Enjoy Airboat Rides, Eco-Tours and Seminole Culture at Bille Swamp Safari 

By Janice McSherry 

In many parts of the USA, Native American Reservations feature gambling casinos as their main attraction and income earner. However, in South Central Florida the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation offers the Billie Swamp Safari as a family fun-spot. 

Within convenient driving distance from Fort Lauderdale and other nearby South Florida Cities, the Billie Swamp Safari comprises 2200 acres of pristine Florida everglades land that is carefully maintained by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. 

Here you can enjoy the beauty of the tropical forest, cypress domes and the natural flora and fauna of Florida.  The wildlife on this reservation-park includes the rare Florida panther, alligators, crocodiles, deer, antelope, bison, snakes, southern razorback hogs and many varieties of birds.

You can get up close to these critters by taking a Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour and enjoy a guided 90 minute excursion through the Everglades with an experienced guide. 

“This new tour is an extended version of our 60-minute, 32-person capacity Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour and is designed for guests who seek to indulge all five of their senses while exploring the Florida Everglades with our most experienced guides in a more personalized setting,” said Park Director Ed Woods. 

Alternatively, you can see the critters by attending the daily snake and alligator show or the swamp critter show. Both shows offer a mix of entertainment and education and allow you to get a first hand look at a variety of animals and reptiles. 

The main compound area of the park features an authentic Seminole village, a nature trail, animal and bird exhibits, a council house, a restaurant, and, of course, a gift shop. 

The Swamp Water Café restaurant has standard American cuisine and several Seminole delicacies including catfish, frog’s legs, gator tail nuggets and traditional Seminole fried bread. 

The park is open 364 days a year (it is closed on Christmas day). The airboat rides operate every half hour from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm and cost $15.   The Snake and Alligator Show are priced at $8 or adults and $4 for children. Day packages at the rate of $43 for adults and $30 for children are a good option if you want to see everything at the park. 

After enjoying the attractions you don’t have to drive back to your staring point because there are a variety of appealing accommodation options in the park and in the reservation. You can camp out in the rustic camping village which includes native style thatched huts (chickees) and also enjoy a Buggy Eco-Tour and Snake and Alligator Show, and an Airboat ride as part of one economical package.  

You can also opt for nearby cabins and camping at the Big Cypress RV Resort which features air conditioned cabins, RV sites, hot tubs, clubhouse, miniature golf and other activities and facilities. 

The park’s hours are 9:30 am to 6 pm for daytime activities.  The Gift Shop is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm and the Swamp Water Café - is open from 7:30 am to 6 pm. If you have a party of 15 or more you should call for reservations: call 800-949-6101, ext. 12115.

Reservations for night time activities and the Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour are required as well. 

For more information call them at 800-GO-SAFARI, 863-983-6101 or contact the park by email: safari@semtribe.com or fax: 863-983-9396