Swamp buggy blog

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And he kept returning, for 10 years, to “pay homage to my family heritage and to document a rare slice of Americana.” Slated to be published next month by PowerHouse, Mile O’ Mud: The Culture of Swamp Buggy Racing, Lightner’s first monograph, offers a rare look at a sporting culture that’s largely unknown outside the Southern US.

The sport originated in Naples, Florida, where photographer Malcolm Lightner grew up attending the annual Swamp Buggy Parade at the locally famous “Mile O’ Mud” racetrack. Lightner comes from buggy-racing royalty — his great uncle, crowned Swamp Buggy King several times, helped formalize the race into an official event that launched in 1949. Eventually, Lightner left the trailer park of his youth to pursue a photography career. But in 2002, he returned to Naples to document its annual buggy races.

The distinctly Floridian tradition of swamp buggy racing is like a messier version of NASCAR. Custom-built buggies with names like “Gator Rebel” and “War Jeep” speed through muddy bogs to compete for the title of Swamp Buggy King. Part boat, part dragster, and often painted red, white, and blue, these homespun buggies look like something from an American parody of Mad Max: Fury Road.

Captain Jack’s is introducing new 2-way communication headsets on all airboat tours! Now you can interact with your captain and fellow riders throughout your entire airboat ride. Learn exciting Everglades facts, ask your captain questions, and talk to your fellow passengers on an unforgettable Everglades experience!

The kids loved it! The youngest got to hold a baby alligator. What a thrill! Everyone had a great time and I know the grandkids had some great stories to take back home." - Jesse B.

Are you a nature lover? After an exciting airboat ride, do you want to slow it down a little and enjoy the scenery? Then our half-hour swamp buggy tour is for you! Your guide will drive you in an elevated buggy above the cypress forest to point out plants, animals, Native American artifacts, and if you're lucky, manatees in Manatee Pond!

Our mangrove airboat tour delivers an hour of fun for the whole family! You'll feel the wind in your face as you skim the surface of the water, zipping through twisting mangrove tunnels. You'll see unique Everglades plants and animals. Your captain will entertain you with stories, folklore, history, and fun animal facts.