Discover the wild side of Florida on a thrilling swamp buggy tour with Captain Steve’s. Ride through the Big Cypress preserve and encounter diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes with expert guidance—an adventure you won’t forget.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; no strenuous activity required
Wildlife
History
Everglades City has been a crucial hub for Florida’s oyster and fishing industries since the early 1900s, with the swamp buggy tours helping preserve local wildlife stories.
Conservation
Captain Steve’s emphasizes eco-friendly tourism, ensuring their tours support habitat preservation and educate visitors about protecting this fragile ecosystem.
Captain Steve's Swamp Buggy Adventures
Discover the wild side of Florida on a thrilling swamp buggy tour with Captain Steve’s. Ride through the Big Cypress preserve and encounter diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes with expert guidance—an adventure you won’t forget.
Captain Steve's Swamp Buggy Adventures operates guided swamp buggy tours based in Ochopee, Florida, offering access to the Big Cypress National Preserve and nearby Everglades landscapes. The company runs a range of experiences, from a private 4-hour swamp buggy adventure to a private full-day buggy tour, a standard four-hour Buggy Tour, and exclusive Everglades sunset tours timed for optimal light and cooler temperatures.
Each tour travels on an elevated platform swamp buggy through cypress domes, marshes, and native habitats where visitors can observe regional wildlife, including American alligators, wading birds, and diverse plant communities. Tours are led by a local guide who navigates the preserve and focuses on wildlife viewing, ecological context, and a safe, informative outing.
Private options allow groups to tailor pace and focus—wildlife photography, quiet observation, or extended exploration—while full-day departures provide deeper access to remote sections of the preserve. Sunset tours depart at seasonally adjusted times to showcase golden-hour views across the Everglades.
Captain Steve's Swamp Buggy Adventures emphasizes small-group guiding and personalized itineraries to maximize meaningful wildlife encounters and natural interpretation. The operator is based in Ochopee, Florida, and specializes in swamp buggy access to the Big Cypress National Preserve, providing visitors with a direct, guided experience of this unique South Florida ecosystem.
Location
Ochopee, Florida
Gateway to Big Cypress Preserve
Tour Lengths
4h – Full Day
Half-day, full-day, and sunset options
Private Tours
Available
Customizable small-group experiences
Tours Offered
4
Four distinct swamp buggy experiences
Reserve a private 4-hour, full-day, or sunset buggy tour to secure local expertise and front-row Everglades wildlife viewing.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing
Since the tour takes place outdoors, dress in lightweight, quick-drying layers suitable for Florida’s climate.
Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing
Enhance your wildlife sightings by having binoculars on hand to see animals at a distance.
Stay seated during the ride
For safety and the best views, remain seated while the buggy is moving over uneven terrain.
Bring insect repellent
Mosquitoes can be active, especially in wetter months, so protect yourself accordingly.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from sun exposure during the outdoor tour.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Wide-brim hat
Keeps the sun off your face while riding through the wetlands.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture wildlife sightings and scenic views during the ride.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the outdoor adventure, especially in warm weather.