plan to build the Big Cypress Jetport within the area. At the time, it would have been the largest airport in the world.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Kirby Storter Roadside Park
48900 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, Florida
Up ahead is Gator Hook Trail, an experience like no other. This moderately challenging, 5-mile round trip hike starts on dry land but doesn’t stay there for very long. Hikers will soon find themselves stepping into ankle-deep water, then wading in deeper until it reaches their knees or, on shorter travelers, their hips!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Big Cypress National Preserve
33100 Tamiami Trl E, , Ochopee, Florida
Coming up shortly is Kirby Storter Roadside Park, one of the most iconic attractions in Big Cypress. The main draw of this park is the mile-long boardwalk which winds through lush hardwood and cypress trees. The trail is strikingly green and pleasantly shaded. If you want to be surrounded by some of the most striking natural scenery Big Cypress Swamp has to offer, this is a must-see trail.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: 38000 Tamiami Trail E
38000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141
Welcome to your tour of Big Cypress National Preserve! Your tour begins at 29701 Southwest 8th Street in Miami. You should see Buffalo Tiger’s boat shop on your right. If you aren’t already there, head there now. Note: This 48+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Big Cypress in 3-5 hours.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center
33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141
Keep an eye out up ahead for a little white shack. That’s the Ochopee Post Office, the smallest post office in North America! If you’d like to stop in and get something postmarked, they’re usually happy to do so. It’s the kind of souvenir you just can’t get anywhere else!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk
27020 Tamiami Trl E, Naples, Florida
Coming up in a minute is the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center and the end of our tour. At this visitor center, you can find all the usual amenities, as well as some of the paintings by famous Everglades artist Sam Vinikoff. But it’s also an interesting facility in its own right, as the whole thing was carefully designed with energy conservation in mind.
Duration: 10 minutes
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Exclusions
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Redemption Instructions
1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for “Action Tour Guide”
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have Wi-Fi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem
2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don’t wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOREVER from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.
3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• For the best audio, connect to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, or listen from your phone speaker.
• CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t supported yet.
• New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-315-291-0634
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com
⚠️ Important Note:
Your reservation with us is for the audio tour ONLY. It does NOT include entrance tickets to the parks or attractions. To purchase entrance tickets, please visit Recreation.gov.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Drive with Action in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Take the road less traveled with this self-guided driving tour through the lush wetlands of Big Cypress National Preserve. Stroll along scenic boardwalks through the preserve’s diverse habitats, dig into the fraught history of this fragile ecosystem, and of course, keep your eyes peeled for alligators! As you tour this serene and strangely beautiful land, you’ll hear about the Seminole tribe, plans to destroy the preserve to build an airport, and a whole lot more. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Departure Point
- You can also begin the tour from 33000 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141, USA. The tour works in both directions, so you can begin in Miami and end in Ochopee, or vice versa.
- Begin from 29701 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Return Details
- You can also begin the tour from 33000 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141, USA. The tour works in both directions, so you can begin in Miami and end in Ochopee, or vice versa.
