Cold and dry season in Big Cypress Preserve

Testimonials

Wow! It doesn't get any more authentic than this. If you want to see Big Cypress Preserve through the eyes of a native, Captain Steve is the real deal. Check out my Everglades gallery at www.karentbartlett.com
— Karen T. Bartlett, Naples

Capt.Steve, the swampbuggy ride was an experience of a lifetime! your knowledge and passion for the everglades is heartfelt, the wildlife that we witnessed in their natural, unspoiled surroundings is something that our children will remember for their entire lives and we sincerely thank you for the experience ! God Bless You Moore family
— kevin moore@ family, southern ohio

EXCELLENT Everglades adventure With Captain Steve in Big Cypress National Preserve.. Wow, did we have fun while on a great back to nature tour. We had a relaxing, informative, and very special swamp adventure. This was our second trip with Captain Steve’s operation. Last year we went for the first time as his very first customers, and we were super excited to return again this year. Read on! We went for an afternoon swamp buggy tour yesterday with Captain Steve’s Swamp Buggy Adventures. Now mind you I was taking this swamp adventure with my two nieces Kati, Colleen, and with my wife Maureen, also known as “Doc”. Well, Doc is from Queens, NY, a born and bred “city girl”, not exactly what you might call a swamp woman. Kati, 16 is a “Hottie cheerleader” going to school in Naples Florida. Colleen,9 who has a small issue with bugs……..she gets welts just thinking about them, and says she’s a “Tom-boy”, but used to be a princess. How does that work anyway? And me, a small town guy in his mid-50’s from upstate New York, married to the Doc and now we live in Chapel Hill North Carolina. I camped and hunted some when I was younger and I spend time fishing in my kayak whenever possible. We could probably be described as the quintessential tourist group, with a broad spectrum of outdoor likes and dislikes. So I was wondering how we’d like this swamp buggy thing, and we were about to find out. The plan was to leave at 2:00 PM, with Steve’s best driver Otis, and return after dark. Sounded great to me. Steve even offered to let us use his camping space out there in the woods to cook some “sammie’s” (sandwiches) over the campfire. Well, after a hurried lunch at home we left to meet Otis at the Concho Billie trailhead off Turner River road. “Otis is a tall drink of water in a cowboy hat” was the only description that I had to go on from Captain Steve. So I’m thinking to myself as we arrive; OK we just drove an hour to get here, so there had better be somebody looking like Otis around ‘cause we’re already way out in the swamp, somewhere down this dirt road, in the middle of Big Cypress National Preserve. Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention that had just counted 41 alligators just in the last 8 miles along with a dozen or so wading birds and a huge turtle. We had already seen more wildlife than we had expected to see all day. Sure enough……cowboy hat and all. Otis has sort of that Clint Eastwood feel about him, you know, a little weathered, no wasted words, and a pause before he speaks, but with a certain niceness, like your favorite uncle. He was full of knowledge about south Florida, the Everglades, and all of the local flora and fauna. We could see that Otis was confident in this element…. the swamp. And that felt really good being that we were heading away from the nearest road and civilization at 4-5 mph, and it was getting swampier by the minute. The buggy, big, tall, rugged and capable is not the picture of automotive excellence. It looks a bit like a cross between a monster truck without the body and a dinosaur. Just big rugged steel frames with the guts all hanging out to see. I loved it. Basic transportation for the swamp. Its functional, and surprisingly comfortable with bench seats for 6. There we were piled atop the buggy like the Swiss family Robinson about a mile from the nearest road out in the wilderness of south Florida. Its flat. Before we knew it we were driving through 2 feet of water with what appeared to be savannah on both sides. We spotted a Red Shouldered Hawk off to our right. Further on, the terrain is so varied out there that soon we went through a pine forest and then past several Oak heads (slightly higher ground dry enough to support oak trees). It was beautiful to see the changing environment and the vast variety of plant species. By far the predominant tree is the Cypress, tall ones and short ones but they all have a really ancient look when you see thousands of them at once as far as you can see. It looked other-worldly. Otis gave us lots of history surrounding the trees in the area. New driver! So I’m sitting there enjoying the bright sun and fresh air ride thinking “I wonder what its like to drive a swamp buggy creeping along so high up off the ground, with that lazy bounce and always tilting side to side like the snap roll of my power boat.” That’s when Otis turns around and says how would you like to drive us through this long stretch of deep water. My eyes light up and then I realize that he’s asking my 9 year old niece. Her eyes light up as she’s headed for the driver’s seat. She handled the buggy like a 9 year old pro. I handled my passenger seat also like a pro. Then my older niece Kati took the wheel, making it look easy. I manned the video camera, with daydreams of my own swamp buggy, me dressed in camo and a big dog of some kind at my side. Yeah that’s it, a dog named Linus. By now I’m noticing all kinds of things around us that we would never have seen anywhere else. Its was sort of like taking a hike and swim through the preserve without leaving the comfort of your seat. The slow creeping speed through the Cypress forest lets you examine things with a level of detail that is unparalleled. You get a real connection with nature much like going hunting. I had the time for more than a passing glance at the natural world. It’s great. And Otis would stop any time we asked and he’s always got a story of bit of history to share. We found the camp after 2 hours of wonderful travel and cooked the “sammies” as planned. We saw some bear tracks, and many more ibis, herons and egrets. Otis did a 3 point turn with the buggy that involved some lurching back and forth, crashing into the brush and spinning tires in the deep mud, it was great, and we left the campsite at 6:30 PM. The ride back was surreal. With the sun having gone down about an hour earlier the trail back seemed much more perilous. What was a drive through a wildlife park during the day was like a drive through Jurassic Park at night. We plunged into the inky shadows anticipating the surprises that lay ahead in the darkness. The buggy headlights gave us an eerie view ahead down the tree lined trail and some degree of trepidation looking at the water holes that we approached in the night. A big surprise was the temperature drop. Daytime was sunny and 80, now it dark and 60, so we put on our jackets. One of the best parts of the whole trip was a stop out on the prairie to watch the stars. This is the best planetarium around. From horizon to horizon its stars, so many it was hard to find the usual constellations that we know. The Milky Way was brilliant. Colleen counted the shooting stars. We hooted with an owl in the distance and watched another in an oak tree overhead. We stopped to watched 2 alligators in the water, watched 2 Green Legged Night Herons fishing, saw some bats and marveled at the sounds of the night. After an hour and a half trip back to the trailhead we found that old dirt road and my Honda Element stacked up with kayaks looking like just an ordinary car relegated to the pavement. For a really great outdoor experience and to see the real south Florida find Captain Steve, and ask for that tall drink of water in a cowboy hat as your driver. You won’t be disappointed, and we’ll be back again next year.
— Doug Cary, Chapel Hill, North carolina

