A thrilling excursion in Punta Gorda, Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours takes you on a unique swamp buggy-style adventure through the natural heart of Florida. A 90-minute experience you and your family won’t soon forget, you’ll be taken through the Babcock Ranch on a converted school bus and get an up close and personal look at the working cattle ranch and some of Florida’s local wildlife.
Boasting over 92,000 acres of land just 30 minutes drive from Fort Myers, you’ll learn about the history of this area from an informative guide and observe the day to day life of a working cattle ranch on this unique Florida attraction. Under the shade of the buggies, you’ll drive through piney flatwoods, oak hammocks, a freshwater marsh and a cypress swamp.
As close to nature as you can possibly be in Florida, along the way there are opportunities to spot white tailed deer, wild turkeys, fox squirrels and even panthers in the pine flatwoods and in the prairies in addition to a diverse range of birdlife, from the caracara to osprey and sandhill cranes.
Cowhands on registered quarter horses can be seen working the cattle herds the same way they’ve done it in the past, with horses and dogs used to help when the cattle roam into areas in accessible to vehicles. In addition to beef cattle, the “Cracker Cattle” are a beloved part of the tour, as these are descendants of the cattle brought to Florida by the early Spanish settlers. You’ll, of course, be able to spot plenty of alligators, but the soft shell turtles also steal the spotlight.
If you’d rather explore on foot, go on the Ranch Walking Trail to admire the lush palmetto prairie and wet flatwoods habitats along a well-maintained trail. The wildlife spotting is abundant, with a chance to see some of the rarer birds in Florida, including the swallow-tailed kite.
If you’d rather explore on foot, go on the Ranch Walking Trail to admire the lush palmetto prairie and wet flatwoods habitats along a well-maintained trail. The wildlife spotting is abundant, with a chance to see some of the rarer birds in Florida, including the swallow-tailed kite.
A great place to spend the day with the entire family, you’ll also find a picnic area, seasonal restaurant, country gift shop and plenty of exhibits to explore for a fun afternoon soaking up the surrounding nature and Florida sunshine.
Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours:
8000 State Road 31, Punta Gorda, FL 33982-9783— 1-800-500-5583