- Begin from 29701 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Duration
2 hours - 3 hours
Languages Available
- Audio guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: US Highway 41
US Highway 41, Ochopee, FL 34141
Continue straight. The Miccosukee were far from the only tribe to call this region home. Over the centuries, South Florida was home to numerous distinct tribes, including the formidable Calusa. One of the last tribes to form in the region were the Seminole, descendants of the Creek tribe in Georgia. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. The tour is over 42+ miles long, with more than 27+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Miccosukee Indian Village
500 US Hwy 41, Mile Marker 36, Tamiami, Florida
Coming up shortly will be a chance to visit Miccosukee Indian Village. This village, run by members of the Miccosukee tribe, sells Native arts and crafts and features a museum about their history. The tribe has a long history in southern Florida. During the Indian Wars in the 1800s, 100 of them fled into the Everglades and hid to avoid being captured.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Nature Trail Tree Snail
Coming up soon is a short trail with a very special attraction. It’s the Tree Snail Hammock Trail, a quarter-mile loop through hardwood forest which takes only five minutes to complete if you only want to stretch your legs. But most folks will want to linger a little longer. That’s because this is a great place to spot the elusive tree snail.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: H.P. Williams Roadside Park
33100 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, Florida
Just ahead is H.P. Williams Roadside Park. If you’ve been hoping to see plenty of wildlife, this is the spot for you. A boardwalk runs along a waterway which is a favorite among alligators, turtles, and the occasional snake. It’s also a great place to see herons and egrets wading in the water, as well as hawks perching in the trees above.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Loop Road
Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, Florida
Continue straight. You’re cruising along what’s called the Loop Road. It might be easy to drive, but it certainly wasn’t easy to build. Back in 1915, Miami businessman James Jaudon had an idea. He envisioned a highway which cut across the South Florida swamp, allowing for easy transport of goods.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Gator Hook Trail
Jerome, FL 34141
So how did this place end up becoming a national preserve anyway? Well, it actually started with plans to build an airport. See, when the Everglades became a national park in the 1940s, the federal government wasn’t able to purchase this land from private owners, so it wasn’t included. That left it vulnerable to development. In the 1960s, the government unveiled a plan to build the Big Cypress Jetport within the area. At the time, it would have been the largest airport in the world.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Kirby Storter Roadside Park
48900 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, Florida
Up ahead is Gator Hook Trail, an experience like no other. This moderately challenging, 5-mile round trip hike starts on dry land but doesn’t stay there for very long. Hikers will soon find themselves stepping into ankle-deep water, then wading in deeper until it reaches their knees or, on shorter travelers, their hips!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Big Cypress National Preserve
33100 Tamiami Trl E, , Ochopee, Florida
Coming up shortly is Kirby Storter Roadside Park, one of the most iconic attractions in Big Cypress. The main draw of this park is the mile-long boardwalk which winds through lush hardwood and cypress trees. The trail is strikingly green and pleasantly shaded. If you want to be surrounded by some of the most striking natural scenery Big Cypress Swamp has to offer, this is a must-see trail.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: 38000 Tamiami Trail E
38000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141
Welcome to your tour of Big Cypress National Preserve! Your tour begins at 29701 Southwest 8th Street in Miami. You should see Buffalo Tiger’s boat shop on your right. If you aren’t already there, head there now. Note: This 48+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Big Cypress in 3-5 hours.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center
33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141
Keep an eye out up ahead for a little white shack. That’s the Ochopee Post Office, the smallest post office in North America! If you’d like to stop in and get something postmarked, they’re usually happy to do so. It’s the kind of souvenir you just can’t get anywhere else!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk
27020 Tamiami Trl E, Naples, Florida
Coming up in a minute is the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center and the end of our tour. At this visitor center, you can find all the usual amenities, as well as some of the paintings by famous Everglades artist Sam Vinikoff. But it’s also an interesting facility in its own right, as the whole thing was carefully designed with energy conservation in mind.
Duration: 10 minutes
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Exclusions
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Redemption Instructions
1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for “Action Tour Guide”
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have Wi-Fi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem
2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don’t wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOREVER from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.
3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• For the best audio, connect to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, or listen from your phone speaker.
• CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t supported yet.
• New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-315-291-0634
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com
⚠️ Important Note:
Your reservation with us is for the audio tour ONLY. It does NOT include entrance tickets to the parks or attractions. To purchase entrance tickets, please visit Recreation.gov.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Drive with Action in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and SavingsFrequently Asked Questions
Customer Reviews
4.2
based on Groupon 6 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
109ScottS109
Our driver Joy was indeed a joy - funny, knowledgeable, and personable. I found the tour to be very scenic and informative. I’ve live in Fort Myers for two years now and this is my first alligator sighting - finally!
Syed_N
Great Tour. Well planned and very interesting. Two suggestions for improvement. Would be helpful if your instructions included a preparation section. For example, that shoes to go into wet areas would be needed for the Gator hook trail.
Shubunkin1950
Nice quiet drive with few other cars. Lots of wildlife and beautiful plants. Will do it again when we have more time to complete all the stops.
Sherpa64884583218
We enjoyed this low commitment tour. With young kids it’s really nice to go at your own pace and choose if you want to skip something or spend more time at a stop.
Tina_P
Nothing this was baloney and I would have preferred to get my money back.
All we did was drive a crappy road that was so potholed I had to drive fast to get through it. Horrible.
Avoid this tour at all costs. Would really like my money back.