What an adventure of a lifetime into the ‘real’ Florida! Capt. Steve took my three oldest grandkids (9-10) and myself into the Big Cypress and we had an amazing time. We spotted a bear, saw deer, raccoon, turtles, snakes and more! Don’t forget the bug spray (which you need everywhere in Florida when the rains first come, we went in July), and bring plenty to drink and food because it’s a good day trip. We all learned so much! There were surprises for us throughout the adventure and history around every bend. Beautiful! Getting connected to nature is good for the soul and this trip does that. Thank you again Capt. Steve and we will see you again!
— Tamara Caggiano, Naples Florida, United States

Steve, Thank you for a informative ride. I live in Florida. I would have never enjoyed the chance to see the great views of the natural Florida. All because of you, I was able to enjoy the trip. I had a friend from Iowa who said he will do it again that was with us. Lots of fun.
— Don Meek, Cape Coral

A couple of weeksends ago, we went out on the Buggy with Capt.Steve... and it was fantastic, the weather was beautiful and the scenery was out of this world. We would highly suggest to anyone just thinking about it.. to stop just thinking and go do it.. It will be an unforgettable experience in your life and you will be have something to talk about that not everyone else can. \"A day in the Everglades!!!\"
— Leon & Evelyn, Central Fla

Hi, am having trouble writing you at contact area. I love your "work." would like to take a tour sometime. I used to work in some of the everglades areas. I have written an article and anyting can be changed if need. It is an online one with examiner.com. May I use info from site? I have used a few photos, but they can be changed out if need too. sincerely, deborah http://www.examiner.com/events-in-ft-myers/enjoy-swamp-buggy-tours-with-captain-steve-into-big-cypress-nat-l-preserve
— deborah ford, sw fl

We took this tour during 2012 Thanksgiving holidays. The guide and Steve himself are the friendliest people I have ever met. Not only did we have a great tour, but they also helped me with a couple of gallons of gas since I was running low, and the nearest station was some 10 miles away. They also returned some camera equipment I left on the buggy by mistake. The tour itself seemed a bit too long, and about last hour or so towards the end, it got really dark and cold. My recommendation is to take the morning tour rather than the 2pm one. The other challenge was lack of wildlife - all the alligators had moved into the river due to dryness, and we saw only one deer, and a few birds. If seeing alligators is your thing, then please ask before taking this tour.
— PM, TX

