Billy Swap Safari Entrance
Looking for a great outdoor adventure? Well, Billie Swamp Safari is one of the must-see attractions here in South Florida. Located in Clewiston on the Seminole Big Cypress Reservation, the Billie Swamp Safari offers both an authentic swamp and tribal experience. It is famous for its swamp buggies and also alligator wrestling. Check out some of the highlights below from my recent visit.
Right before the entrance is a set up for the petting zoo which is actually free of charge. Yes, I said free! This site is family friendly and welcomes you to interact with the animals in this section. The zoo in its entirety has over “20 different creatures that walk, swim, crawl and fly” (at least that’s what the brochure says) including bears, tigers, and owls.
Kids at the Petting zoo playing with a Pony
There are both day and night packages that include rides and shows. This attraction is open 24/7, 7 days a week so you can pop in at any time. The paid activities include a Critter show, Snake show, Swamp Buggy rides, and Airboat Rides. I must say the Critter show was surprisingly enjoyable, interactive and informative. The hosts are very polite and will even take pictures of you and the critters.
Critter Show Host
As far as the rides go, you get your money’s worth with the 55 minutes long Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour that usually runs hourly from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You will see all kinds of animals out in the wild with the driver/guide educating you about the animals, plants, and Seminole tribe. It’s a very nostalgic experience that opens your eyes to a very different world and time.
Swam Buggy Eco-Tour Photo by Billie Swamp Safari
It’s as fun as it seems, believe me! On the other hand, Airboat rides are faster with views of migratory birds, fish, snakes, turtles, alligators and more in their natural habitat. Boat rides run every half hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the alligator presentation is complimentary with all packages.
I can’t forget to mention the great features of the night time activities such as campfire storytelling or being able to sleep overnight in authentic Seminole Chickee huts or dorms. At night, swamp buggy rides get a little more interesting with the dark atmosphere.
What’s even more impressive? VIP tours are available that provides a personal guide to take you on a private, 90-minute Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour, extended airboat ride, animal encounter, all-access shows, a Swamp Platter Sampler, refreshments and “Survivor” memento.
Speaking about food, there is a Swamp Water Cafe. It’s not exactly what it sounds like. The restaurant does offer Native American delicacies such as frybread (sweet), frog legs, and gator tail nuggets but also serve traditional American classics like burgers and fries. I dare you to try the gator tail nuggets, but all jokes aside, I really enjoyed the frybread which comes complimentary with every meal. The Swamp cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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