Everglades National Park & Big Cypress National Preserve

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Photo courtesy of Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB

This weekend is a great time to get out and enjoy the wonderful nature and wildlife that Naples and the surround areas are known for.

Collier County is home to many parks, including the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.  Saturday, September 29th marks the 19th annual National Public Lands Day which encouragees everyone to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.


Hilton Naples Director of Marketing, Niccole Neebling
posing during a Swamp Walk with Rick Cruz Expeditions

Big Cypress National Preserve protects over 729,000 acres of the freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp.  Visitors to this vast swamp located in Ochopee, FL should plan on spending at least a few hours in the Preserve, exploring the scenic drive and several of the viewpoints and boardwalks.  The Big Cypress National Preserve is home to a diversity of wildlife, including the Florida panther.

Nearby Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the USA boasting 1.5 million acres.  Photographing birds, hiking, observing alligators are just a few of the many adventures you can choose when you visit the Everglades National Park

A great way to experience and Everglades adventure in both parks is via Airboat.  

Everglades Area Tours also offers a guided kayak experience that is one of the best I've taken.  Each trip is different and you never know what your going to see.   Rick Cruz Expeditions heads up an fun and informative Swamp Walk which is definitely for those of you looking for a fun way to experience The Everglades. Stop by the Concierge at the Hilton Naples Hotel to learn all the ways to get the most out of your Everglades Adventure!  And don't forget your camera - you'll definitely want to document your journey into The Everglades however way you choose to go.