What a ride! Not only was Capt. Steve filled with information but fun! The beauty of those Everglades were outstanding. The love and respect that Capt. Steve has for those swamps made us fall in love with them too. We have never seen such wide open beauty before and plan on seeing it again and again with Capt. Steve! Elise & Larry Will
— Elise Will, Pine Island, Florida

I would highly recommend Capt. Steve's to anyone interested in going to big cypress. Our driver Willy took very good care of us. We had a person with a handicap with us in our group and they were awesome about helping him and he really enjoyed this trip. The view was beautiful, and the ride was so much fun. Everyone needs to give this a try!
— Jenna , Michigan

Steve, Getting out of South Dakota, during a brutal winter is one thing, and going to Florida is another. But actually getting out and actually EXPERIENCING the true magnitude of Big Cypress and the Everglades is one of the best feelings in the world! We would like to extend a big 'Thank you' to you for allowing us to see things that photos could never describe. We had an amazing time and will definately be back! Hope all is well!
— Leighton and Susan Scott, South Dakota

I'm active duty Air Force and my uncle is Capt. Willie Keene working with Capt. Steve. Every time I go on the buggy with him it ends up being one of my most memorable trips of my life. Whenever I am in his or his friends company, it brings me right back. I've never met a man more knowledgeable on the Everglades in my life. There are just some things in life that books can't teach you. Uncle Willie can because he has lived them. I cannot think of a better guide or teacher than Willie or any of the Capt Steve crew. These men are the absolute best in the business. The Everglades is more than just a tour for them. It's where they grew up, it's where they have made memories, and it's their life. I guarantee this trip will be one you never forget and will make a great friend in the process.
— David Masey, Oklahoma City OK

Good outing with Willie. Thanks for being flexible and changing our reservations since original plans were altered by US Air!! This slow ride allows you to see things you would miss on the faster air boats. We didn't see a panther, but we saw its tracks AND the scientists who were tracking them. Fun! And thanks again!
— Lynda, NC

I went on Steve's tour last week and it was AMAZING! There is no better way to see the Everglades than on Steve's Swamp Rod.
— Joe A, Port Washington,NY

what a great time so much better than an airboat went on american airboat tours goodlanf fl (next to stans???) we thought we were going to be killed! ran into another boat and into the bushes without question \\\"swamp buggy steve\\\" is much more fun yet very safe i will tell everyone back home(in the mother country) this is a \\\"dont miss\\\" for your holiday.
— william bowsher, leeds,uk (england)

Dear Steve and the best tour guide ever Stevie, There may not be enough that I can say to rely the message of how great our tour of the Everglades was with you! From the moment I spoke with you over the phone to the long goodbye at our car, it was amazing!! Your knowledge of the Everglades was both educational and fun!! The bugs and dust are easily forgotten the minute you start to move in your swamp buggy! We felt very confident in your ability and knowledge to keep us safe and have a most wonderful time!! We met you as our tour guide but left as friends!! Anyone who misses this opportunity is truly missing out! We will be back again in August, (I've already started planning.) I can not thank you enough for encouraging us to take an afternoon tour so that we could experience both day and night in the Everglades. The night part of our tour was my favorite. The stars were breath taking! I would highly recommend a night trip to any and everyone! This is what Florida is really about. We choose this vacation over Disney and would do it again without hesitation. Steve and Stevie, we can not wait to see you both again very soon!
— Margaret, Chris and Zac, Port St. Lucie, FL

Had an awesome adventure with Captain Steve. We saw the BIGGEST bear ever. He stood about 7 ft tall. We saw captain Steve's buddies' buggies and the all look different. We followed some gater tail tracks. Our adventure was filled with bear,thunder,lightening, torrential rain and some interesting vegetation! Steve is wealth of knowledge and humor. We rounded out the day with some fried gator nuggets from Oyster House in Everglade City. Fun was had by all!
— Beth, PA

