From Miami to Naples – On the Tamiami Trail through the Big Cypress in the Everglades (with film documentary)

The Everglades in Florida are a fascinating destination full of natural wonders and exciting experiences. It stretches over thousands of square kilometers and encompasses various areas, including wetlands, mangrove forests and cypress forests.

Aerial view of the Big Cypress National Preserve in the Everglades, Florida

A special region within the Everglades is the Big Cypress National Preserve, known for its majestic cypress trees and diverse wildlife.

Hi, I’m Alex and I’m standing here in front of the Ochopee Post Office – the smallest post office in the USA. More about this later in my movie and this article

In this article and film documentary, I take you on a journey from Miami to Naples along Route 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail. The legendary road runs for a good 180 km from the east coast to the west coast. Our journey begins in Miami, where we make our way west.

On the drive – watercourse in the Big Cypress National Preserve

We soon reach the Big Cypress National Preserve, a jewel of the Everglades. This area is known for its majestic cypress forests that grow on swampy ground. On our way, we will see plenty of wildlife, including alligators, turtles and many species of birds.

As we drive along the Tamiami Trail, I’ll show you the best places to stop along the way. We will see alligators in the wild, the famous anhingas and some other Florida wildlife.

Don’t forget to like the video, subscribe to my channel and share your personal highlights in Florida in the comments.

My movie: From Miami to Naples – On the Tamiami Trail through the Big Cypress in the Everglades

Experience the fascinating journey from Miami to Naples on the Tamiami Trail through the Big Cypress in the Everglades in my movie! Discover the impressive nature and diverse wildlife that this unique area has to offer. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty and wilderness of the Big Cypress and join me on this unforgettable journey!

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Everglades Safari Park

Pure adventure on an airboat tour in the Everglades Safari Park!

Our first stop on the Tamiami Trail is the Everglades Safari Park Airboat Tour. We’ve often taken an airboat through the Everglades here and it’s always an experience.

Of the many airboat tour providers, this is our favorite. The grounds are beautiful and the guides on the airboats are always very entertaining and know a lot about the wildlife in the Everglades.

An alligator lies in the grass near a stream during an airboat ride at Everglades Safari Park

We always saw a few animals on our trips, including many alligators. Smaller animals often hang out in the water in the park.

And the ride on the fast, maneuverable airboats is always great fun.

Unforgettable adventure in the Everglades: Airboat Tour in the Everglades Safari Park

On the ride with the airboat

Experience the wild beauty of the Everglades up close! Embark on an exciting airboat tour in the Everglades Safari Park and discover the fascinating flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem. As you glide at high speed over the pristine waters, you will have the opportunity to observe alligators, exotic birds and many other wild animals in their natural habitat. This tour is an absolute must for every nature lover and adventure seeker.

In our detailed report, you can find out everything about our experiences during the tour, the fascinating Wildlife Nature Show, the picturesque jungle trail and much more. Be inspired by our impressions and plan your own visit to this breathtaking national park.

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Discount tickets for the Everglades Safari Park and the best airboat tours, boat tours and offers in the Everglades, which we recommend from our own experience, can also be found here on our blog:

All sights on the Google map with daily route

Whether you’re planning your trip from home or you’re already at Big Cypress National Preserve, my interactive Google Maps map is an easy and handy tool for exploring the region. Learn how to easily use the map on your cell phone here:

Step 1: Access the map

  • Open my blog post “Through the Big Cypress: All sights on the Google map with daily route” on your smartphone. Scroll to the place where the Google Maps map is embedded.

Step 2: Open the map

  • Tap on the map. It will open in the Google Maps app on your device. If you have not yet installed the app, download Google Maps from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). You can then save the map here and use it whenever you want.

Step 3: Explore the sights

  • All the important sights from this blog post are marked on the map. Tap on a marker to see details such as a description, photos and possibly opening times.

Step 4: Start navigation

  • If you want to navigate to a place of interest, tap on the marker and then on the blue navigation symbol (a small arrow). Google Maps will show you the best route on foot, by bike, car or public transport.

Step 5: Route planning

  • Would you like to visit several places in a row? Tap on the symbol for “Routes” (two overlapping arrows), enter your start position and the desired stopovers and start the route planning.

Advantages of using the map on site

  • Real-time navigation: You don’t waste time searching for places and points of interest.
  • Local insights: Discover hidden places and local insider tips marked on the map.
  • Flexibility: Change your route at any time if you spontaneously see something interesting.
  • No getting lost: With constant GPS support on your phone, you won’t get lost in Big Cypress National Preserve.

By following these steps, you can make the most of my map to make your stay in Big Cypress National Preserve unforgettable. Have fun exploring!

Shark Valley

Entrance to the Shark Valley Visitor Center at Big Cypress National Preserve

The next highlight on the Tamiami Trail is Shark Valley in Big Cypress. This area is known for its numerous alligators, which can often be seen in the water, and for the many trails through the impressive landscape.

At the Shark Valley Visitor Center, visitors can rent bikes or take a streetcar tour. Both options take visitors to the Shark Valley Observation Tower. However, I would only recommend this if you have more than enough time.

Bikes and streetcars at the Shark Valley Visitor Center, ready for exploration

It’s a good 11 kilometers from the Visitor Center to the tower with a speed limit of 15 mph, whether by bike or streetcar. The view from the tower is okay, but nothing more. We did it once and then didn’t do it again.

The observation tower in Shark Valley offers a view over the Everglades

Today we prefer to walk along the beautiful boardwalks and trails through Shark Valley. On our hikes we see alligators, various bird species and anhingas diving in search of food.

We then continue on the Tamiami Trail.

Would you like more insider tips, information on exciting activities or recommendations on the best places and hidden gems in Florida? Then check out my blog www.Floridawander.com.

Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center

Wooden boardwalk at the Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center, surrounded by lush vegetation

The Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center is a must-see when traveling along the Tamiami Trail. Visitors can park directly in front of the Visitor Center, making access very convenient.
From the 240 m long boardwalk of the Visitor Center, visitors have an excellent view of the numerous alligators that hang out here.

Visitors enjoy the view from the boardwalk at the Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center

These impressive animals are not caged, but can roam freely. Nevertheless, there are always lots of alligators here, which makes this place particularly fascinating.

Several alligators regularly sunbathe in the watercourse at the Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center

But plenty of other wildlife can also be seen here, like this fishing cormorant looking for a snack on its short dives. These birds are excellent divers and fishermen. It is fascinating to see the cormorant emerge with a fish in its beak and then fly off with its prey.

The cormorant was successful at fishing
And now only has to bring the fish to safety

Incidentally, the Visitor Center is also a starting point for hikes on the Florida Trail. A group of well-equipped hikers are just setting off here. The Florida Trail starts here and stretches around 1,500 miles through the whole of Florida to the Gulf Islands National Seashore in the north.

In the visitor center itself, there are informative exhibitions about the local flora and fauna as well as helpful rangers who answer questions and give tips for exploring the area.

The boardwalk and surrounding area of the Visitor Center is simply perfect for viewing alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat. It is a must for any visitor to Big Cypress National Preserve.

H.P. Williams Roadside Park

At H.P. Williams Roadside Park

Welcome to H.P. Williams Roadside Park, a hidden gem along the Tamiami Trail in Big Cypress National Preserve. This small park offers a perfect opportunity for a break with a great view of the surrounding marshes and canals.

The boardwalk always offers good views of alligators and wildlife in Big Cypress

There is a 200-meter boardwalk here that runs along a canal and offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. Look out for alligators, turtles, herons and anhingas, which can often be seen here.

Parking right in front of it. As is always the case in Florida

Visitors can park directly in front of the Boardwalk, which makes access very convenient. The picnic tables invite visitors to take a relaxing break while enjoying the fascinating natural surroundings.

And there are always alligators to be seen here

A special experience on our last road trip through Florida, which you can watch on my channel, was watching a nesting anhinga family feeding their offspring in the nest.

Sometimes anhingas also breed here

Anhingas are excellent fishermen and are fascinating to watch. In addition to anhingas, great blue herons and cormorants are also common here. The alligators in the water make for additional exciting observations.

Hi, I’m Alex and I often travel in Florida and all over the USA. Here I am standing in front of the Everglades National Park. My video is on my Youtube channelBy the way: On my YouTube channel you can find many more films about Miami, the Florida Keys with Key West, Orlando and the theme parks in Florida. And of course many more films about Florida, the whole USA and Europe.

I regularly publish new films from our trips, so follow my channel.

United States Postal Service in Ochopee – Smallest Post Office in the World

United States Postal Service in Ochopee – Smallest Post Office in the World

Another fascinating destination along the Tamiami Trail is the United States Postal Service Ochopee – the smallest post office in the USA. This tiny post office is a unique and historic place that is in full operation.

Hi, I’m Alex and I’m standing here right now in front of the Ochopee Post Office – the smallest post office in the US. If you want to know more about it, check out my movie about the Everglades on my Youtube channel

While traveling through Florida, visitors can discover the smallest post office in the USA. There is a sign on site with the opening hours as well as a post box into which you can post prepaid letters and postcards. Even if the post office is closed, you can still send mail.

Of course, we have also sent a postcard to our home
Postcard from the Ochopee Post Office

Postcards and stamps can be purchased here during opening hours. If you want, you can buy a postcard and a stamp and send a postcard with the stamp and a greeting to yourself and your family at home. That’s what we did the first time. The postcard still hangs on our fridge today.

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Everglades City

Airboats in Everglades City
In Everglades City, not far from the post office, you can also take an exciting airboat tour

Next we visit Everglades City. We take a small detour of about 13 kilometers there and back from the Tamiami Trail to get here.

In Everglades City

Visitors come here mainly to take an exciting airboat tour through the extensive mangrove swamps. Numerous providers offer various tours. Those who prefer a quieter experience can also take a canoe or kayak tour, as the calm waters of the bay are ideal for such activities.

Most visitors come to Everglades City to take an airboat tour
Kayak tours are also offered

This charming town has just 360 inhabitants. The nearby Chokoloskee Bay is a popular destination for anglers. The area offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities with plenty of fish species such as snook, redfish and tarpon.

Of course, there are also restaurants and cafés serving fresh seafood and local specialties.

Discover the best airboat and kayak tours in Everglades City and the Everglades!

Airboating through the Everglades

Experience the adventure of a lifetime with the best airboat and kayak tours in Everglades City and the breathtaking Everglades! Glide through the mesmerizing landscape by airboat and get up close and personal with alligators, exotic birds and abundant wildlife. For those looking for a quieter adventure, our kayak tours offer the perfect way to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Everglades and explore hidden waterways.

Find and book the perfect tour offer now: Everglades City tours and deals

Don’t miss the chance for an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most fascinating ecosystems!

And there they were: my top sights on the Tamiami Trail from Miami to Naples. These places offer just a glimpse of the beauty and diversity of the Everglades.

Would you like more insider tips, information on exciting activities or recommendations on the best places and hidden gems in Florida? Then check out my blog www.Floridawander.com. There you will also find my books and travel guides with our favorite places in Florida.

If you found this article and video helpful or simply enjoyed it, I’d appreciate a thumbs up. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss any more adventures.

Thanks for reading and watching and I wish you an unforgettable time in Florida. Until the next video, Alex.

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