The Big Cypress Welcome Center is your starting point if you are coming from the Gulf Coast. If you are coming from Miami, this is the last stop before exiting the Big Cypress National Preserve.
But even if you have already traversed the vast swamp and find yourself at the end of the journey, a stop at the Big Cypress Welcome Center is great just to check out the viewing platform and see if there are any manatees around.
The Welcome Center is like all visitor centers where you find information and brochures, wildlife exhibits, a film about the Preserve, bookstore, restrooms, and the super-friendly staff that can answer any question you might have.
Enquire about their ranger-led programs, they have some great swamp walks, canoe trips, bike tours, and other activities during the dry season.
Spotting Manatees at Big Cypress Welcome Center
Manatees seem to be regulars here when temperatures in the Gulf drop and they look for the warmer waters inland. You can inquire at the Welcome Center whether there have been any sightings lately.
Manatees are not easy to spot but definitely patience pays. These mammals need to come up for air every 4-5 minutes or so, they come up for just a brief period before diving down again, so pay close attention! Look up and down the whole length of the viewing platform, they could be anywhere!
First you are likely to see some ripples and a bit of a surf in the water as they are swimming near the surface and then you see the shade moving, a sort of elongated form...
Then you see the snout just barely breach the water, this happens in a split second before they dive down again after taking a breath...
And if you're lucky the manatees will be in a show-off mood and you'll catch a glimpse of the paddle-like tail as they dive down!
Big Cypress Welcome Center at a Glance
Where: 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141, approximately five miles east of SR 29.
See the Tamiami Trail Map here.
When: Visitor Center is open every day year-round, except Christmas Day December 25, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Boardwalk is open 24/7.
Entrance Fee: Free!
Parking: Yes!
More Info: Official Site of the Big Cypress National Preserve
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