I use a handcart w 6"pneumatic tires others use a yard cart. Have seen snakes. Skeeters r HORRIBLE take deet 100. It is located in a wildlife mgmt area so u may see bears dear ect. Have been going there 8 years and have seen 1 snake......gators can b in any body of water in fl. Have dove w smaller ones. Pretty cool to see. The swamp is swampy fer sure. U need to be creative w the route at times but its well worth the trip especially if u time ur dive time from 10 - 2 . Check my pics. Have a few from buford posted. At 3$ plus an air/fuel its alot cheaper then payin to b hearded like cattle at DD or BG on a busy day. If ur diving bm doubles u will need a spotter to help get thru the swamp. SM is alot easier. Took mine last time ....also took a friend who can curl 285 to carry them thru the swamp. All in all well worth the trip if you get a cart to make it easy