Where to Take a Swamp Buggy Ride in Florida

Florida is recognized for wild and thrilling airboat rides through the Everglades and other wilderness areas but for something different, discover the Sunshine State's wild side with a swamp buggy ride. Let a guide transport you through Florida's swampland to see alligators, birdlife and other wildlife with these three family-friendly Florida swamp buggy ride operators.

Take a Swamp Buggy Ride at Babcock Wilderness Adventures in Punta Gorda
In a vehicle looking like an old school bus, Babcock Wilderness Adventures transports visitors on a 90-minute, narrated swamp buggy ride through the working cattle ranch of Babcock Ranch and some of Telegraph Cypress Swamp where knobby cypress knees pop out of the mud and Spanish moss drips from trees. Visitors to this Southwest Florida attraction come nose-to-snout with Florida wildlife such as wild pigs, alligators and occasional deer. Florida cracker cattle and a variety of birdlife are frequently seen and the tour includes a stop to see Southern cougars and opportunity to touch a small alligator.

The 1995 movie Just Cause starring Sean Connery was filmed at Babcock Wilderness and some movie memorabilia remains. Also, be sure to check out the memorial to three-horned cow Lulu and pick up a bottle of honey harvested from on site. Advance reservations are required. Babcock Wilderness Adventures is located less than a 45-minute drive north of Fort Myers.

Babcock Wilderness Adventures
8000 State Road 31, Punta Gorda
Tel: 1-800-500-5583

Take a Swamp Buggy Ride at Billie Swamp Safari on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in Clewiston
Discover Florida's eco-system from the comfort of an elevated, big-wheeled vehicle and see native animals as alligators, birds and wild pigs, along with exotic as bison, ostrich and antelope during this hour-long narrated tour. Traverse through various land and water environments without getting wet or muddy.

Those seeking bragging rights will want to book the in-depth eco-tour of the Florida Everglades with Billie Swamp Safari's 90-minute Exclusive Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour. This is a private tour available daily when booked in advance. This personalized tour includes Seminole fare of catfish, frog legs, fry bread and gator nuggets before the trip and a souvenir to remember the trip.

Billie Swamp Safari is located on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, just under a two-hour drive northwest of Fort Lauderdale and less than an hour's drive east of Fort Myers. Airboat rides are also offered and be sure to visit the nearby Ah-Tah-Thi-Khi Museum which centers on the culture and history of the Seminole Indians.

Billie Swamp Safari
Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation
Tel: 1-863-983-6101

Take a Swamp Buggy Ride at Florida EcoSafaris on Forever Florida Wilderness in St. Cloud
Referred as Coach Safaris rather than swamp buggy rides, the experience at Florida EcoSafaris is worth the visit, especially when staying in Orlando. Kids will appreciate the trip out to Forever Florida's 4,700-acre wildlife conservation area to see authentic wildlife rather than theme park magic during the two-hour Coach Safari in an elevated, big-wheeled vehicle.

The trip begins at the Crescent J ranch with Florida Cracker Horses, the state's official horse and descendants of those brought by Spanish settlers during the 1500s, and traverses through several wet and dry Florida ecosystems. Wildlife frequently seen include alligators, turtles, deer and wild turkey. The tour includes a brief walk on a boardwalk path. Thrill-seekers will enjoy the Zipline Safari, an overland adventure topping at 55 feet above the Florida landscape and 25 mph.

Florida EcoSafaris is located just an hour's drive south of Orlando and reservations are recommended. It's the perfect natural complement to a Central Florida theme park vacation.

Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida
4755 N. Kenansville Road, St. Cloud
Tel: 1-407-957-9794

Venture off the beaten path during a Florida vacation and hop a swamp buggy to discover another side of the Sunshine State with Babcock Wilderness Adventures, Billie Swamp Safari or Florida EcoSafaris.

Sources:
Multiple visits to Babcock Wilderness Adventures in 2008, 2009 and 2010, www.babcockwilderness.com
Visit to Billie Swamp Safari in February 2009, www.swampsafari.com
Visit to Florida EcoSafaris in March 2009, www.floridaecosafaris.com