Discover the untouched beauty of the Everglades on a private full-day buggy tour with Captain Steve. Ride through Big Cypress National Preserve and get up close to wildlife, plants, and serene swamp scenery in an exclusive, guided experience. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have good overall health and be comfortable sitting for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
Big Cypress Preserve has been a vital part of the region for thousands of years, once home to Native Seminole tribes who relied on these waters for sustenance.
Conservation
The business actively promotes eco-friendly practices to protect the fragile swamp environment, helping to preserve this unique landscape for future generations.
Captain Steve's Swamp Buggy Adventures
Discover the untouched beauty of the Everglades on a private full-day buggy tour with Captain Steve. Ride through Big Cypress National Preserve and get up close to wildlife, plants, and serene swamp scenery in an exclusive, guided experience. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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.
Dress for the weather
Wearing lightweight, long-sleeve clothing and rain-resistant gear will keep you comfortable and protected while navigating the swamp.
Bring camera and binoculars
Capture wildlife sightings and scenic views—binoculars enhance spotting animals in dense vegetation.
Arrive early
Starting early increases your chances of seeing active wildlife during cooler morning hours.
Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water; the Florida sun can be intense even on cloudy days.
Sun protection
Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen help shield you from the Florida sun.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Insect repellent
Repellent keeps at bay mosquitoes and biting insects common in swampy areas.
spring|summer|fall
Waterproof clothing
Prepared for sudden rain showers with light rain gear or quick-dry clothing.
spring|summer|fall
Camera/binoculars
Capture your favorite moments and better observe distant wildlife.