For centuries, nature has persevered itself by fashioning one of the world's most intriguing environments: Big Cypress, the water shed of the Florida Everglades and home of the Seminole Indians and Billie Swamp Safari. The Seminoles clearly understand the importance of their land and rich heritage. The idea of presenting a safari experience here on the Reservation was developed as many people traveled through our reservation, looking for native village chickees and Indian culture, however, they couldn't find it. We planned Billie Swamp Safari and opened it up to visitors from around the world.

Billie Swamp Safari opens 2,200 lush acres of its Big Cypress Reservation to the public. This is an unparalleled opportunity to experience first-hand the majesty of nature. Billie Swamp Safari offers daily tours into reservation wetlands, hardwood hammocks and sloughs where wildlife abounds–sightings of deer, water buffalo, bison, wild hogs, hawks, eagles and other rare birds, and alligators are common–there are even Florida panthers in the area.

Tours are provided aboard swamp buggies, customized motorized vehicles specially designed to provide visitors with an elevated view of the frontier while comfortably riding through the wetlands and cypress heads. Also, visitors may choose to take an exhilarating airboat ride or take a walk through our cypress dome boardwalk nature trail. Or, if history is your preference, there is Sam Jones Camp, recreated for and named after the medicine man who led the Seminole resistors in the second Seminole War.

This adventurer's paradise is laden with out-of-this-world activities. From bird watching to studying snakes in the Herpetarium, alligator wrestling to listening to stories at the campfire chickee, or just pulling up a rocking chair on the Swamp Water Cafe's porch. You'll experience Native Florida like never before.
 
Enjoy dining in our full service restaurant, the Swamp Water Café, and sample Seminole specialties such as gator nuggets, frog legs, catfish and fry bread with honey, or make a selection from our regular American-style menu. Overnighters can reserve a package that includes accommodations in a native-style chickee hut, day and evening swamp tours, and fascinating campfire stories about the history and legends of the unconquered Seminoles. Complete camping facilities with all amenities are available on the Reservation just a short ride from the safari. There is also a gift shop to supply all your necessities if you want to purchase souvenirs for those at home.