Michelle Lawson Photography was hired to do a photo shoot for the Captain's Table in Everglades City Florida. Our task was to shoot of the Captain's Table and local attractions of Everglades City. By far, Capt. Steve's Swamp Buggy Tour was the highlight of our experience. Capt. Steve was very fun, knowledgeable, and had a great passion for the swamps of the Everglades. He went out of his way to make sure our group had an amazing time, even through the rainy weather. I must say that doing the Everglades trails by foot simply cannot compare to this swamp buggy tour. If you stop by Everglades City and stay at the Captain's Table make sure you ask for Captain's Steve's Swamp Buggy Tour. You won't regret it!!!
— Jack Garcia, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Oh Boy! Yesterday we had an adventure. Went away back in time, before people in Florida. Deep into the Big Cypress on a giant wheeled monster, unimaginable! Yet we rolled along, up and down, 10 feet high with truly a view to die for. What we experinced is hard to convey in words, or even pictures. Capt. Steve showed us what heretofore has only been available to a select few: old time loggers, extreme hikers and adventurous hunters. Prairies like the mid-west; beautiful sub-tropical flora, and fauna had me wearing down the camera battery. This is the real mccoy, a Florida before development.The Capt is a gentleman, most knowledgeable, thoughful. Hold on to your hat, go if you have the guts.
— Chuck Miller, Big Cypress, the Concho Billie Trail!

Captain Steve, The bikers from Alabama had a GREAT TIME. Sorry we are late on posting the pic. We will definitely see you again in the rainy season!!
— Tammy Bailey, Sylacauga, Alabama

Steve, we went out today with you into the absolutely wonderful scenery of the Big Cypress Preserve, and want to thank you for the great time we had. And we will never forget our "National Geographic Moments"! Thanks again, and take care and keep going. Warm regards.
— Jo & Karin., Belgium

BEST TOUR EVER…A+!!Absolutely breath taking! A quick conversation with Captain Steve and I felt I was meeting up with an old friend. I chose Captain Steve for the combination of his knowledge of the area and his personal ability to describe the history associated with this region.

Compared to other tours his price being lower was an added bonus. The tour was an education in its self. Captain Steve took us through the Everglades pointing out the different plants, trees and birds we were seeing, the swamps water system and how the swamp changes with each season, all the while stopping to point out the wildlife that had crossed our path. Panther, Turkey, Deer, Bear prints along our way. Our excitement was building, we were waiting to see one of these creatures at any moment. As were entering what he called the prairie, two deer darted out in front of our buggy from a large mass of Cypress trees, he called a Cypress Head. The Deer zigzagged across the prairie as we watched amazed by how graceful they were. Next to a shady spot to eat lunch and some hiking.

Words can’t describe the sounds and the smells, the wind through the trees, the owl hooting as we ate our lunch, a clear sunny blue day with puffy white clouds. Mother Nature was showing us her best. It was heaven, so beautiful and peaceful. The day got better as we seen Alligators of all sizes basking in the sun along the rivers edge enjoying the winter sun as we were. Wow, what a trip! I can’t wait to go back again, my reservations are booked for next year and I will tell everyone I meet that Captain Steve gives the best tour of the Everglades. This is a MUST DO if you want to see the real Everglades the way the locals and natives do. I’m posting pictures of our wonderful day. Thank you Captain Steve you were great!! As a footnote I would like to add, while we were traveling Captain Steve stops to pick up some trash someone left behind. This showed us a great outdoorsman who cares about the preservation of this great Everglades he knows and loves. Not an average man, NOT an average tour!
— Emil Sulieman, Dubai, UAE

Those of you who have not met Captain Steve are in for a treat. Our group really enjoyed the swamp buggy experience, and plan to schedule another trip. Captain Steve has a wealth of stories about the Everglades and its inhabitants... some of these stories may actually be true!!
— David Arch, Oak Brook, IL

My friend and I went on a tour with Captain Steve. We really appreciated all of his hard woork on the tour but really didn't see any animals, one small alligator. We were told it might because the storm Issac had just come through. We enjoyed the ride but were really dissapointed. Steve seems to know his stuff as far as the history and any questions you have he is willing to discuss.
— Diana Tx

I had a friend of mine in from Iowa today and we were driving along and seen one of Captain Steve's buggies along the roadside. So we called him up…Steve was very pleasant to speak with on the phone and told me he could get us on a buggy right away if we wanted…and let me tell you that was exactly what we did. We met up with Captain Willy for his first time out as a guide (we were the test dummies) and wow what an awesome time we had Captain Willy explained so much to us about the glades that I would have never known if not for this adventure. The buggy was awesome the scenery was absolutely beautiful and best of all we had a great time with Captain WillySo if you are thinking of going on a tour in the glades call up Captain Steve you WILL NOT be disappointed, They are great folks with great prices and equipment and they are the best guides you will find. Thanks again Captain Willy and Captain Steve
— Michael Mast, Cape Coral Fl